2002 Hyundai Accent GS from North America - Comments

Seats uncomfortable for long-distance driving.

Manifold cracked at 98,750 miles.

Throttle position sensor replaced at 97,920 miles.

Cheap car from the start - high labor and part cost.

The car was alright from the start.

If you can do the work yourself, do so.

Any of the warranties that are promised by Hyundai are not true unless you do every single bit of maintenance with them - even oil changes. They wouldn't cover a misfire problem because a month prior I started doing all of the maintenance.

My fiancee noticed two days ago (11/8/04) that her exhaust is getting loud. I looked under her hood and just behind the oxygen sensor under the heat shield is a crack in the manifold. I can't believe that would happen after that many miles. I have an 88 ranger with 412,000+ miles on the body and the engine was rebuilt once and I just replaced the driver's side 2 months ago. The manifold (s) should last the life of the engine at least.

Transmission filters, spark plug wires, and even wheel studs from the rotor have to be purchased through Hyundai because they don't have any aftermarket parts that fit or stock them. I had to return parts several times because they never fit.

The car is cheap from the start, but then they charge over $70 an hour for labor (more than any other place I have ever heard of) and have a high percentage markup on parts. It costed $48 for a transmission filter and I can go and buy one for my mom's 98 Taurus at Auto zone for $16. The touch-up paint is almost $15 and you can get it at Wal Mart for $3.

Taking a 10 hour trip to Michigan from Wisconsin is very uncomfortable - especially with no cruise control.

There has to be a recall for that manifold.

I myself have had a problem with my 2002 Hyundai accent G L. there has been ongoing trouble with 1st startup. the car sputters as it starts every morning. been to the dealership 4 times, they cannot figure out. on 4th visit, they told me that this is normal. i know it's not, though.my car is still under warranty and they don't seen to want to put the effort into solving my problem because I go to my local garage for basic maintenance, oil changes, etc.if you have any idea what my problem could be, please tell me.thanks, t. (teree247@aol.com)

Not entirely sure what all auto parts stores there are in your area. But, Advance Auto Parts carries two different brands of transmission filter for the 02 Accent. Might want to try there.

My girlfriend has a 2002 accent, no major problems so far with it, but it does take her up to 3 times to start the car, usually when it is cold. Sometimes it will start up on the 1st turn, but then die shortly after. I called a dealership mechanic about it and he said these exact words- "the accents usually take awhile to start up..." not very comforting. but oh well, once its started it runs its little heart out. typical cute little girlie car, I wouldn't be caught dead in it.

My Hyundai Accent 2002 model is excellent, its now 2006 and I have never had a single little problem at all.

And what do you expect when you buy this car, AU$14,990 is really cheap, and you people are talking nearlly 150,000Km's Of service, of course your car is going to be a heap. hey are only meant to last to around 50,000Miles Logbook Life.

How often did you replace the trans filter? Spark plug wires do not have to be purchased through hyundai. I work a franchise garage and we have ordered wires from national. As for wheel studs, Dodges often have to be ordered from the dealership, as do Hondas, Nissans, and most, if not all german cars, and most full size trucks.

The warranty has been dead to me since 50000 miles, despite buying mine new. My manifold cracked (a good cast weld holds). Transmission failed, and I've been through three pulse generators (variable reluctance TRASH, for you electrical gurus).

Can't even find a battery for the car, and can't drive it because even the dealer has to order a battery for the thing. If I had an American car, I could walk to the nearest Auto Parts store and purchase a GREAT battery for 50.00 or less. This battery is going to cost me double that (and I have to wait for it). This is getting to be ridiculous; I'm going to stick with my nice luxury Ford WindStar; cheaper to repair anyway.

I have had no problems finding parts for my 2002 Accent - not that it has required much in the 76,000 miles it has been on the road. And if you can't even find a battery - you don't belong under the hood in the first place.

It's a cheap car, and as basic as possible. I've driven everything from a Geo Metro to a Volvo S80 T6. If you think Hyundai parts and labor is expensive - you REALLY don't want to buy a European vehicle.

In summary - I believe the Accent is one of the BEST vehicle purchases I have ever made, and I would not, and will not hesitate to buy another one after I run this one into the ground. It'll be a while, if the first 76,000 miles are any indication of what's to come!