15th Place:
Hyundai Accent
Overview:
The Accent was this group's cheapest car, at
just over $14,000, and also returned good gas
mileage. But despite getting the two basic
elements of an economy car right, the Accent is
not competitive in its class. The rear seat is
cramped, the engine is weak, and crash test
results are unfortunate. Someone used to an old
econobox would find little fault in the Accent,
but for not much more money, you can do much
better.
Driving the
Accent:
The Accent has a comfortable, reasonably
well-controlled ride, but the softly-sprung
suspension allows for excessive body roll in
corners, making it feel clumsy for its size. The
engine feels adequate in city driving, but is
overworked elsewhere. It gets noisy under
acceleration, but is generally quiet otherwise.
Some road noise is audible as well. Gas mileage
at least is very good, unlike in some other
subcompacts like the Chevrolet Aveo.
Inside the
Accent:
The
Accent has acceptably roomy and comfortable
front seats that include handy cushion height
and angle adjustments. They are well-shaped, but
could use a longer cushion. The rear is cramped,
with little leg space, but there is adequate
foot space beneath the front seats when they are
raised to their highest positions. The interior
is well-constructed, but with decidedly
low-budget materials. The gauges are a bit small
but clear, and the simple instruments are
logically arrayed. Drivers sit comfortably
enough, and have good visibility. The smallish
door openings complicate entry/exit, as do the
small rear footwells. The trunk is adequately
large, but the opening is too small.
Accent pricing:
The Accent
comes in at $14,042, lacking cruise control but
otherwise adequately equipped. That price also
includes satellite radio.
Conclusion:
Although the
Accent gets the economy car basics of a low
price and high gas mileage, more is demanded of
today's small cars. $14,000 may be the cheapest
in this group, but others are close enough that
there is no reason to settle for the Accent.
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