The 2008 Hyundai Accent does a lot to save you money. It’s affordably priced in the low-to-mid $5,000 range, it’s fuel-efficient, and it’s low maintenance. But the Honda Fit is better in every way, and it costs the same.
Is the 2008 Hyundai Accent a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – It’s decent for what it is, a budget-priced subcompact intended to save you a few bucks by skimping on the details.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Seating is more comfortable than you might guess, but cargo space is limited, even in the hatchback, and you’ll feel every single bump on a gravel road.
- Reliability 8/10 – The Accent is built to last, and may pass 250,000 miles with decent care.
- Safety 6/10 – Mediocre crash test ratings and skimpy safety equipment may have you feeling like you’re driving a golf cart on the highway.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – It’s not the most fuel-efficient subcompact on the market, but it’s still more efficient than some brand new cars.
- Value 7/10 – If it wasn’t competing against the Honda Fit, this would easily be an 8/10. But the Honda Fit does everything the Accent does, better. So does the Toyota Yaris, for that matter, and the Chevy Aveo does most of that at a thousand dollars less.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Hyundai Accent?
Consumer Reports found the 2008 Hyundai Accent to be a perfectly acceptable budget compact. They liked the pleasant drive and comfortable seating, but note that the car comes up just short of the class leaders in terms of fuel economy and braking performance.
Kelley Blue Book liked the practical design of the Hyundai Accent, praising the sportier-than-you-expect performance. They note that it definitely feels its size, though, and the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris are both superior options.
Edmunds liked the stripped down design of the Accent, they found the seats supportive, and they report that the ride is surprisingly quiet for such a little car. Weak acceleration, poor shock-absorption on rough terrain, and mediocre crash test scores earned the car a few red marks.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Hyundai Accent Have?
The 2008 Hyundai Accent has generated just 101 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 34 of these are for the airbags, with a number of reports of the airbag warning light staying on without explanation.
A brake light recall was issued in 2013, with a handful of drivers reporting further exterior lighting issues occurring after the recall repairs were administered. For instance, one driver reports faulty turn signals only after the repairs.
There have been a few reports of sun visors coming loose on the driver’s side, dangling into the driver’s view and obstructing their eyesight.
The 2008 Hyundai Accent has only been recalled once. Given the car’s age and the low number of driver complaints, this is pretty impressive.
How Long Will the 2008 Hyundai Accent Last?
Hyundai accent drivers have reported the car running perfectly fine after 250,000 miles on the road and up. Driving a used model, you should bet on a life expectancy of 200,000 miles to be safe, and consider anything after that a bonus.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of just $405. Expensive repairs to look out for include new ABS modules, starting at around $1,241, and fuel pumps at $1,180.
It is reliable. It does not have any problems. We need to make frequent maintenance checks and repairs.
Like I said it is always blowing a gasket or a solenoid needs replaced at least once a year. And both visors broke completely off within two months of purchasing it.
I haven't experienced any problems. For a person living alone, it is reliable. The hatchback, is great for grocery visits.
Completely reliable and has no safety issues that concerns me. Basic maintenance is all that is needed
It's very reliable. If the maintenance is done in a timely manner, the vehicle will be reliable for years to come.
It's a very reliable car. Have had no problems engine or other major functions. Has maintained fine with routine oil changes and typical age services. If in a heavily snowy area may have some trouble as it's a lightweight vehicle but a sandbag or weight should put it back on to having no problems.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Accent is very basic, even for a budget-priced subcompact. The entry level model lacks any audio features at all, while the high-end trim packs an MP3 player and 6 speakers.
Safety technology is pretty skimpy, as well, with anti-lock brakes only available in the high-end model. The 2008 Accent is comprehensively bare-bones in terms of onboard tech.
Is the 2008 Hyundai Accent a Good Value?
The 2008 Hyundai Accent is not a great deal. A sedan typically lists for around $5,147, while a high-end hatchback SE usually goes for around $5,282. The main reason to buy a subcompact is to save money, but if you’re spending $5,000 and up you can afford a much better car.
A 2008 Hyundai Accent won’t save you as much as those other cars will when it comes to cost of ownership, either. A Honda Fit comes with the same sticker price, but it lasts longer and it goes farther on a gallon of gas.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Hyundai Accent?
The 2008 Hyundai Accent is offered in two body types, being sedan and hatchback, and three trims, from the bare-bones GS, to the also-bare-bones SE.
With the entry-level GS you’re getting:
- Cloth/vinyl seating
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- 8-way manual adjust driver seat
The mid-range GLS adds:
- Manual air conditioning
- Cloth seating
- CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers
With a high-end SE you’re adding:
- Remote keyless entry
- Fog lights
- Anti-lock brakes
What Engines Come In the 2008 Hyundai Accent?
- The 2008 Hyundai Accent packs a 1.6L inline-four engine delivering 110 horsepower and 106 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 24/33 miles to the gallon, city/highway. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic in front wheel drive.
What Colors Does the 2008 Hyundai Accent Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Hyundai Accent?
The 2008 Hyundai Accent is moderately comfortable for a subcompact. Seating stretches a decent 51 inches across at the hip and the ride is fairly smooth for the most part. You’ll feel every bump on a dirt road, but it has no issues on pavement.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Hyundai Accent Have?
The 2008 Hyundai Accent offers 12 cubic feet of trunk space, or up to 16 cubic feet of storage space in the hatchback. Even for a subcompact, these numbers are pretty low. You can carry maybe three or four medium suitcases, or a week’s groceries for a small family.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2008 Hyundai Accent was part of the car’s 3rd Generation, running from the 2006 to 2011 model years.
2006: The Accent was totally redesigned for 2006, with more leg room and a four-door sedan model.
2007: No major changes in 2007.
2008: There were no fundamental changes for 2008, but some of the optional packages have been reshuffled.
2009: Some under-the-hood tweaks brought the fuel economy up by a few MPGs for 2009.
2010: Cruise control and sunroofs were added to the SE trim level in 2010.
How Does the 2008 Hyundai Accent Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 Hyundai Accent isn’t a bad little budget car, but it needs to list for about a thousand bucks cheaper to be worth the price. The Honda Fit costs about the same but lasts 50,000 to 100,000 miles longer, on average, and it gets a few more miles to the gallon.
Even the Chevy Aveo is a little more fuel efficient, and it typically lists for anywhere from $500 to $1,000 cheaper than an Accent.
In this size class it’s all about saving money, both on the sticker price and at the pump. And the Accent just isn’t going to save you as much as its competitors will.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Hyundai Accent?
Yes, it is suitable for middle class family. It is comfortable, convenient, and looks great. It also gives a good mileage. It is great to drive in winter conditions also. It is a good vehicle to drive on highways and also in town.
It is ok. I have to replace a solenoid at least once a year and both my visors broke 2 months after purchasing the vehicle.
I have been driving my accent for about 2 years now. Good mileage on gas. Haven't had any mechanical problems yet. Small comfortable car, great for a person living alone.
Yes... a very dependable car and very safe to drive on long or short trips. Easily maintained and a joy to drive in our out of the city
It's a great vehicle, it's roomy, it gets really good gas mileage. Easy to drive. Has airbags.. The back seats fold out to extend the trunk area.
Yes. It's practical, great on gas and low expense in upkeep. Have only done oil changes and engine update for over 100k miles and have had no other costs. While it appears small has plenty of room for other passengers or toting furniture. Have been pleasantly surprised with storage capability.
