2003 Hyundai Accent Review
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By Bob Plunkett

Overview

Roomy and comfortable, the Hyundai Accent offers an exceptional value. It's a new car at used-car prices. Hyundai backs the Accent with an aggressive warranty that eliminates worries about maintenance costs. Accent is surprisingly refined for such an inexpensive car and 2003 models come standard with a gutsy twin-cam 1.6-liter engine.

New styling gives the 2003 Hyundai Accent a fresh, appealing look. Nearly all of its body panels have been redesigned, making it appear softer, yet more alert. It comes in hatchback and sedan styles.

A new Accent GT promises sportier handling with a sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive wheels and tires. It looks ready for action with 14-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, body sill moldings, and a rear deck lid spoiler. Inside, white-faced gauges and a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob accent its sporty character.

Model Lineup

Hyundai Accent is available in three-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles. Accents come in three trim levels. For 2003, all Accents are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder rated 104 horsepower.

The base Accent ($9,499) is indeed basic, offering air conditioning as an option ($750). Accent comes standard with an AM/FM/cassette stereo, tachometer, center console, vanity mirror, tilt steering, intermittent wipers and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. It only comes as a hatchback equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.

Accent GL adds air conditioning, tinted glass, and a digital quartz clock, and upgrades to the stereo, seats, console, and carpet. GL buyers may choose either the three-door GL hatchback coupe ($10,649) or four-door sedan ($11,049). Both come standard with a five-speed manual gearbox. A four-speed automatic transmission ($650) is optional.

The GT Package ($495) firms up the suspension and upgrades the 13-inch wheels to 14-inch aluminum wheels. Fog lamps, body-color sill moldings, a rear spoiler, white-faced gauges, and leather wrappers for the steering wheel and shift knob accent the GT's sporty demeanor.

A Popular Equipment Package ($400) adds a CD player plus power mirrors, locks, and front windows to GL or GT.

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