2002 Hyundai Accent Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
In base hatchback form, this is America's least expensive car. While we might steer our friends toward a slightly used Japanese car, the Accent's great warranty and solid build quality could make it a satisfying choice for the determined new-car buyer.
Pros
Smooth ride, low price, impressive powertrain warranty.
Cons
Unrefined demeanor, lack of standard equipment and amenities.
What's New for 2002
Air conditioning becomes standard equipment on GS and GL models. Otherwise, Hyundai's bargain-basement car soldiers on to 2002 with no changes in store.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
I loved my little Hyundai!!!!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Hyundai Accent GL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This was my first ever car! It recently got totaled in an accident (other persons fault). I didn't have on a seat belt and walked away with some minor bruises! This little car is safe reliable and GREAT on gas! I would have rode this car til the wheels fell off if it hadn't been totaled!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
still going
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Hyundai Accent GL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Bought the car in 2002 - first transmission oil change was around 45,000 mi, I changed the timing belt around 69,000 but the mechanic told me tha124,141,799t was still in good condition and changed the spark plugs and the belts for water and alternator around 90,000 mi; other than that just oil change (only synthetic) and tires. I have 107,000 mi and no problem I get 31 mi/gallon in city driving
Favorite Features
cheap and reliable
Suggested Improvements
at this price none
My little go-cart
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Hyundai Accent L 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This was like a go-cart because of it's size and power. A 1.4L is a weak engine, but I assure you it has pickup and I would whip this car around. I drove it hard, but not crazy. No major problems with anything though I have broke both door handles by pulling on them the wrong way. Regular oil changes and sensible (not conservative) driving have me at 92000 miles. I can tell the car is on it's way out though. There is a hole somewhere in the exhaust and I just have this feeling that a bunch of things are about to be worn out. Great buy, great car for 8k. Would definitely buy a Hyundai again, it's just simply worth the money (no headaches at 92000)
Favorite Features
Has some pickup in it's small size which is why I call it my go-cart. Excellent economy car. Regular maintenance and an accent should make it to 100,000. At 101,000 it probably just falls apart :)
Suggested Improvements
none, it's a cool car, and I'm very satisfied for the 8k I spent. I don't think it was possible to get more for the $
Wish I'd shopped around more
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Hyundai Accent L 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
What a disappointment! I bought this car brand new with only a few miles on it from the test drive. In August 2008, I'd have owned the car for 6 years and have only put about 48,000 miles on it. As of last week, it sits dead in front of my house. One year after purchase, the Power Relay went (covered by warranty); in 2006 the engine was really loud, turned out to have a hole in the exhaust and needed to replace some sensors over the next several months- more than once! Had to replace the e-brake and have work done on other brakes in 8/06 as well. By 7/08, need e-brake again, check engine light on, timing belt broke while driving and wrecked the engine. Cheaper to buy another than fix this!
Favorite Features
Gas mileage not bad until the problems with sensors started.
Suggested Improvements
Build it better! This car is falling apart despite regular maintenance and hasn't even hit 50K miles !
Best car I've ever had in my life
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Hyundai Accent GL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my accent brand new and never have had any problems with it. I have always kept up maintenance in the car myself. It has never been in a mechanic shop or dealer shop for anything. I now(07/08) have 200,000 miles on it and it is still going strong even after driving it very hard its whole life. It seems like nothing will ever make it quit running. I have a very heavy foot and it doesn't ever phase it. There are also no oil leaks or burn off and has the original plug wires. I have also hit a wild hog and run over a curb at 55mph and it only bent the wheels and didn't cause any other damage. I still to this day get around 40 mpg on the highway and 35 in town.
Favorite Features
The manual transmission is very fun and gives the car a solid amount of torque.
Suggested Improvements
It would help to be better sealed for road noise.
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