2002 Hyundai Accent GSI from North America - Comments

At 20k had to replace the timing chain assembly.

At 36k 1. Had to replace all the spark plugs.

2. Was told that there was evidence of moisture in #3 cylinder chamber.

At 39k had to replace the fuel sending unit.

Fuel consumption has greatly increased over the last 10k.

A loud ticking sound when running, I think the timing chain assembly needs replacing again.

This car is a lemon waiting to happen.

I have unsatisfactory service at dealership.

The fuel economy is very poor for a 4 Cly considering the manufacturer was bragging about 49 mpg on the highway NOT!

What about the warranty? Wouldn't a car company that boasts America's best warranty go bankrupt if they built vehicles that required constant money to keep them on the road? I hope that one bad apple doesn't ruin everyone's opinion of a new car company that is setting the benchmark in Warranty because of the integrity of the vehicle's quality.

I own a 2001 with 76000 hard kms. My 2 teenage sons learned to drive stick in it and constantly use it to deliver pizzas for work. It has had only one problem. A ticking noise. I am waiting for the new lifters to come in. The dealer has been good to give me a courtesy car, a rental, out of their pocket because their loaner was already out and the repair is totally under warranty. Assuming this problem is fixed this car has been nothing short of wonderful. This car could get the gas mileage if I drove it right, its all about how you drive. FYI the gas mileage specs are done by an independent organization, the manufacturers don't get to make up their own numbers. You either got a lemon, which does happen, or you seriously abuse your car.

Simply put you get what you paid for, and you paid for very little, once they have your money, well tough luck.

I agree with you 100%, my car has also had decreased gas mileage despite having performed all recommended maintenance. I also have problems with the loud ticking noise and have had to have the lifters adjusted and it came back within a month.

Just a quick comment... I have never seen a 2002 Accent with a timing chain. They have a belt-driven camshaft. If you use good quality oil and change it frequently the lifters don't tend to gum up. Any relatively modern engine will become noisy if not fastidiously maintained. This is not to say Hyundai make the best cars in the world, but if you don't take proper care of it or thrash the crap out of it anything will give you grief.

I have a 2000 Hyundai Accent with only 32,000

I am having to replace my lifter as I am writing this

Dealership says sludge has occured therefore making the lifters go bad. He says due to oil changes not properly done. I have kept up with the 3,000 miles oil change and the 30.000 service and I have had problems with this engine since I bought it in 2002-- at that time I needed to replace all valves. I think I bought a lemon - But I will try to use the Lemon Law with my issues.

Yvonne Valentine

Miami Beach, Fl.

Ha ha just to comment about the gas mileage as with most cars it won't get better with time it's all downhill, the way you drive, where you drive city or country, and matinence will depict the life cycle of your car with some exceptions.

I bought a brand new 2002 Hyundai accent GSI. It was probably the best thing I could of done. I bought it 4 years ago it currently has 160,000 kms on it and I've had to do nothing to it, but the front brakes. I ve never heard at tick in my car ever, just run premium fuel all the time and consatnt oil changes. Castrol GTX perferably 5W 30.

First of all, Hyundai build quality is world class. They don't take a backseat to anyone in that respect. As for maintenance, synthetic oil changed regularly will usually prolong engine life, give a tiny improvement in gas mileage and keep engine parts clean and free of sludge. The problem with this is that virtually ALL car dealer service departments will charge you for the high priced synthetic oil, then put in the cheapest oil they have and pocket the difference. If you purchase your own oil and take it to the dealer they will steal your oil and put the cheap stuff in. If you change it yourself, Hyundai will void your warranty. That is one of the main reasons I have not purchased a car with one of the "World's Best Warranties". I choose to do my own maintenance, and American car makers don't void my warranty for doing that.

Hyundai (and Kia) would sell more cars if they didn't look for every opportunity to back out of honoring their warranties. Many people who buy Hyundais do not have a lot of money and prefer to do their own maintenance to save their hard-earned cash. If Hyundai refuses to let them, they should look at buying a Ford Focus or Chevy Aveo.

I have a 2002 Accent GSI and I can say honestly so far knock on wood, that its the best car I have ever owned.

The car has taken a beating and still keeps going. I have had this car for 3 years and I drive it like I stole it. Its slow and don't even try to drive it in snow, but I swear I have it to the floor where ever I go. My wife drove the car for the first year without an oil change! I thought that the engine would go. NOPE! She put over 20,000 on the car in the first year without an oil change and it did nothing. we eventually got the oil change done and still no problems.

I have found one issue recently that the car is going through gas at a high rate. So I took it in and they said every 35,000 you should have your intake manifold cleaned. He showed me the gunk built up inside, so I'm getting that cleaned shortly.

I now have 90,000 on the car no issues still.

Your car was probably made on a Monday!

Cheap car good quality.