2006 Hyundai Tiburon: Road Test
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2006 Hyundai Tiburon ▼
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- MSRP: $16,095 -$21,395
- Invoice: $14,808 -$19,599
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Our road test for the 2006 Hyundai Tiburon includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Hyundai Tiburon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Hyundai Tiburon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Hyundai Tiburon help you decide if a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GT, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.4 |
No 4-cyl version made available for test. V6 Tiburons with manual transmission feel peppy, but only with lots of shifting. Six-speed SE test car clocked 7.7 sec 0-60 mph, but shifter and clutch action isn't precise. V6s feel lazy with automatic transmission; Hyundai says 8.2 sec 0-60. Automatic saps midrange punch, though does compensate some with manual shift gate.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GT, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
SEs averaged 15.7 mpg in tests that included gas-eating performance tests, 22.1 in mixed city/highway work. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| GT, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Large, sharp bumps can jolt, though solid structure lessens apparent harshness. Nervous pattering with 17-inch tires on flawed pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GT, auto. | SE | 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 stable and fun. Braking strong 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, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
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, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
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.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GT, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Low-slung seats, so entry/exit can feel like work, and cabin design imparts a closed-in, sitting-in-a-bathtub 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, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1.4 |
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, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Hatchback design and standard split folding rear seat are practical, but available subwoofer steals cargo space. Small-item storage OK, but many rivals do better.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GT, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6.6 |
It's not that quick, refined, or practical, but the Tiburon is a credible effort and fun to drive. Backed by a long warranty, and with the well-equipped V6-powered SE listing for around $21,000, it's a tempting choice for the budget-conscious sporty-compact crowd.
Total Score
| GT, auto. | SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | 43 | 48.9 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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