2003 Hyundai Accent: Road Test
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2003 Hyundai Accent ▼
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- MSRP: $9,749 -$11,949
- Invoice: $9,333 -$11,184
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Our road test for the 2003 Hyundai Accent includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Hyundai Accent from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Hyundai Accent, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Hyundai Accent help you decide if a 2003 Hyundai Accent is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4 |
Perfectly adequate around town, but any Accent will demand noisy full-throttle operation for passing or freeway merging.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Test manual-transmission Accents averaged just under 30 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. No opportunity yet to measure with automatic transmission, but expect only slightly less.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
Accent absorbs small bumps reasonably well, but large potholes can be jolting, and ride is jiggly on washboard surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.3 |
Low-achiever tires limit grip, but Accent corners predictably with moderate body lean. It also makes reasonably short simulated panic stops despite minor rear-wheel locking and marked, but not alarming, nosedive. Lack of ABS option is unfortunate.
QUIETNESS
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
No car in this price range is really quiet, but Accent is class-competitive for noise and vibration.
CONTROLS
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Simple and straightforward, with clearly marked controls in easy reach. Optional white-faced gauges for GL hatchback brighten the look.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Driver seat doesn't have much rearward travel, so taller folks might feel crowded at the wheel. GLs help with height-adjustable driver seat. Comfortable, supportive for everyday commuting, but longer trips may prove tiring.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
Seat too flat for good support. Not enough leg and head room for anyone over 6 ft. Entry/exit just OK in the sedan, a pinch in hatchbacks.
CARGO ROOM
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | 3.8 |
Not vast, but comparable to most rivals. Sedans limited by small trunk opening. All Accents have folding rear seatback.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 5.4 |
Accent makes some sense as a budget-priced commuter car bolstered by a generous warranty. However, most rivals offer better performance and refinement for little more money. And Hyundai lags most every non-Korean brand in resale value.
Total Score
| Base hatch, man. | GL sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 34 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 35
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