EDMUNDS.COM 2004 HYUNDAI TIBURON
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
With clean styling, optional V6 power and a generous warranty, the Tiburon would seem to have no faults, but a few too many pounds and a less-than-athletic suspension keep it from attaining class-leading sport coupe status.
Pros
Sharp styling, available V6 power, generous standard equipment list, reasonable price, great warranty.
Cons
Considerable weight takes it toll on performance, thirsty at the pumps in V6 form.
What''s New for 2004
The Tiburon''s base 2.0-liter inline four has been fitted with continuously variable valve timing. As a result, horsepower creeps up slightly to 138; torque also rises to 136 pound-feet. The base Tiburon now features a standard rear spoiler. The Tiburon GT V6 Special Edition is a late 2004 introduction, and comes loaded with most of the GT''s options as standard equipment, as well as unique trim and badging.
Overview
Introduction:
For those who may not have known, Hyundai''s initial attempt at a sport coupe was the 81-horsepower Scoupe introduced in 1991. A suspension tuned by Lotus and a shorter final drive ratio helped to make the Scoupe a bit friskier than the sluggish Excel. Later model years (1993-1995) saw the availability of a turbocharged engine in the Scoupe, but even that motor wheezed out only 115 ponies. Around the same time, Hyundai displayed a mouth-watering concept car at national auto shows -- the HCD-II. Show-goers could hardly swallow the fact that the same company that produced the dowdy Excel could, or would, dream up something like this futuristic sport coupe. Hyundai execs promised that a production version of the show car was on the drawing board. The following year, the HCD-III arrived, and it contained an innovative sidesaddle rear seat in which a passenger could sit sideways and stretch out. Excellent concept, Hyundai. Young consumers drooled in anticipation of the forthcoming HCD production car with the cool backseat. Alas, it was not meant to be. The 1997 Tiburon arrived as a compromise between federal regulations and designer fantasy. Still, the Tib''s controversial styling, spunky performance and sporty interior got the attention of younger buyers who didn''t want a boring economy sedan. The Tiburon received a makeover in 2003, and the changes that were rendered nudged the nameplate upmarket. Much has been made of the styling; in profile, it almost looks like it could be a body double for a Ferrari 456 GT, due mostly to its rising beltline, scooped outside detail and sweeping roofline. Although this comparison may sound bizarre, there''s nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from one of Italy''s lovely sculptures, provided it''s done with discretion. The "gills" on the front fenders suit the car, as Tiburon is Spanish for shark. "Pinched waist" side sculpting and five-spoke alloy wheels wearing Michelin performance tires complete the car''s head-turning looks. The current-generation Tiburon is about two inches longer than the previous model. It''s also heavier, and compared to the lightweights of the sport coupe class, like the 2,500-pound Toyota Celica GT-S and 2,700-pound Acura RSX Type-S, the Tiburon GT V6 may seem plump at 3,023 pounds. But to be fair, the Celica and RSX are both powered by inline fours. Compared to other V6 sport coupes, such as the 3,053-pound Mitsubishi Eclipse GT or the 3,200-pound Dodge Stratus R/T, the Tiburon''s weight is less significant. Still, if you''re an enthusiast looking for a car to drive hard on the back roads or on a track, a Celica or an RSX would be a better bet. Meanwhile, the Tiburon is a good fit for the vast majority of buyers who want something that looks stylish and sporty, yet is comfortable enough for everyday driving. Add in a long list of standard equipment and affordable pricing, and this Hyundai is certainly worth a look.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Base, GT V6 and GT V6 Special Edition models are available. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, six-speaker stereo with CD player, side airbags, cruise control, sport seats, power windows and locks, keyless entry, four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and foglights. The GT V6 adds leather, a seven-speaker Infinity sound system, a sport suspension, 17-inch wheels and a more dramatic rear spoiler. The GT V6 Special Edition adds a power moonroof, a Kenwood CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, red front brake calipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals, mud guards and Special Edition badging. A multigauge unit displaying torque, voltage and fuel consumption is also included.
Powertrains and Performance:
The base engine is a 2.0-liter DOHC inline four; for 2004, the engine has been fitted with continuously variable valve timing, raising horsepower and torque ratings to 134 and 132, respectively. While this engine isn''t the pinnacle of refinement, it feels surprisingly energetic when revved. For optimal performance, you''ll want to get the five-speed manual rather than the four-speed automatic. Step up to the GT V6, and you''re rewarded with a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 rated at 170 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. With the GT V6, there are three transmission choices -- a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The GT V6 Special Edition is available with either the six-speed manual or the automatic. All Tiburons feature a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink rear. The GT V6 features a tauter ride, thanks to higher spring rates, stiffer shock absorbers and larger front and rear antiroll bars.
Safety:
All Tiburons come standard with seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard; antilock brakes are standard on the GT Special Edition and optional on all other models.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Tiburon has a simple but handsome cockpit. At first glance, it''s evident that the interior designers wanted to impart a high-quality look and feel to the cabin. Everything is laid out in a straightforward fashion that is free of gimmickry. Fiddle with the climate control knobs, and the silky fluidity with which they move would do a Honda proud. Bolstered sport seats help keep occupants in place during enthusiastic cornering, and the large speedometer and tachometer are easy to read at a glance.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
When the Tiburon is driven hard, it lacks the athleticism of an Acura RSX or Toyota Celica -- its V6 is confident but not eager; its steering is a bit slow and numb, and with a curb weight of about 3,000 pounds in GT V6 form, it''s heavy for a sport coupe. However, when driven sanely, this Hyundai performs capably and delivers a smooth ride. Factor in a generous standard features list, competitive pricing and elegant styling, and the Tiburon is definitely worth a test-drive.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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