2001 Hyundai Accent GS review from North America

Radio replaced at 30,000km under warranty.

2 diodes in fuse box replaced when dashboard lights did not work.

Brake pads and rotors replaced at 50,000km.

Transmission clunks, sometimes refuses to shift, and burns transmission fluid - temporarily fixed by changing transmission fluid.

Several plastic trim pieces fell/broke off.

Oil filters failed a few times, causing the engine to lose lots of oil. (More a filter problem, but still.)

License plate light burned out at 60,000km.

Burns oil at a rate of about 1 liter per 2000km.

Occasional grinding and banging from suspension and CV joints.

Failed emissions test, requiring replacement of O2 sensors, motor vac, and catalytic converter.

The car is very cheap, and it shows it. It has a very underpowered engine, and the transmission does not seem to be particularly durable. It is quite slow, passing on the highway is a high-drama affair. It's also small and cramped, but with the rear seats folded down, there is a decent amount of cargo room. It also cannot take much weight - max weight rating is 1500kg, the car weighs about 1400kg without the driver. Also, the ride is quite rough.

Lack of ABS also makes it dangerous on wet roads - a number of times I've hit the brakes coming to an intersection, and the wheels lock up, causing the car to slide through the intersection.

However, fuel mileage is decent - I've averaged around 40mpg over 2.5 years of ownership.

Overall, it's a decent little car, great for urban commuting, but not much else. Granted, I did take it on a cross Canada road trip, and it survived.