2001 Hyundai Accent

It has been a long, long time since I saw a test car priced under $10,000. Typically, the only four-figure numbers I see sit atop the column headed “options package.” But there it was, at the very bottom where manufacturers total everything: $9,809. That’s not much under five figures, granted. But it counts.
The sticker came with this Hyundai Accent L, the base model of Hyundai’s subcompact. Lowest coupe on the totem pole, as it were. No power anything except steering; air conditioning optional. The windows even cranked. I was delighted. Here was the rare chance to drive something that dares to pare down for the sake of affordability.

The Good News
What do you get for your hard-earned 9.8-grand here? More than you might expect. Even if you forego most things we’ve come to expect on even so-called economy cars, like power windows and mirrors, you still get intermittent wipers, rear defroster with timer, cassette radio, front dual airbags, remote fuel door release, fold-down rear seat, full carpeting and (drum roll, please) “deluxe” center console with coin holder and storage box.

Under the hood of this L Model, the least of the least, is a 1.5-liter single overhead cam four-cylinder engine that makes 92 horses at 5500 rpm and 97 pound feet of torque at 3000 rpm. That may not sound like a lot of oomph, but there is not a lot of car to push around here. So acceleration responds better than it looks on paper. Mated to a five-speed manual, it gets you there.

For the record, the GS and GL models get an engine upgrade this year to a 1.6-liter twin cam engine rated at 105 horses. They are also more competitively equipped, but they’re not under $10,000.

This one is, however, and still offers fully independent suspension, rack-and-pinion power steering and front disc brakes. Not bad.

The Accent got a big makeover last year that extended the wheelbase and overall width, creating a roomier, more comfortable cabin. Much has been done structurally to reduce vibration and improve noise insulation in this Accent, two things that were large complaints. The updates pay off. For one so inexpensive, the Accent feels relatively smooth and sound.

The Bad News
When you get into this price range, “transportation” becomes the operative word, not “luxury,” “performance” or, heaven forbid, “extras.” That this inexpensive Accent responds competently on all fronts is what we should expect. The fact that it does gives us little room to quibble.

But being a firm believer that, in everything, style has nothing to do with money, I can’t help but be disappointed by the Accent’s looks. It’s not ugly; it just disappears. No one should have to suffer that.

Gas Mileage
EPA rated at 28 mpg city/36 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $8,999;
As tested (with $750 air conditioning and $60 floor mats), $9,809

Is it worth it?
By today’s automotive standards, no doubt many would view this Accent L coupe as lacking in power, presence, privileges. Or you can see it as spare essentials, a Zen approach to driving, as it were.

In either case, it transports you from A to B (or even C and D) willingly and not unpleasantly. It’s nowhere near as refined as that other best-selling subcompact-turned-compact Honda Civic, but you’re talking another $3,600 minimum.

The Hyundai Accent is not a remarkable car for under $10,000, but it is nice, new transportation for under $10,000. And in today’s market, that’s unto itself is remarkable.