1998 Hyundai Accent Review
1998 Hyundai Accent Review

Used Accent for sale
Appraise This CarHyundai Accent model years
Hyundai Accent types
- Hatchback
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- One of the least expensive modes of transportation on the road. Hyundais are more reliable than you think.
Cons
- Interior upholstery can be unnatractive. Strange rear end.
What’s new
The Accent GSi replaces the Accent GT this year. New front and rear fascias, and new engine mounts, which reduce engine vibration and harshness, are the only other changes to Hyundai's smallest car.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Hyundai Accent L 2dr Hatchback and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$136/mo for Accent L
Accent L
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
What a pleasant surprise from Hyundai. If the latest Sonata hinted at the direction the company was to take in the future, then the Accent is an in-your-face declaration from this Korean manufacturer that the days of selling shoddy, inept vehicles in the United States are over. The Accent is one of the better subcompacts in today's market.
However, you've got to pay for excellence, and the Accent is among the more expensive subcompacts. In contrast, a Chevrolet Metro sedan is a tad less pricey than the Accent. There is a reason for this: the Metro doesn't come standard with such niceties as rear window defogger, cargo area lighting, remote releases for the fuel door and trunk or digital clock. Additionally, the Accent benefits from single-piece side stampings, which contribute to stiffer body rigidity, and a 92-horsepower engine that far outranks the top-line 70-horse motor provided in the Chevy. Is the Hyundai worth the additional $400 over the Metro? Absolutely! The Metro feels a bit roomier, but the Accent offers more equipment and feels more solidly constructed than the tinny Chevrolet.
Unfortunately for Hyundai, another South Korean automaker has entered the U.S. market, expanding rapidly during the past couple of years. Kia builds the Sephia sedan, and it is larger and more powerful than the Hyundai. The Sephia can be loaded to the gills for little more than the Accent, and looks more expensive than it really is in top-level trim.
Aside from the putrid seat fabrics, childish paint schemes and funky smell associated with all new Hyundais, we like the Accent quite a bit. It's a great set of budget wheels, without the budget engineering or the budget equipment levels.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Hyundai Accent.
5 star(25%)
4 star(44%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(17%)
1 star(0%)
48 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Amazing car
andrewts, 10/24/2010
1997 Hyundai Accent GL 4dr Sedan
In the 70,000 miles since I got the car,(it's at 156,000 at the moment) I've had to fix nothing but an 02 sensor and the timing belt/water pump. It's completely gutless, and not much bigger than a Geo Metro, but I've ranged from 35-42 MPG overall, the turn radius is crazy small, and it fits in any parking space. Plus, tires are dirt cheap. I got Bridgestone tires from Costco for $38 … each.
4.5 out of 5 stars
100,000+ NO PROBLEMS ! Still Going!!
Drifus, 07/25/2003
1998 Hyundai Accent GSi 2dr Hatchback
This car has been no trouble. For less
than 5 years old and 100000 + its been
great. I have replace tires once, spark
plugs once. Regular oil changes. This
car has never been serviced other then
what was mentioned. I have driven this
car hard the whole time. (Shifting at
5500 rpms most of the time) If it can
endure me like this car has I call it
either a fluke or a … great car. This car
was in Minnesota for 4 years of its
life and was wonderful in the snow.
5 out of 5 stars
Great Car
Cyrus, 11/17/2002
1997 Hyundai Accent GL 4dr Sedan
no problems with 100000 miles on it
3.5 out of 5 stars
Great Value Car!
nevadahorn, 06/30/2003
1997 Hyundai Accent L 2dr Hatchback
Plain and Simple. This is a point A to
point B car. No frills... but it's
reliability has been tremendous. I have
put 76K miles on my Hyundai in 6 years -
and I have never had one mechanical
problem with the car yet (knock on
wood.) While friends have struggled at
times with pricier and nicer cars, my
Accent just goes and goes. And when
you factor in that I paid 8K … for it,
it's been a great value.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Hyundai Accent, so we've included reviews for other years of the Accent since its last redesign.
1998 Accent Highlights
Hatchback
L
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $136/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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