2003 Hyundai Accent: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Hyundai's smallest car gets a facelift for 2003, the lowest-priced model gets an engine upgrade, and side airbags become available midyear. Accent offers 2-dr hatchback and 4-dr sedan body styles. The entry-level Base hatchback now uses the same 1.6-liter 4-cyl engine as other Accents. It comes only with manual transmission. All other Accents wear the GL label for '03 and offer manual or automatic transmission. Air conditioning is standard on GLs, optional on Base models. Accent is among the few cars that isn't available with ABS, but models offering front side airbags were added in late spring. This South Korean automaker's warranty is one of the industry's longest at 5-years/60,000-mi. bumper-to-bumper and 10/100,000 powertrain.

COMPETITION

Honda Civic continues to be the car to beat with a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. Also a Best Buy, Ford Focus doesn't offer the refinement of the Civic, but doesn't cost as much either.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the redesigned but still reliable Toyota Corolla, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege. Each of these is a valid alternative to a Best Buy if price is your major concern.