2002 Hyundai Accent Review
2002 Hyundai Accent Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+36
Used Accent for sale
Appraise This CarHyundai Accent model years
Hyundai Accent types
- Sedan
- Hatchback
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Smooth ride, low price, impressive powertrain warranty.
Cons
- Unrefined demeanor, lack of standard equipment and amenities.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Hyundai Accent L 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M) 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$156/mo for Accent L
Accent L
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Hyundai is on a mission to reinvent itself in the minds of the American car-buying public. After a rocky period in the '80s that had people saying, "Hyundais sure are inexpensive ... and you get what you pay for," the company has unleashed several winners in a row. The Elantra offers impressive power and sophistication for its price, the Sonata is a roomy and well-built midsize sedan that undercuts competitors by thousands, and the Santa Fe is larger than most mini-utes. Additionally, all Hyundais come with an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty, helping instill peace in the consumer's mind.
The entry-level Accent is no exception to Hyundai's rule. Three versions are available. The base L and midlevel GS come in hatchback format, while the highline GL model is available only as a sedan. The base engine on L models is a 1.5-liter SOHC four-cylinder making 89 horsepower. A larger 103-horsepower 1.6-liter is optional on L and standard on GS and GL models. This DOHC design offers more power and increased fuel economy over the standard engine. An available four-speed automatic performs admirably, but can only be added to the GS or the GL.
Under the Accent's attractively creased bodywork sits a MacPherson strut independent front and a dual-link rear suspension. Stabilizer bars at both ends do a poor job of controlling body lean, and skinny 13-inch wheels and tires do little to inspire confidence in Accent's handling. But the use of hydraulic engine mounting means reduced noise, vibration and harshness. Safety features include depowered airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Unfortunately, ABS for the front disc/rear drum braking system is not even available as an option.
Interiors feature a modern instrument pod and a center stack with straightforward climate and radio controls. Rear seat heating and ventilation ducts help keep backseat riders comfortable, and the use of noise-reduction material in the A- and B-pillars attempts to quiet the ride. The driver seat features adjustments for height and rake, as well as fore and aft settings. Oh, and a nifty fold-down armrest is standard.
Standard equipment includes a cassette player, rear defroster, trip odometer and power steering. Step up to the GS or GL, and you'll receive air conditioning (optional for the L), upgraded carpeting, a digital clock, a tachometer, adjustable lumbar support for the driver, a 60/40 folding rear seat, a passenger visor vanity mirror and tinted glass. Upgraded trims also open the door to the few factory options that are available, such as power front windows, power exterior mirrors and a CD player. Any Accents can be had with carpeted floor mats, a rear spoiler, a center armrest, mudguards and a cargo net for the trunk.
Hyundai has made great strides with regard to quality in the last few years and is gaining respect for its products. In the subcompact world, the Accent has plenty to offer buyers who must have that new-car smell and new-car warranty. But at a welterweight 2,280 pounds, this smallest Hyundai doesn't offer much crash protection from the hulking SUVs and pickups on the roads. Our advice? Spend the few dollars you have on a larger, slightly used vehicle from one of the major Japanese manufacturers. In the long run, you'll probably be happier.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Hyundai Accent.
5 star(46%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(2%)
123 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
As Good as an Aerostar
mikehs2, 10/25/2011
2002 Hyundai Accent L 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Best car I've ever owned. 133,000 miles, 40 mpg, yes 40! on the highway. I checked it 3 times! No oil burn. Only service issue was the rear brake cylinders which Hyundai happily replaced. Have to service the car every 7,500 miles and due the proper maintenance. Make sure you change the timing belt at 90,000, and if you have an auto transmission, it has to be serviced every 30,000. Don't … be shy to buy one used, if it's the 5 speed manual. I'm sure ours will go at least 250,000.
5 out of 5 stars
Reliable, inexpensive
Alton, 05/01/2016
2002 Hyundai Accent GL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
By far the most reliable, least expensive car to operate I have ever owned. Bought for $3200 7 yrs ago.
5 out of 5 stars
13 years & counting!!
Jim Hoth, 09/27/2015
2002 Hyundai Accent L 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my Accent L new in early 2003. It was a carryover 2002 model, so an additional $500 was taken off of the already low $9,495 window sticker. I was not after a car with a lot of bells & whistles... in fact, I liked that it was a bare bones base model as I felt there would be far less to wear out when it got older. 13 years later I have 77,000 miles on it & can truthfully say … it's been the most reliable car I've ever had. it's started in -21F with wind chills of near -50F, it's idled in 102 degree heat with the temp gauge never leaving the midway point. It handles decent on wet roads, fair in the snow, & excellent on dry pavement. I have done very little to it except routine maintenance, which I have done everything at their recommended intervals. The engine is smooth, I can shift the 5 speed manual transmission with one finger, & the original paint looks like new yet. The only items I have had wear poorly are the shifter boot, the door panels faded very easily, & I am now needing to have the foam rubber inside the drivers seat replaced. The exhaust flex pipe developed a hole in 2010, but it was covered by the 10 year / 100,000 mile warranty. The gas mileage is far above what the window sticker rates it at. I consistently get 40-43 MPG in the Summer & have even topped 50 MPG once on a trip with all highway miles @ 55 MPH. I use Bosch triple platinum plugs, full synthetic oil, & run mid-grade unleaded. I plan to have this car for many years yet.
1.75 out of 5 stars
Unreliable
kurtish, 02/18/2006
2002 Hyundai Accent GL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Bought used, don't do that! 65K warranty used for transmission at 32K. Out of warranty transmission replaced at 82K. Owned 3 years with 6 breakdowns requiring towing. I have never had this much trouble with any other car. Rapid loss of value. Intermittent poor shifting even after dealer service. I can't recommend this car in any way.
2002 Accent Highlights
Sedan
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $10,649 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $157/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 88 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
People who viewed this also viewed
4.3 average Rating out of 15 reviews. |
Starting at $16,750 |
4.9 average Rating out of 11 reviews. |
Starting at $13,600 |
4.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews. |
Starting at $32,500 |
Related Used 2002 Hyundai Accent info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Volvo XC60 2015
- Used Lexus RX 500H 2020
- Used Land Rover Defender 2021
- Used Lexus RC 350 2020
- Used Audi A5 2017
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Hyundai Accent 2013
- Used Hyundai Accent 2017
- Used Hyundai Accent 2019
- Used Hyundai Accent 2010
- Used Hyundai Accent 2012
- Used Hyundai Accent 2014 For Sale
- Used Hyundai Accent 2015
- Used Hyundai Accent 2016
- Used Hyundai Accent 2018
- Used Hyundai Accent 2011
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Carnival Kia Carnival
- Hummer Ev
- Toyota RAV4 2023
- 2024 Honda Civic
- Nissan Kicks
- 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
- 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander News
- 2025 Toyota Prius News
- Mitzi Outlander
- Toyota Prius 2023
Research other models of Hyundai
- 2023 Venue
- Hyundai Elantra 2023
- 2023 Kona
- 2024 Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid For Sale
- Hyundai Sonata 2023
- Hyundai Tucson 2023
- 2023 Elantra
- 2023 Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Santa Fe Plugin Hybrid
Research similar vehicles
- Fiat 500E Battery Electric
- Nissan Kicks 2023
- 2023 Subaru Impreza
- Volkswagen Arteon
- 2023 Honda Civic
- Chevrolet Bolt Euv
- 2023 GTI
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2023
- Audi A5
Other models
- New Nissan Ariya for Sale in Jenison, MI
- Used Bentley Mulsanne in Saint Joseph, MO
- Used Jaguar S-Type in Fort Wayne, IN
- Used Mini Convertible in Keller, TX
- Used BMW 8-Series in Lebanon, NH
- Used BMW M8 in Dawsonville, GA
- Used Lincoln MKZ in Braintree, MA
- Used Porsche Carrera-Gt in Ukiah, CA
- Used Subaru WRX in Birmingham, AL
- Used Chevrolet Express-Cargo in Bozeman, MT