Can you believe it? Hyundai cars are actually valuable pieces of hardened steel, molded plastics and sophisticated components. And they're affordable, too. While Hyundai is not Toyota or Nissan -- and definitely not Lexus or Infiniti -- it is an unsung car manufacturer deserving more credence. And Hyundai has yet to be a top contender in the sales market. While other manufacturers boast big sales and profit, Hyundai quietly churns out great cars -- yep, great cars. Heck, they carry a 10-year warranty. Is anyone else out there backing up their cars like that?

I consider myself lucky to have tried out the all-new 2003 Hyundai Tiburon, which drove fantastically. The Tiburon is so nice-looking, with clean lines and attractive rims, that it commands a second look. It sort of looks like a Toyota Celica, but better.

The stunning Tiburon is just one of Hyundai's toys to capture the attention of the sporty car enthusiast looking for power, stance, rigid suspension and dynamic control. The Tiburon is marvelous to drive and, with its sports car looks, can't go wrong. I was impressed with the body style and smooth sloping rear end, along with the nicely fitted rear spoiler capping off the GT's look. The GT, Hyundai's top-of-the-line machine, comes fully loaded, equipped with bold looks, a chiseled front lower grill and 17-inch alloy rims. Its low-profile, high-performance tires clearly capture the GT image.

Under that eye-catching shell lies a high-tech V6 2.7-liter marvel. Yes, this car comes loaded with a high-power, 181-horsepower engine that thrusts you back into your seat. The loaded engine, which is a pretty good size for this small of a sports car, comes with a six-speed, heavily geared transmission that shoots out of the gate quickly through each gear. But once you get to sixth gear, you run out of lower torque (which is why the sixth gear was added). This is where the car provides improved fuel economy. The loaded engine and transmission perform well, and the outstanding independent suspension, front and back, elevates the Tiburon's performance and glues it to the ground. Fitted nicely with strut-type, multi-link rear suspension, hydraulic shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar, the Tiburon is ready with quick responses and wonderful handling.

The GT's interior is both stunning and comfortable. The leather sculptured seats are nicely designed, neatly fitting passengers into their little rocket and holding them in place. The interior design is roomy, the 2003 model sporting more space than last year's model. (Don't most car manufacturers shrink their cars?) The seating, for four, has plenty of legroom in the front, but room is minimal in the rear, so long trips with leggy people in the backseat may get uncomfortable. But the drive is so nice, and with the AM-FM/CD system cranked, you'll forget that cramped feeling in your legs.

The Tiburon's instrument panel looks great, with the speedometer and tachometer placed smack-dab in the center with analog gauges. Easily accessed components on the center console finish the front dash nicely. The air-conditioning system dramatically cools the interior quickly and efficiently. The power windows, door locks and mirror add to the component package, and with the optional sunroof, you'll have it all.

Hyundai finished the Tiburon with some great safety features, such as side-impact air bags, that most cars don't include. Of course, the car comes with front air bags, too. Other noteworthy features include integrated crumple zones, high-strength steel side-impact beams, and front and rear energy-absorbing bumpers.

Car buyers need to stop and consider all that Hyundai has to offer. The warranty -- 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain protection and five-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage -- speaks for itself. I was impressed with the Tiburon; none of its components had been cheapened to save a buck.

Remember when you were young, and you never wanted to be the last one picked for the team? Pick Hyundai first, then look at the other guys. It will be interesting to see who lasts through the game.