2007 Hyundai Tiburon Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
Also in the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon Review:
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Hyundai Tiburon Full Review
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2007 Hyundai Tiburon Review
Styling changes lead 2007 news for Hyundai's sporty hatchback coupes. Tiburon comes in GS, GT, SE, and GT Limited models. The GS has a 138-hp 4-cyl engine, others a 172-hp V6. All but SE offer 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmissions. The SE comes only with a 6-speed manual, and for '07 gains standard traction/antiskid control, specially tuned sport suspension, and larger brakes as exclusive features. All Tiburons include ABS and front side airbags. Styling revisions involve the hood, front fenders, bumpers, and taillights. Leather upholstery is standard for GT Limited and SE.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, and Nissan 350Z.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Saturn Sky.
News
The fully redesigned Tiburon expected for 2009 could be very different from the current model. Hyundai is apparently considering a rear-wheel drive car a la Infiniti's G35 coupe. However, sources caution this idea hasn't been green-lighted, and other proposals are surely being explored, so stay tuned. Earlier reports had the next new Tiburon as a spinoff of Hyundai's redesigned 2007 Elantra, with a hardtop-convertible joining the usual front-drive coupe. That may still be the plan, but only time will tell.
2007 Hyundai Tiburon Road Test
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Pros
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Cons
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Steering/handling |
Rear-seat room |
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Entry/exit |
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Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 5 |
6 |
6.4 |
No 4-cyl models made available for test. V6s feel peppy with manual transmission--and lots of shifting. Test 6-speed SE clocked 7.7 sec 0-60 mph with firm, precise shift action. V6s feel lazy with automatic transmission; Hyundai says 8.2 sec 0-60. Automatic saps midrange punch, but manual shift gate compensates some.
Fuel Economy
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5.5 |
SEs averaged 15.7 mpg in tests with gas-eating acceleration runs, 22.1 in mixed city/highway work. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 4 |
3 |
4 |
Large, sharp bumps register clearly, and rippled surfaces can induce nervous jiggle. But solid structure helps mitigate harshness, and even SE, with firmest suspension, is reasonably supple for a sporty coupe.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
8 |
Corners with good grip, modest body lean, mild front-drive noseplow. Steering a bit light except on SE, but quick, informative. Newly standard traction/antiskid system a plus for SE, but other models should offer it too. ABS brakes furnish quick, drama-free stops.
Quietness
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
3 |
V6 intrudes under full power, coarse-surface tire thrum marked. Wind rush acceptable in gentle cruising, but excess buffeting discourages lowered windows even at modest speeds.
Controls
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
5.5 |
Dashboard recalls sporty Audi TT design, has upscale blue night lighting. Gauges legible, if a tad small. Controls mostly simple, handy. Some drivers may find tilt steering wheel doesn't lift high enough for leg clearance. Good-looking cabin trim belies pricing, includes ample soft-touch surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
5.1 |
Low-slung seats tax entry/exit, combine with shallow side windows for closed-in feel. But even six-footers should be comfortable once in, though sunroof limits head clearance. Rear visibility hampered by sloping roofline.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 1 |
1 |
1.1 |
No fit place for those over 5-ft-6, who may bang heads against the roof or rear window--as a sticker inside the hatch lid warns. Entry/exit very tight.
Cargo Room
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
2.5 |
Hatchback design, 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 |
6.2 |
It's not that quick or refined even with the V6, and the basic design is aging, but Tiburon is a solid, capable sporty coupe. Budget-friendly prices and Hyundai's long warranties make it a good alternative to the Scion tC or a high-line Honda Civic coupe.
Total Score
| GT, auto. |
SE |
Class Average |
| 44 |
45 |
47.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score |
|
41 |
| Average Score |
|
47 |
| High Score |
|
57 |
2007 Hyundai Tiburon Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/19/2006
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| GS 2-door hatchback, manual |
$16,595 |
$15,517 |
$600 |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, automatic |
$17,695 |
$16,545 |
$600 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, manual |
$19,295 |
$17,848 |
$600 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, automatic |
$20,395 |
$18,866 |
$600 |
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| GT Limited 2-door hatchback, manual |
$21,595 |
$19,976 |
$600 |
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| GT Limited 2-door hatchback, automatic |
$22,695 |
$20,933 |
$600 |
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| SE 2-door hatchback, manual |
$21,995 |
$20,126 |
$600 |
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
GS
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, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
GT adds to GS:
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, interior air filter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather/cloth upholstery, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/45R17 tires.
GT Limited adds to GT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
SE adds to GT:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, driver-seat lumbar adjustment.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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GS
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$1,150
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$1,035
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Cruise control, power sunroof.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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GT
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$1,800
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$1,620
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Power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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SE
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$900
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$810
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Floormats
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GS, GT, GT Limited, SE
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$85
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$67
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Mud guards
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GS, GT, GT Limited, SE
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$85
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$67
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2007 Hyundai Tiburon Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification |
Hyundai Tiburon 2-door hatchback |
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| Wheelbase, in. |
99.6 |
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| Overall Length, in. |
173.0 |
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| Overall Width, in. |
69.3 |
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| Overall Height, in. |
52.4 |
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| Curb Weight, lbs. |
2898 |
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| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. |
14.8 |
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| Standard Payload, lbs. |
-- |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals. |
14.5 |
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| Seating Capacity |
4 |
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| Front Head Room, in. |
38.0 |
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| Max. Front Leg Room, in. |
43.1 |
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| Rear Head Room, in. |
34.1 |
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| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. |
29.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
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dohc I4 |
dohc V6 |
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| Size, liters/cu. in. |
2.0 /121 |
2.7 /162 |
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| Horsepower @ rpm. |
138 @ 6000 |
172 @ 6000 |
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| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. |
136 @ 4500 |
181 @ 3800 |
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| Availability |
Standard |
Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual |
23/31 |
19/27 |
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| 6-speed manual |
--/-- |
18/26 |
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| 4-speed automatic |
22/30 |
19/26 |
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.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test |
Hyundai Tiburon 2-door hatchback |
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| Front Impact, Driver |
5 |
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| Front Impact, Passenger |
4 |
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| Rollover Resistance |
4 |
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| 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 |
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| Powertrain |
10/100,000 |
-- |
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| Bumper-to-bumper |
5/60,000 |
-- |
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| Corrosion |
7/unlimited |
-- |
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| Free roadside assistance |
5/unlimited |
-- |
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| 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
Also in the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon Review:
5.
6.
Hyundai Tiburon Full Review
7.
8.