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2008 Hyundai Tiburon Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
Also in the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hyundai Tiburon Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Hyundai Tiburon Review
The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon is largely unchanged. Hyundai's sporty hatchback coupe comes in GS, GT, GT Limited, and SE models. The GS has a 138-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while others have a 172-hp 2.7-liter V6. All but SE offer 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmissions. The SE comes only with a 6-speed manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery is standard on GT Limited.
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-cylinder 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 and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
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.
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2008 Hyundai Tiburon Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat room |
| Entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only V6 models have been made available for Consumer Guide testing so far. Manual-transmission Tiburons feel peppy but require lots of shifting. In tests, a 6-speed SE clocked 0-60 mph in 7.7 sec with firm, precise shift action. Automatic-transmission models are noticeably slower; Hyundai says 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec. The automatic saps midrange punch, but using the manual shift gate helps.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6.6 |
Only V6 models have been made available for Consumer Guide testing so far. Manual-transmission Tiburons feel peppy but require lots of shifting. In tests, a 6-speed SE clocked 0-60 mph in 7.7 sec with firm, precise shift action. Automatic-transmission models are noticeably slower; Hyundai says 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec. The automatic saps midrange punch, but using the manual shift gate helps.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, SEs averaged 15.7 mpg in tests with gas-eating acceleration runs, 22.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Both engines use regular-grade gas.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, SEs averaged 15.7 mpg in tests with gas-eating acceleration runs, 22.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Both engines use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Large, sharp bumps are noticeable and the car may jiggle on rippled surfaces, but the solid structure helps mitigate harshness. The ride is reasonably supple for a sporty coupe, even with SE's sport suspension.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4.1 |
Large, sharp bumps are noticeable and the car may jiggle on rippled surfaces, but the solid structure helps mitigate harshness. The ride is reasonably supple for a sporty coupe, even with SE's sport suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Tiburon corners well with modest body lean and mild front-drive noseplow. Steering is a bit light, except on SE, but it is quick and informative. SE has a traction control and an antiskid system standard; the other models should offer it, too. The ABS brakes furnish quick and drama-free stops.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 |
Tiburon corners well with modest body lean and mild front-drive noseplow. Steering is a bit light, except on SE, but it is quick and informative. SE has a traction control and an antiskid system standard; the other models should offer it, too. The ABS brakes furnish quick and drama-free stops.
Quietness
The V6 engine intrudes under full power and coarse-surface tire noise is marked. Wind rush is acceptable in gentle cruising, but excess buffeting discourages lowered windows even at modest speeds.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
The V6 engine intrudes under full power and coarse-surface tire noise is marked. Wind rush is acceptable in gentle cruising, but excess buffeting discourages lowered windows even at modest speeds.
Controls
The dashboard recalls the sporty Audi TT's design and has upscale blue lighting. Gauges are legible, if a tad small. Controls are mostly simple and handy, but some drivers may find that the steering wheel doesn't tilt high enough for comfortable leg clearance.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
The dashboard recalls the sporty Audi TT's design and has upscale blue lighting. Gauges are legible, if a tad small. Controls are mostly simple and handy, but some drivers may find that the steering wheel doesn't tilt high enough for comfortable leg clearance.
Details
The cabin's good-looking trim belies Tiburon's pricing and includes ample soft-touch surfaces.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
The cabin's good-looking trim belies Tiburon's pricing and includes ample soft-touch surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
The low-slung seats tax entry and exit, plus they combine with shallow side windows for a closed-in feel. Even so, six-footers should be comfortable once in, though the sunroof limits head clearance. Rear visibility is hampered by the sloping roofline.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
The low-slung seats tax entry and exit, plus they combine with shallow side windows for a closed-in feel. Even so, six-footers should be comfortable once in, though the sunroof limits head clearance. Rear visibility is hampered by the sloping roofline.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Unsuitable for occupants over 5-ft-6 because of the low roof and rear window--as a sticker inside the hatch lid warns. Entry and exit is very tight.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 1.4 |
Unsuitable for occupants over 5-ft-6 because of the low roof and rear window--as a sticker inside the hatch lid warns. Entry and exit is very tight.
Cargo Room
Tiburon's hatchback design and split folding rear seat are practical. Small-item storage is okay, but many rivals do better.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 2.9 |
Tiburon's hatchback design and split folding rear seat are practical. Small-item storage is okay, but many rivals do better.
Value within Class
It's not that quick or refined even with the V6, and the basic design is aging, but Tiburon is a solid and 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.
| GT, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
It's not that quick or refined even with the V6, and the basic design is aging, but Tiburon is a solid and 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, automatic | SE | Class Average |
| 51 | 52 | 53.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Hyundai Tiburon Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/31/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, manual | $17,025 | $16,338 | $620 |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $18,125 | $17,378 | $620 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, manual | $19,925 | $18,880 | $620 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, automatic | $21,025 | $19,908 | $620 |
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| GT Limited 2-door hatchback, automatic | $22,525 | $21,085 | $620 |
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| SE 2-door hatchback, manual | $22,375 | $20,947 | $620 |
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, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, 205/55VR16 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, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/45VR17 tires.
GT Limited adds to GT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, power sunroof.
SE adds to GT:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Brake assist, antiskid system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
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GS
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$1,150
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$1,047
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Cruise control, power sunroof.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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GT, SE
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$900
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$819
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Wireless cell phone link
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GS, GT, GT Limited, SE
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$325
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$292
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Cargo mat
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GT Limited
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$90
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$73
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Floormats
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GS, GT, GT Limited, SE
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$90
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$73
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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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$68
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 52.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2898 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.1 |
| 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 @ 3800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 20/28 | 17/24 |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 16/24 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/27 | 17/24 |
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 |
| 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 | 7/unlimited | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hyundai Tiburon Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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