Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A decent buy for those determined to own a brand-new car with full-warranty coverage, though we'd encourage prospective owners to shop the used car market before closing the deal.
Pros
Excellent warranty, low price, nicely appointed interior, solid build quality, smooth ride.
Cons
Weak tires, low handling limits, can't get cruise control or antilock brakes.
What's New for 2004
Side-impact airbags are now standard equipment on all models. A GT version of the hatchback is now available that adds performance features like a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels and tires.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A real winner
Vehicle
2004 Hyundai Accent GT 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Purchase of our 2004 Hyundai Accent GT was a direct result of my son wanting a 'beater car' to drive back and forth to college. Found a 'plain Jane' 2002 Accent with 5 speed at a local used car dealer for him, I was impressed with the gas mileage (35mpg)on the highway but the ample amount of space inside for a big guy like me. 6'3", 290 and the 'zip' this little car had. Thus the search began for a similar model for my daughter who turned 16 this summer.I was pleased to find a 1 owner, 2004 GT Automatic with 75000 miles. Body in good condition and the interior like new. With a nice stereo and CD player included the price was right and we bought it. 6 thousand miles later a success story!
Favorite Features
I think the overdrive feature is a nice to have for highway driving or in town traffic. Never expected to find this on a small compact car but it comes in handy.
Suggested Improvements
Upgrade the stereo system when the cars are sold new and make power windows and locks standard equipment. They make life so much easier for the consumer who drives the car daily. A standard armrest/console would be a nice added feature for creature comfort also. Outside of that car is amply equipped
Not bad for basic transportation
Vehicle
2004 Hyundai Accent 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my '04 Accent last November. It's about as basic as a car gets - MT, no AC, power locks, power windows or cruise - but it gets great gas mileage - 30-35mpg in mixed driving and is surprisingly good in the snow. Purchased it for $4k, so for the daily commute, it's a good deal. I miss the AC, but never travel long distances in it. I would definitely recommend the accent for anyone needing reliable transportation.
Favorite Features
Pretty peppy - of course there's not much weight to it. Does have side airbags (seriously...). Good interior room considering its small size.
Suggested Improvements
Sturdier front cup holders and a driver's arm rest.
What an economical find!
Vehicle
2004 Hyundai Accent GT 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Originally bought my son a used 2002 2- Door GS Accent to drive to school in 2008. Had to drive it a few times and was impressed with the handling, power and overall comfort since I'm a big person. Not fancy, but functional so I decided to keep my eyes open for another one for my daughter who will turn 16 this summer. I found a 2-door Accent GT, one owner in relatively good looking condition. After a Car Fax report and a phone call to the dealer who sold and serviced the car I made an offer to the local used car dealer and we negotiated for a day or two and I bought the vehicle in February. Have put a couple thousand miles on it and I find it to be a great vehicle for the money spent so far.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage for an automatic on the highway is exceptional; getting like 33-36 when I'm on the 'turnpike' and I don't have to do 'stop and go driving'. City driving I'm getting between 28-30 and I am very pleased with that. Put new tires on it a battery and some other issues were taken care of.
Suggested Improvements
Offer electronic window / door locks as an option package. Little bigger cup holders and armrests for both front seats would be nice. Interior light should come on when you get in the vehicle and a remote door release for the back hatch would be a nice convenience.
Trouble child
Vehicle
2004 Hyundai Accent GT 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Bought my Accent GT new and regretted that purchase! Transmission troubles plagued it (my neighbor also has an '04 Accent and had to have tranny replaced at 30,000 miles). Blew out valves upon traveling over Blue Ridge mountains. Traded it in after owning for a troublesome 8 months for a Jeep. Never looked back! My first and last Hyundai!
Favorite Features
Fairly comfortable seating position for driver.
Suggested Improvements
Better quality powertrain and improve reliability. Also would benefit from more room in rear seat area (look at VW Rabbit!)
Hyundai has proven itself reliable
Vehicle
2004 Hyundai Accent 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My car's coming up on 100,000 miles and nothing at all has acted older than brand new. With the 5 speed manual transmission, it feels quicker than most other cars in its class, probably because it weighs in at only slightly over a ton. I've driven a lot of cars with manual transmission, including a Honda Civic with 30,000 miles, and I can safely say this car has the smoothest and easiest shifter I've ever used, even at 100,000 miles. The fuel economy is right around that Civic/Corolla 30 mpg range. Overall, it's a very basic, no frills, reliable car, and it's hardly left a dent in my pocket at all.
Favorite Features
Manual transmission, reliability
Suggested Improvements
Road noise is high.
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