2008 Hyundai Accent GL 1.6L from North America

Summary:

You are not spending outrageous money, so don't expect miracles; a nice commuter car

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Purchased the Hyundai Accent with new Canadian pricing. Went for the upgrade with A/C power windows and power locks. It is a standard car.

I tested both from the dealer, and the manual seems more peppy than the automatic, which seems to lag from gear to gear.

So anyways, I have not owned this car for long, but I must say it drives well, corners nicely, however it rev's rather high. At highway speed ranging from 100-120 kmh, it is about 3250 rpms, which seems rather high to me. Perhaps it is due to the 110 horsepower it is packing. Also for passing, there is enough power in that 110 to make it a breeze

I don't know how it will handle in winter yet, but I will keep you posted on that when the season arrives.

The only thing I can complain about is the reverse gear. I don't like it; I am unsure why, but it just feels a little funny to me.

It's a joke to park mind you; the headrests do interfere somewhat.

The interior is plain and simple. The way I like its no nonsense, easy to use controls. Nice instrument panel with nice lighting.

Headlights work wonders compared to my last car.

Adequate sound system.

Would not recommend the hatchback if you're looking to drive with many people. My friend was in the back for 2 hours; he is 6 feet tall and his legs were cramping.

I get about 600-700 km on 45 L of full. I have not done it accurately as of yet, as I have not driven it to empty. In the weeks to come I shall.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th June, 2008

29th Jun 2008, 18:40

I took my wife's Accent up to Mt. Rainier & 5500 foot Chinook Pass from sealevel. With good feather footing the Accent turned 42.6MPG! Given a flat highway drive I bet the 42.6MPG will be in second place.

Easy does it, tho. It works for alcoholics & gasaholics trying to reduce oil consumption.

2008 Hyundai Accent Base model hatchback 1.6 4 cylinder gasoline from North America

Summary:

An excellent economy car

Faults:

I've owned it for one day, so of course, nothing.

General Comments:

This is a good little car. It's not quite a Toyota or a Honda, but this car for sure takes 3rd place honors above all other compacts/subcompacts. It is very roomy for a compact, the engine is very smooth, VERY quiet in the cabin, the standard shift is smooth, and the car handles really well in the curves.

I can't comment on the gas mileage yet, but after a couple fill ups, I'll figure it out and post it.

The hatch and the doors feel solid and shut precisely, and have a nice sturdy feel.

The controls are easy to use, arranged well, and also feel tight and precise.

The seats are awesome. It's a really nice ride for a small car, and I think will be comfortable even on a long trip.

The rear seats fold down completely with the headrests removed, giving lots of space for cargo, when the rear seats are up, sitting in the back is not at all cramped or uncomfortable. The rear seats are as nice as the front seats.

Overall, I think this car is a best buy in its category. For the money, which is to say a couple thousand less than the Toyota Yaris, and a few thousand less than the Honda Fit, you cannot beat this car. If it proves to be reliable, this will be a great car. If not, I still have the 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty backing me up, and in talking to other Hyundai owners, I've heard absolutely nothing but good things about their dealer service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2008

4th Jun 2008, 19:19

OK, first update on the car: so far it's great. I really like it.

Now, concerning gas mileage; this car came with 30 psi of air in the tires from the dealership. The tires are rated to be able to hold 44 psi, and as we all know, higher tire pressure (within the safe limits of the tire) increases gas mileage, so I put 40 psi in it, and as with every one of my new vehicles, the first thing I do is put a K&N air filter in it.

The car now has 321 miles on it, I filled it finally with 9.9 gallons of gas (an 11.9 gallon tank) with equates to roughly 32 miles per gallon. I fully expect 36 or 38 once the engine breaks in, and now that I have less drag with the lower tire pressure and the performance air filter.

In my experience, this car performs on the high end of the EPA estimates. This first tank of gas was mixed city/highway driving, and I'm not driving especially easy or running it like a racecar. Shifting at 2500 to 3000 rpms on flat ground, a little more on the hills.

I LOVE driving it. Reminds me of my '93 Tercel in many ways; I hope this car is a fraction as reliable as that one was.