2003 Hyundai Tiburon: Road Test
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2003 Hyundai Tiburon ▼
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- MSRP: $16,249 -$18,599
- Invoice: $14,787 -$16,925
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Our road test for the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon help you decide if a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5.9 |
Only test cars available so far are GT V6s, which Hyundai expects will be 70 percent of Tiburon sales. GT V6 with manual transmission feels peppy with lots of shifting. Six-speed test car clocked 7.7 sec 0-60 mph, but shifter and clutch action isn't precise. Hyundai claims 8.2 sec with automatic transmission, which saps some midrange punch but compensates with manual shift gate. Still, Tiburon is a relatively heavy small coupe and this V6 isn't potent for its size.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6.1 |
Test 6-speed GT V6s only model made available for test so far. They averaged 15.7 mpg in fast city/freeway driving and performance tests, 22.1 in mixed city/freeway work. Both engines use regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Fairly stiff shock absorbers, so large, sharp bumps can jolt, though solid structure lessens apparent harshness. Nervous pattering with 17-inch tires on flawed pavement; 16s are more forgiving.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Capable in most situations, with good grip and only moderate body lean at worst. Steering a bit light, and nose plows in very fast, sharp turns, but high-speed maneuvering predictable and fun. Braking strong, stable in ABS-equipped test cars; but non-ABS example needed gentle right foot to avoid early, sudden front-wheel locking in simulated-emergency stops, and its brakes felt touchy in routine use.
QUIETNESS
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Engine intrudes under full power, and 17-inch tires generate lots of road roar; quieter 16s are still noisy. Wind rush acceptable in gentle cruising, but excess buffeting discourages lowered windows even at modest speeds.
CONTROLS
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Dashboard needlessly stylized, but gauges and most controls within easy view and reach. Some drivers may find manual shift lever is too far back for easiest access to some gears. Cabin materials not top grade, but not cheap-looking either. Instrument panel's seven blank switch plates are eyesores, though.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Low-slung seats, so entry/exit can feel like work, and cabin design imparts a closed-in, sitting-in-the-bottom-of-the-tub feel. But even 6-footers should be comfortable once in, though sunroof limits head clearance, and seats could benefit from more lumbar support. Rear visibility hampered by thick roof pillars, sloping rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1.1 |
The young fit. Anyone over 5-ft-6 may bang their head against the roof or rear window--as a sticker inside the hatch lid warns. Difficult entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 |
Hatchback design and standard split fold rear seat are practical, but available subwoofer steals cargo space. Small-items storage OK, but many rivals do better.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6.1 |
It's not that quick, refined, or practical, and depreciation is likely to be steep. But the new Tiburon is a credible effort and fun to drive. Backed by a long warranty, and with a fully equipped GT V6 listing just under $20,000, it's a tempting new choice for the budget-conscious sporty-compact crowd.
Total Score
| GT V6, 6-sp man. | GT V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 42 | 41 | 47.3 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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