2003 Hyundai Accent Review

Specifications

Targeting Students and Young Families

Do you ever just want to go back after returning from a vacation? Denial sets in for a few days, but then somehow a readjustment takes place and things are fine. I guess the same concept applies to test driving cars. Transitioning from higher end cars to entry level vehicles can be difficult, but nevertheless, it comes with the territory.

While expensive and flashy cars are nice most of us live and work in the real world, and therefore need to be realistic about what kind of car we truly need to get us back and forth. The Hyundai Accent is just that kind of car, but that doesnt mean its not fun.

Its basic, yes, but it has personality. It sports a peppy 1.6-L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. My Accent GL test car was equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. While probably not as quick as if mated to the manual the engines 104 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque, available as low as 3,000 rpm, moved it along pretty well. Some other enticing standard features include power steering, a four-wheel independent suspension, dual front airbags, full-folding rear seats, a storage box with cupholder, and a handy cargo area lamp.

My tester came with the Popular Equipment Package that adds power windows, mirrors and door locks, plus an upgraded sound system with a CD changer. The power windows roll up and down relatively fast compared to most Ive tested; they were zippy quick. I also made full use of the 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. The sound quality is not the best, but nevertheless, its a CD player. While it didnt have keyless remote entry but it did include power locks, which come in really handy. If you turn the key once to the right it opens the drivers door, another turn opens all the locks. I found this especially useful when loading groceries into the back, as well as putting in personal items such as my backpack. It saves the need to put down whatever is in your hands, especially practical if its raining.

The Accent GL proved to be an ideal city car. Getting from point A to B was done in a quick and fuel efficient manner. I really liked running my errands around town, probably because I felt at ease when behind the wheel. Let me try and elaborate. Because the GL doesnt have a turbo or supercharged engine making loads of horsepower, I had no desire to rush to where I needed to go. I was relaxed and enjoyed the journey. If you own an Accent or have test driven one, maybe you can relate. But dont get me wrong when I say that, because I am sure its possible to feel just as tranquil and at ease in a Porsche Boxster or Ferrari Enzo! Personally, in the Accent, I really felt no need for speed.

There were no long road trips taken in the Accent, and I didnt even get a chance to head up the twisting highway to my local ski resort, a regular test route, but it performed well on the freeway, executing turns smoothly and swiftly. The steering wheel is comfortable to grip and the cars handling and suspension is pretty decent, for the money.

Isnt that what its all about, money? During my driving downtime I thought over just who the Accents target market is. As a student, I found it very convenient. It reminded me of one of the Hyundai commercials. A blond girl, who doesnt even look old enough to drive, appears to be a student and says that her “Accent has tons of cool features… and it fits her budget.” That statement is very true. I mean, Im speaking from experience. That girl is me and at $9,999 the base Accent is targeted directly at my full-time student, part-time restaurant worker, part-time writer, life.

Maybe thats what the marketers mean by active lifestyle, but either way I dont have time to worry about repairs. Thats why its comforting to learn that the Accent comes with a 5 year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, plus a 5 year/60,000 mile anti-perforation warranty. It also includes 5 years of unlimited mileage 24 hour roadside assistance, covering fuel delivery, flat tire changing, lock-out service, towing service, and more. All the stuff Id rather not do.

I also thought that this car would be great for families that are just starting out. The backseat has lots of room for a car seat along with additional space for baby/child items.
Actually, while its classified as a subcompact, the Accent has lots of room for many more things - like adult people. Again, the 64″ boyfriend found it comfortable, and had no visibility issues. Its a very “open” car with regard to blind spots, making lane changing and parking easy. Theres a lot of trunk space too, and the rear seats completely fold down for passing through long items.

There the Accent has more good attributes than bad; there are a couple of drawbacks. Even after 2,800 miles it still had that new car smell, which is sometimes good but in this case was rather irritating to my sensitive nose. It smelled strongly of plastic and rubber. On the positive, either it wore off or I became immune to it by the end of my test week. I also found the engine to be very “revy,” and when I wanted to accelerate it took a fair bit longer for the engine to catch up with my desire to get where I wanted.

Still I had a good week cruising around. The Glacier Silver 4-door was fun to chill in. Its cheap, fuel efficient, and got me where I needed to go, with a little zing to boot. Its the perfect car for starving student or new family.