2003 Hyundai Accent GL 3-Door

Susan Frissell

There’s much to like about the new 2003 Hyundai Accent GL. It’s peppy, agile, easy to drive, economical and affordable. If you can get past the whine of the 4-cylinder engine, you’ll enjoy driving this entry-level Hyundai.

In Hyundai’s nomenclature, the Accent GL is a "high value" complete with lots of standard equipment. Our test vehicle came equipped with three options, including a Popular Equipment Group: power windows/doors/mirrors and AM/FM/CD with 6 speakers GT package, $400; GT Package: Sport-tuned suspension, sport cloth seats, two-tone leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, white face gauges, 14-inch, 6-spoke alloy wheels, P185 60H14 tires, body color rocker moldings, front fog lights, body color rear spoiler and GT Badging, $495; and carpeted floor mats, $65. MSRP was a very reasonable $10,899, with a total vehicle price of $11,859.

Accent is available in four trim levels: Accent 3-door, GL 3-door, GL 4-door, and a GT package available for the GL 3-door. Extensively revised for the 2003 model year, Accent is a viable contender in the entry-level segment. Hyundai has improved the Accent all around, adding new front bumper front fenders, headlamps, grille and hood; new rear bumper, quarter panel, tail lamps and rear deck; a new Accent GT model (somewhat resembling a Saab shape), and all 2003 Accents now come equipped with Hyundai’s 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine.

And the newness shows in the Accent. This is a very comfortable car to spend time in. It maneuvers effortlessly, comes in with respectable fuel economy (29/33 mpg on the 5-speed manual), and much improved fit and finish. Gone are the days when snickering would follow an admission of owning a Hyundai. They have done much to improve their offerings and in fact, sales have increased dramatically thanks in part to the Santa Fe SUV.

Our test vehicle GL 3-door carried a MSRP of $10,899, and with three options (Popular Equipment package (power windows/door locks/mirrors, AM/FM stereo CD w/6 speakers), $400; GT package (sport-tuned suspension, sport-cloth seats, two-tone leather wrapped steering wheel/shift knob, white face gauges, 14" 6-spoke alloy wheels, P185 60HR14 tires, body color rocker moldings and rear spoiler, GT badging, front fog lights), $495; and carpeted floor mats, $65, a total vehicle price of $11,859. Unheard of in today’s pricey auto market.

If consumers know anything about Hyundai it’s that they offer the best warranty on the market: The Hyundai Advantage. This should speak volumes about their belief in their own product.

Hyundai’s products have begun to take on more interesting styling and as the innards continue to improve, make this a desirable vehicle to own. For some time we've praised Hyundai’s efforts at becoming more mainstream. We don’t hesitate to offer their vehicles to any potential buyers. One big improvement we noticed is the seats. Much more comfortable and supportive. Having spent many miles recently in a new Honda Accord, I’d take the Accent seats anyday.

For those concerned about safety, the Accent comes equipped with child safety locks, front and side seat airbags, 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, power-assisted brakes, and side-impact protection.

Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.