2005 Hyundai Tiburon Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 23 mpg
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
Solid V6 power, predictable driving dynamics, clean interior styling, generous standard equipment list, reasonable price, great warranty.
Cons
Considerable weight takes its toll on performance, thirsty at the pumps in V6 form.
What's New for 2005
For 2005, Hyundai shuffles the Tiburon's trim levels and revises the interior and exterior styling. Outside, the Tiburon receives a new grille and lower fascia, new headlamps and foglamps, redesigned side mirrors, a revised side garnish, new taillamps and new badging. Interior updates include new seat cloth, floor mats, overhead console and center air vent controls. Cars with the six-speed manual transmission get a new shift knob as well.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Only 4 years old and rusting
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Tiburon GT V6 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This was my first new car and I've completely loved driving it. It's fast, gotten me out of scary highway situations more than once and it's never, ever given me mechanical problems. I've kept up all maintenance diligently as I didn't want to void any of the warranties. The low profile tires are a bit pricey to replace but other than that, upkeep hasn't been bad. The car sits low and that helps increase chances of a cracked windshield, which I've replaced once. But after having the car for only 4 years, it is rusting in 3 places. Hyundai's warranty won't fix it as the 3 year paint warranty expired and the rust hasn't "perforated" the metal completely. Sadly, I will be replacing it :(
Favorite Features
This car has a lot of power and is fun to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Make the car out of metal that doesn't rust after four years. Improve interior plastic molding. I've had 2 places break -- the clip in the trunk and the backseat safety belt molding.
Awesomeness
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is my second Hyundai. My first car was a 1995 Accent and I totaled it in an accident. I wanted another two door and initially went to test drive an eclipse. The dealer wanted me to test drive this car and I fell in love. The ride is so smooth, it handles so well except in rain or snow when driving around curves you have to really slow down or you'll hydroplane and swerve a lot. I get a lot of compliments on this car and most people don't believe its a Hyundai. It runs so well. I've had a few probs like needing a new starter after I rear ended someone, and new transmission wires bc they were loose, but the dealer was great!
Favorite Features
I love the cd player and trunk space. The seats are great, I love the cup holder and area under the cd player. It definitely beats my mom's Toyota in means of looks and performance.
Suggested Improvements
They should come standard with remote starters like the Pontiac. This would be a great feature which would attract more buyers because the starters are aftermarket and they can't sell the car with the warranty if you have one installed and then sell it.
Underestimated at the Lights
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Tiburon SE 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Why pay 7 or 8 grand more for less was the conclusion I came to 3 years ago when I purchased my new Tiburon. At the time I was also considering the Celica and RSX which were more pricey and were 'base' models. My Hyundai is fully loaded and unlike the others, has leather, power sunroof, full power group, nice rims, dual exhaust and quite simply is very easy on the eyes. Since then, my gf has bought a new RSX Premium(9000 more) and I still say, my Tiburon is better. I have had zero problems and even if I did, Hyundai's warranty is amazing anyways. I drive it hard and it produces great performance and handling that is out of the league of other cars in its price range. Great car!!!
Favorite Features
Exterior Styling is perfect. Engine sounds great through shifts, interior is well put together and comfortable (if your in the front). Nothing beats keeping up with a mustang GT in a Hyundai.....
Suggested Improvements
Clutch is a bit pansy and car is too light. Hydroplaning seems a little too easy
Fun ride
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Tiburon GT V6 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I was a big hater when it came to Hyundai until gas went through the roof, and then I decided to trade in my Wrangler in for the Tiburon. And I have to say it is an awesome car. The acceleration is awesome even with it being an automatic. It handles great and the interior is sweet. And if you put in an after market stereo (head unit,subs and an amp) WOW! I have two tens and an 800 watt amp and with the infinity system it is mind blowing. And the gas mileage is pretty good, around 26 mpg. All and all this is a great car.
Favorite Features
gas mileage, acceleration, interior, sounds system
Suggested Improvements
Can't complain
Fun car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Tiburon GT V6 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
Review
this has been my favorite car. its fun to drive and looks awesome. i still get people turning heads and asking what kind of car it is. the only problems i have had with it has been weather related. i live in an area with a lot of snow and cold temps and you can tell they didnt design it for this type of weather. if there is more that 4 in of snow on the ground dont go out driving you will get stuck if you have to stop but handles pretty well besides that. but i dont mind. i just take it in every winter to get the e-brake replaced for free.
Favorite Features
sub woofer, style(low profile look of it), speakers are awsome but even better when you put in a nice head unit. and i also like the spunky quickness of it.(have beaten or kept up with many cars...s2000,mustang,camero) just gotta know how to drive
Suggested Improvements
gas mileage, e-brake freezes if it gets below 32. rear wheel drive would make it even more fun to drive.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2008 Hyundai Tiburon
- 2007 Hyundai Tiburon
- 2006 Hyundai Tiburon
- 2005 Hyundai Tiburon
- 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
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