2003 Hyundai Accent GL 1.6 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Great car

Faults:

Nothing so far! Only thing is the vibration I feel once in a while from the engine, but it's not like a rattling, but small and near the floor; seems to go away if I hold the brakes down.

General Comments:

Car is great, reliable, cheap to maintain, and is great on gas.

I found that the acceleration for this car was sufficient. My only problem with it is there's no arm rest for your right arm.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2008

2003 Hyundai Accent GL from North America

Summary:

It's not worth the money

Faults:

The car ran great when I bought it in 2003. It had a relatively smooth ride, and could accelerate pretty fast. The problems started in 2006. First the RMPs would jump up pretty high when at a complete stop. I almost hit another car the 1st time it happened. I took it to the dealership, and they said I had voided my warranty by off roading. The most my car had seen of the wild was a gravel driveway. I took the car to a mechanic after that he looked at it and tried to fix the problem. I made it about 15 miles before it started again, but this time, I started hearing a loud metal banging metal noise. I called the mechanic back and they told me to bring it back ASAP, and not to drive it, but have it towed. They were concerned that it would break down. After examining the engine, they told me that the problem was inside the engine, and that I had to have the engine replaced. I had it towed to 2 more mechanics after that, and they all said the same thing. I needed a new engine. After comparing how much money I had already spent on the car, then how much the car was worth. It wasn't worth the extra money to buy a engine.

General Comments:

I works like a dream the first few years, but when it goes bad, it goes bad fast.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th January, 2008

2003 Hyundai Accent GL from North America

Summary:

This is a terrible vehicle. Sell it ASAP if you own one

Faults:

- Problems with automatic transmission at 14K miles.

General Comments:

I bought my 2003 Hyundai Accent brand new from a local dealer, and only use the car to drive to and from work (approx. 70 miles per week). The car currently has approximately 15,000, and has receive regular maintenance according to the new car dealer's maintenance schedule.

Recently, as I was driving along the highway at a speed between 50 and 55 mph, and accelerated to pass a merging vehicle, the transmission got "locked," the car slowed down to 40 mph, began to blow out smoke from the undercarriage, and ultimately lost all power.

After I pulled over to the side of the highway, I looked and found that it was leaking some transmission fluid. I called AAA and had the car towed to the dealership, where it was repaired two days later.

According to the dealer, the problem was caused by "a faulty wire" that connects the car's computer with the automatic transmission.

Of course, after having such a terrible experience, I will not consider buying another Hyundai again!

This car -- or rather -- its poor workmanship and quality put my life in serious danger!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th November, 2006

2003 Hyundai Accent GSi 1.6L from North America

Summary:

Nice looking fun to drive car that is fairly reliable with good warranty

Faults:

Check engine light came on around 10,000kms, told by the dealer it was the spark plugs. I also would need to replace the cam chain because it was making noise, but when I returned to have the work done I was told that the cam chain was fine and the noise the motor was making is normal for a 4 cylinder car.

At 16,000kms the car required spark plugs again. Also told once again any noises heard from the engine are completely normal!?

Spark plugs again at 24,000kms and there was a mystery coolant leak even though no coolant ever was found on the ground. Only the level showed it was low.

36,000kms clutch safety switch started to act up. The car wouldn't start unless you press the clutch 6 or more times. Dealer could not find a problem and it seemed to have fixed itself.

40,000kms I discovered when the dealer did the 36,000kms service the transmission level check bolt was not correctly installed causing fluid to leak.

At 48,000kms the car had a major service done for about $500. I thought this was very expense for such a basic car, but after seeing the service invoice I felt the money they charge was unfair. The only things they did was replace 2 filters, a license plate bulb, and the spark plugs, again!

From the first time I had the car serviced till recently the noises are coming from every part of the car, engine, transmission, interior trim, and the tires have developed a vibration that won't go away even though I have my summer and winter wheels balanced every time they are installed.

The quality of the car is poor having lots of parts replaced under warranty or because of dealer abuse during service. The list includes steering wheel, shift knob, left and right door panels, and other small interior pieces. And the metal the car is constructed from is very soft. My car looks like a ripple chip if look down the body lines front to back. A new dent is added every time I leave the car in a parking lot.

General Comments:

Quality of the car is poor. Required service for warranty seems to be over priced and poorly done by dealer.

However the car has been fairly reliable and fun to drive around town. The warranty is a nice safety net and no hassle to use.

I would recommend the car, but not the dealer making it a good used car if it is well taken care of.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th April, 2006