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2004 Hyundai Tiburon Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2004 Hyundai Tiburon Review
Hyundai's sporty hatchback coupe added a third trim level during the 2004 model year. Base and GT V6 models were joined by the GT Special Edition. Base Tiburons have a 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine. GTs get a 2.7-liter V6. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate is optional on base and GT V6 models. A 6-speed manual is standard on the GT Special Edition, optional on the GT V6. Base models use 16-inch wheels, GTs have 17s. All have standard 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags. ABS is standard on the GT Special Edition, optional on base and GT V6. Traction control is unavailable. The GT V6 offers optional leather upholstery. Hyundai's warranty is among the industry's longest: 5-years/60,000-mi. bumper-to-bumper, 10/100,000 powertrain.
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2004 Hyundai Tiburon Road Test
Pros Cons
Steering/handling Rear-seat room
Entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

GT V6, 6-sp man. GT V6, auto. Class Average
6 5 6.1

Only test cars available so far are GT V6s, which make up about 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.
Fuel Economy

GT V6, 6-sp man. GT V6, auto. Class Average
5 5 5.6

Six-speed V6 test cars averaged 15.7 mpg with gas-eating performance tests, 22.1 in mixed city/freeway work. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

GT V6, 6-sp man. GT V6, auto. Class Average
3 3 3.6

Large, sharp bumps can jolt, though solid structure lessens apparent harshness. Nervous pattering with 17-inch tires on flawed pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking

GT V6, 6-sp man. GT V6, auto. Class Average
7 7 8

Capable in most situations, with good grip and only moderate body lean. Steering a bit light. 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 3.1

Engine intrudes under full power, and 17-inch tires generate lots of road roar. 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 6.1

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 4.9

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 1.2

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 2.8

Hatchback design and standard split folding 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 6.2

It's not that quick, refined, or practical, and depreciation is historically steep. But the Tiburon is a credible effort and fun to drive. Backed by a long warranty, and with a fully equipped GT V6 listing for around $20,000, it's a tempting choice for the budget-conscious sporty-compact crowd.
Total Score

GT V6, 6-sp man. GT V6, auto. Class Average
43 41 47.6
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
35
Average Score
47
High Score
59
2004 Hyundai Tiburon Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/17/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 2-door hatchback, manual $16,999 $15,469 $540
Base 2-door hatchback, automatic $17,899 $16,311 $540
GT V6 2-door hatchback, 5-speed manual $18,199 $16,561 $540
GT V6 2-door hatchback, 6-speed manual $19,149 $17,447 $540
GT V6 2-door hatchback, automatic $19,099 $17,403 $540
GT Special Edition 2-door hatchback, manual $20,497 $18,699 $540
GT Special Edition 2-door hatchback, automatic $20,447 $18,652 $540
Price note: GT V6 6-speed manual requires an Option Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, remote fuel-door and decklid release, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
GT V6 adds to Base:
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Aluminum pedals (6-speed).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/45R17 tires.
GT Special Edition adds to GT V6:
Powertrain
6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Option Pkg. 2
Base
$649
$574
Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
Option Pkg. 3
Base, GT V6
$1,349
$1,193
Power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player. NA GT 6-speed manual transmission, GT Special Edition.
Option Pkg. 4
GT V6
$1,949
$1,755
Option Pkg. 3 plus leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. NA GT 6-speed manual transmission.
Option Pkg. 5
GT V6
$2,448
$2,222
Option Pkg. 4 plus antilock brakes. NA GT 6-speed manual transmission.
Option Pkg. 10
GT V6 6-speed manual
$1,249
$1,136
Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Option Pkg. 11
GT V6 6-speed manual
$2,448
$2,222
Option Pkg. 10 plus antilock brakes, power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Mud guards
Base, GT Special Edition, GT V6
$60
$53
2004 Hyundai Tiburon Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Hyundai Tiburon 2-door hatchback
Wheelbase, in. 99.6
Overall Length, in. 173.0
Overall Width, in. 69.3
Overall Height, in. 52.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 2940
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 14.7
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.2
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 38.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.0
Rear Head Room, in. 34.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 29.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.0 /121 2.7 /162
Horsepower @ rpm. 138 @ 6000 172 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 136 @ 4500 181 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 24/30 19/26
6-speed manual --/-- 18/26
4-speed automatic 23/29 20/26
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Hyundai Tiburon 2-door hatchback
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 10/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 5/60,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 5/unlimited --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: South Korea
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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