1997 Hyundai Accent Review
Price Estimate: $292 - $457
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Very inexpensive but not cheaply constructed, feels solid, offers peppy performance
Cons
- Hyundai's spotty reliability record, unlikely to hold value well
What’s new
In the absence of truly ground-breaking improvement, Hyundai revises trim levels, adding GS hatchback and GL sedan midrange models.
For sale near Columbus, OH
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 most expensive of its peers. Only the Toyota Tercel and Dodge/Plymouth Neon twins have higher sticker prices for comparably equipped vehicles.
In contrast, a Geo 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 Geo. Is the Hyundai worth the additional money over the Metro? Absolutely! The Metro feels a bit roomier, but the Accent offers more equipment and feels more solidly constructed than the tinny Geo.
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. Sephia is also powered by a proven Mazda powerplant.
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. Still, we recommend the Kia to those who live in parts of the country where the Sephia is currently sold.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$135/mo for Accent L
Accent L
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Hyundai Accent Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(22%)
4(41%)
3(15%)
2(22%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Amazing car
4.38 out of 5 starsandrewts, 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.
Great Car
5 out of 5 starsCyrus, 11/17/2002
1997 Hyundai Accent GL 4dr Sedan
no problems with 100000 miles on it
Best car I have owned
3.63 out of 5 starsataylor13, 02/15/2014
1997 Hyundai Accent GS 2dr Hatchback
I actually got this car from a friend due to my honda breaking down and I needed a car for school and work. It was completely not my style in a car, I would have never been interested in purchasing it before. BUT THEN I realized how amazing this car was after 6 months of owning it and not one problem/issue. Amazing on gas, never had to fix a thing in the car, the most reliable car I have … ever owned. Even at 260,000 miles it commuted me 100 miles a day for over 6 months with NO ISSUES.
very reliable
3.38 out of 5 starsslowlane, 07/25/2002
1997 Hyundai Accent GS 2dr Hatchback
My 97 GS has been ultra reliable. With
80K I can get 38 MPG on the highway
with an autonatic! This car feels as
though it can easily go another 5 yrs.
Other than oil and filter changes,
tires, and front brakes...just pads,
there has been no additional costs.
I could easily afford a $350 car note
but can't justify it when my paid off
little car won't give me a reason. This …
car has baan as reliable as any Toyota
I have owned. I just wish for 30 more
HP!
1997 Accent Highlights
Hatchback
L
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $135/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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