1999 Hyundai Accent Sedan GL review from North America

If I drive over bumps the deck makes this 'cracking' noise that grabs everyone's attention in the car.

There are no mechanical problems yet, but I fear the worst as the reviews from this website have perked up my paranoia towards this car.

When I first got it I put on a bra and covered up the seats to maintain its Korean integrity.

It seems the Hyundais will only last if you treat them like babies and never drive them harder than they can handle, and service the thing double the suggested intervals in the owner's manual.

The A/C makes the engine sound like it's grinding up wood to make particle boards, and it steals a lot of power from the engine.

The manual gearshift is choppy and takes time to shift between gears, this delays the acceleration as the car behind you practically runs into your bumper as the acceleration stalls. The acceleration is also jumpy and rather unpredictable as it seems to be a mood change within the car.

I also have difficulty in engaging reverse at times.

Another strange thing that has come up within the transmission is that it's making some weird noises. When I accelerate I notice a metallic-like whistling sound that is difficult not to notice. (metallic as in tinny). The noise is only produced when I am in gear and accelerating. Revving the engine idle does not produce the sound.

Does anyone else have this "whistling" issue regarding the engaged transmission?