2008 Hyundai Accent Review
2008 Hyundai Accent Review
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Used Accent for sale
Appraise This CarHyundai Accent model years
Hyundai Accent types
- Sedan
- Hatchback
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Simple design, supportive seats, quiet highway ride, respectable handling and brakes, standard head curtain airbags, long warranty coverage.
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration with automatic transmission, harsh ride over irregular surfaces, no cruise control, disappointing safety scores.
What’s new
After gaining a two-door hatchback body style last year, the Hyundai Accent heads into 2008 with minor detail changes and reshuffled content.
Edmunds says
It may not be the sportiest compact available, but the well-rounded 2008 Hyundai Accent provides a lot of car for the money.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Hyundai Accent GS 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$144/mo for Accent GS
Accent GS
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Prior to its redesign two years ago, the Hyundai Accent was an easily overlooked economy car. It had an outstanding warranty and an affordable price, but compromised performance and handling kept it from joining the compact leaders. All that changed with the third-generation overhaul, which provided the Accent with a responsive new engine and accompanying performance boost that enabled the Hyundai to keep up with its leading rivals.
An Edmunds "Most Wanted Sedan Under $15,000" last year, the Hyundai Accent's solid entry-level value continues in 2008 with minor upgrades inside that include revised instrument panels on SE hatchbacks and GLS sedans. Cash-poor enthusiasts will want to check out the SE trim as it delivers more inspiring performance thanks to sport-tuned chassis components and a new B&M sport shifter for the manual transmission.
The 2008 Hyundai Accent is certainly one of the better economy-minded cars available. True, it faces stiff competition from models such as the sporty Honda Fit, the well-equipped Nissan Versa and the youthful Toyota Yaris. On the domestic side, Ford's freshened Focus might also deserve a look. Overall, though, the entry-level Hyundai Accent remains a sensible and value-filled economy car in which to face the daily grind.
Performance & mpg
Every Hyundai Accent comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 110 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. Transferring power to the front wheels is a standard five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic available across the lineup. Performance and fuel economy are competitive with similarly equipped rivals, with 2008 EPA estimates ranging from 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the five-speed manual to 24/33 mpg with the optional automatic transmission.
Safety
Unusual for a vehicle in this segment, all models include standard front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes are standard on SE coupes and optional on GLS sedans. In government frontal-impact crash tests, the 2008 Hyundai Accent sedan scored a perfect five stars for front occupant protection. It didn't fare as well in the side-impact category, with four stars for front occupant protection and three stars for rear-seat passengers. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Accent scored a second-highest "Acceptable" rating for frontal-offset collisions and a "Poor" ranking in side-impact tests.
Driving
Though it certainly can't be considered quick, the 2008 Hyundai Accent performs capably, without too much protest from under the hood. On smooth roads, the ride is calm and forgiving on GS and GLS models, while the performance-oriented SE delivers a firmer driving experience with greater feedback. Though generally pleasant, its ride comfort suffers over bumpy surfaces, as the suspension and steering tend to transmit too much harshness into the cabin. Handling and braking are both respectable, though, with good stability and short stopping distances for a car in this price range.
Interior
Inside, the Accent's design is simple and functional. The quality of materials is acceptable, and the Accent's cabin provides a comfortable atmosphere with a feeling of spaciousness from the driver seat. Outward visibility is very good, with the short hood allowing a panoramic view of what's ahead. Hyundai likes to boast that the Accent provides more interior volume than a Honda Civic. If you plan on carrying passengers in the back, keep in mind that the Versa and Yaris hatchbacks offer more rear-seat legroom. Cargo room is average for its class, with more than 12 cubic feet in the sedan and nearly 16 cubic feet in the hatchback.
2008 Hyundai Accent models
The 2008 Hyundai Accent is a five-passenger compact that comes in three trim levels: GS, SE and GLS. The GS and SE are two-door hatchbacks, while the GLS is available in sedan form only. The base GS model is one of the least expensive new cars sold in America, though it achieves that through a minimal amount of content. Features for the GS include 14-inch steel wheels, an eight-way adjustable driver seat and a 60/40-split rear seatback. Air-conditioning, power mirrors and windows, keyless entry and a CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack are optional.
The Accent SE hatchback gains the GS's optional features as standard; it also comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, foglamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter and a rear center armrest with cupholders. A sunroof is an exclusive option. The Accent GLS sedan gets air-conditioning and the audio system as standard; full power accessories and 15-inch alloy wheels are optional. Additional performance-oriented, audio and styling accessories are available through the dealer.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Tested: GT3 Quick and Still Beat Its EPA Range
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#11 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Accent from 2008-2022.$362/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.07x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).8.9%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Hyundai Accent.
5 star(61%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(2%)
96 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Cannot Bring myself to trade it
generalflea, 06/24/2011
2008 Hyundai Accent GS 2dr Hatchback w/XM Option (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
My wife and I bought this car back in June of 2008 and it has been one of the best decisions ever!
The little guy, (now known as the General Flea due to its color (tango red) being close to the General Lee and the way I can drive it) has been faithful at every turn.
We bought it with 2 miles on the clock and it now has close to 50,000 without any trouble, just gas, some oil, and a couple … of airfilters.
The transmission at first was rough but I added a more sporting clutch setup and it has alleviated the rough transmission.
This car has been known to hit 51mpg on the highway before and usually has a combined city/highway of 36mpg, well above its estimate.
Overall great car!
4.13 out of 5 stars
I beat [violative content deleted] out of this car everyday!
2canchew, 01/10/2012
2008 Hyundai Accent GS 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
I bought it new in 2008 and I beat [violative content deleted] out of this car everytime i drive it. It has bounced off the rev limiter thousands of times. Its screams @ 4500-5000rpm driving down the hwy everyday. I have over 110,000 miles on it now and it runs as good as new. doesn't burn oil or coolant. I still have the original brakes on it and its four years old and it gets smothered … in Canadian salty roads 7 months of the year. Bottom line best car ever made nothing fancy but im going to drive this one into the ground and buy a new one no questions asked. I'm a Hyundai owner for life.
4.63 out of 5 stars
The ultimate work car!
Crash, 10/03/2010
2008 Hyundai Accent GS 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Bought new in Oct 2007, with 6 miles on it! Now have 43,000 trouble free miles, never any warranty issues! Have just had to keep up routine maintenance (oil & filters, spark plugs) This is one of the most dependable cars i have ever owned, and i have owned a lot of them! It's not a Cadillac, or a Corvette by any means, but for basic transport, you can't beat these little cars! I never … cease to be amazed at the amount of stuff that fits in the hatch. These cars are very simple design, probably why so reliable. You can actually do your own maintenance! (save receipts for warranty) Would definitely buy another, bought Kia Rio for my daughter, same car underneath. Hyundai/Kia have a customer for life!
4.38 out of 5 stars
Good car for the $$
soccerwinner, 05/15/2011
2008 Hyundai Accent GLS 4dr Sedan w/XM (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
I have driven a Ford Escort, and a Honda Civic, and the Accent is right up there in mpg.
It is a simple car, no bells and whistles, but I don't mind.
Like people have said acceleration isn't the best, but all you have to do is turn the overdrive off and it does just fine.
It's no race car, but it can get up and go.
It's a great first car, since it's cheap and good on gas.
It's not in my … category of fancy but it is a car.
You pay for a simple car, and that is what you get.
I haven't had any problems with the car.
2008 Accent Highlights
Sedan
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $12,925 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $144/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Accent include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
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 – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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