Used 2005 Hyundai Tiburon Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Smooth ride for smooth roads
I really loved this car when I purchased it in Fl. It had a great exterior and the sound system really pumped! I never had mechanical trouble or any trouble for that matter until I came to DC. The numerous pot-holes took a SERIOUS toll on the high performance tires. In the course of 2 years I blew 4 tires, and replaced more then 10. It was fun to drive but only on smooth streets, you can feel EVERY SINGLE NOOK&CRANNY in the street! Buyer beware if you live somewhere with jacked up roads!
Awesome car!!
I love this car! I bought my Tiburon new in 2005 and have never had a problem with it. It is Super fun to drive and speeds up really nice. Very smooth acceleration and great gas mileage. Interior design is incredible as well as exterior. This car comes equipped with tons of features and is definately worth the money. Trunk space is enormous for such a small car. My massage table fits in there perfectly. Only problem is if you have someone who is 6' in your back seat. haha.. not too comfortable. But otherwise the car is very comfortable and a great ride!
- GS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,99580 mi away
- GS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,5001,003 mi away
Sweet Ride
What first attracted me to the car was its looks.This thing looks like a mini Ferrari 356. It's hard to believe it was designed in Korea, and not Italy or southern California. I rolled off the lot - tax, tags and title for $20,300. Not bad for a car with every bell and whistle you can think of!
Amazing, Great drivers car
Fun to drive, even with a 2.0 4 cylinder it has quite a bit of power compared to some other 4 cylinders. gets going quick, and looks great. when im stopped at a red light i can see people driving by in mustangs and camaros looking at it. a little hard on pot holes, but on smooth road its like a dream.
Only 4 years old and rusting
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 :(
Budget Sports Car! Live your dream
own a 05 Hyundai Tiburon GT Ultimate Sports Package with sunroof and Infinity Sound system. When bought, had 13000 miles, now 40,000 love the pick-up and the mild roar through the muffler. looks are stunning, everyone who see my car for the first time love it! comfort for the driver and passenger is good, not for the people sitting in the back since not enough space for big and tall people. I'd call it a two-seater. Ample trunk space, better if back seats are put down. still suspension makes you feel all the potholes only problem I've had so far is the car pulling towards the right because of alignment issues. Also, when I jumped my car battery last winter, the sound system got damaged.
Underestimated at the Lights
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!!!
Awesomeness
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!
2005 Hyundai Tiburon GT
I totally loved this vehicle and a lady ran into me at a red light where normal people stop. She totaled my vehicle out, about 6 years ago and I have not been happy with any vehicle since. Mine was black, leather seats, custom rims and dark tint. I live in FL so the tint was fine. Aftermarket stereo and I was totally in love with this vehicle. I purchased it used, but it looked new. I cried when the tow truck took it from my home, like it was a family member. Hard to replace since they dont make it anymore. I have a 2019 Chevy Malibu i bought new. Its black also but i don't like it. I wish i could find another Tiburon, Automatic with low miles. Id get rid of the Malibu in a second for another Hyundai Tiburon GT. I really loved the car and left anyone that wanted to race in the dust. It was a kick ass vehicle. I absolutely loved it and would buy another if it were possible. Its a pain in the butt to get worked on, nonetheless I still loved my car more 5han any other i have owned. The Genesis is beautiful but I don't have that kind of money for one of them. Thank you Hyundai for screwing us by discontinuing the Tiburon with the Genesis. Tiburon people do not have Genesis money and you have lost many sales over it
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fun and easy going...
I luv my Tib, and after getting the true low down on the warranty, I put in a cold air intake by AEM to up my economy and it's much more to my liking. Realize friends that upgrading your vehicle does not neccisarily kill your warranty. If it interferes with the basic structure of the vehicle and CAUSES the problems, then your added part will be in question and you will not be covered. Upgrading your air intake will only help your vehicle, not hurt it, soooo GET R DONE!!! Upgrading parts is not a problem. When you get into chipping, turbo, and things of that nature is when you run into problems. It's not really neccisary. The car is quick. You can cheaply upgrade for more performance.
poor transmission
tran constantly slips car can't change gears and very poor gas mileage
2005 Hyundai Tiburon
Beautiful car inside and out. It's hard to believe Hyundai actually designed something this extraordinary. This car is a real head-turner. It looks so expensive and powerful, yet not many know that it is really a Hyundai. I'd have people believe it was a "baby porsche" if I wasn't so honest. More power is definitely a must, but it's one (if not the only car) in the "tuner class" with an available V6. Cars such as: Acura RSX, Honda Civic, Toyota Celica, Scion tC, Mitsubishi Lancer, Subaru Impreza WRX, Dodge Neon, and Cheverolet Cobalt SS all have 4 cylinders, and that's definitely something to take into consideration. Although it lacks stock performance, it probably has far more potential.
Still going strong 2020
I bought a tiburon v6 gt auto in 2005. I still have it and going strong. Only repair in 15 years is I replaced radiator myself and replaced the CV boots. Everything works. I haul lumber in it from home depot regularly. Fold the seats down and move/recline the front seat and it swallows 2x4s. People stare and are surprised. I hang 12 foot boards out the hatch. I replaced the stereo with a bluetooth unit with backup camera. Now it looks like a new car inside with an infotainment system. I can't see any reason to replace it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Ok car, but 3.8 litre looks tempting
I have owned this moonlit blue tiburon for 10 months and have no major problems with the vehicle. The 360 wat infinity cd stereo system is great. The engine needs more power and I am considing getting a Mitsubishi Eclipse, after I test drive it, the price is almost the same and the engine sounds to be alot bigger. The only reason I may not buy the Eclipse is that the Tiburon has a little more leg room. I am 6' tall and the leg room is ok. I will have to see how the eclipse feels. The interior of the Tiburon is pleather and is ok and stylish but for the money there is more out there.The Tibby has been reliable and the 160lbs of torque is ok to drive but the 260lbs look more tempting.
Get ready for a new transmission!
This is the third Hyundai I have owned and will be the last. Tibs have a documented history of having transmissin problems (particularly the 6 speeds as found in the SE's). The styling is nice but what good is it when the transmission goes out and the acceleration is sub-par to other vehicles? I have had my car for 11000 miles and I have had transmission trouble with it since day one and the dealer refuses to acknowledge a design defect in the car. For the same price many other V-6's on the market can outrun you AND get better gas mileage, not to mention better workmanship. You truly do pay for what you get.
DON'T DO IT!!
There's no denying that this car is one of the most beautiful in it's class. However, I was unfortunate enough to ignore the warnings and went with this car. The paint is trash. Look at it wrong and it chips. About 4 months ago I started having problems with the car starting which is a CLASSIC HYUNDAI PROBLEM. It's all over the internet, have a look!!! At stop signs the a/c, radio, and lights will go off until you start driving again and it never quite starts right away (if it starts at all). The seats are hard that the moonroof has been repaired THREE times already. I have heard that there are defective parts in the 'brain' that no one admits to.
Unreliable
I have had three clutches so far in the car. The dealer has proven to be unreliable in service.
Most Fun I've Ever Had
No more mommy-mobile sedans for me! Yippee! This Tibby definitely ain't no kiddie car. Refined styling over earlier models make this car stand out from the crowd. This is the best Tibby yet. People often ask me what kind of car it is. Their jaws drop when I tell them it's a Hyundai. Plenty of power when I want or need it along with a decent, but not overpowering, note from the dual exhaust. Good handling on curves with little or no sloppy body roll. Uncluttered instrumentation and interior styling with easy-to-use controls. Definitely a car for those of us who want performance and style on a less-than-liberal budget.
Surprised
The lease was up on rag top 2000 Mustang GT. The wife spotted a Tiburon one Saturday at the car wash and liked the way it looked. We went to the Hyundai dealership and drove an automatic GT. I didn't rumble like the Mustang but it didn't rattle like the Mustang either. The Tiburon V6 was quick even with the auto and had a mellow exhaust that snarls a bit when pushed. The car held the road well with some understeer when thrown into a corner. Back at the dealership the wife learned about the SE model. Only option, sun roof. The Tiburon SE with the six speed manual transmission is even more impressive than the GT. This is a quick car, fun to drive, well appointed and inexpensive.
Best For The $$$
IMHO - this is an awesome car for the price. Quick, fun to drive, and comfortable. Poor gas milage, but all GT type sports coupes, even the infamous Ford Mustang, are like this. The Tiburon is much more comfortable than the Mustang.
Love It!
I was originally looking at a more expensive sports car, but found that they weren't very comfortable. The Tiburon was different. While not a Mercedes sedan, I found that I'm comfortable driving it (By the way, I'm 6'3" and 275 lbs). It's also the best buy around for the cost.
Fun car!
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.
Love my Tiburon!
Great-looking car! I get great gas mileage, and I feel safe and secure in my Tiburon -- it's a hottie!
tiburon se - too good to be true
i previously owned a 1973 saab sonnett III, which was a limited production sports car. the saab pales in comparison to the tiburon which is both sporty and practical at the same time. the handling is terrific and the comfort of riding in the vehicle is impressive. the most often heard comment i receive is: "is this really a hyundai?" based on the stigma still partially attached to hyundai automobiles, i view this as a huge compliment on my taste in cars.
i love my car
i love this car its is a perfect 1st car to anyone there are not that many of them where i live the gas per mile its good i put $25 in gas its last me up to 6 days which is great because of gas prices. when your driving the engine is so quite and its a smooth ride.
Great car at a great price
The comfort, handling, styling and reliability are excellent. It also gives you enough room so that you don't feel like a sardine unlike it's closest competitor. It will haul an amazing amount or cargo. Service dept. has far surpassed my expectation at responsiveness, courtesey and efficiency during routine visits. It's a quality vehicle and a quality company.
a lot to offer
The Tiburon has a lot to offer anyone who is looking for a sporty car with great looks and lots of extra goodies. Everything is nicely finished and conveniently located inside. The seats hold you firmly in place. The torque on the car is crazy and the driving is exciting. There are lots of aftermarket add ons to make your Tibby custom and an even better performer. One is the Alpine Developments supercharger which can make over 300hp to the wheels. The exterior design is gorgeous. The car is modeled after the Ferrari 456 and in Korea it carries the name Tuscani, a town in Italy. The tires,wheels and suspension (which was developed together with Porsche designers) offer a sporty feel. All this for under 20k.
i love it
i fell in love with this car before i even had the chance to drive it. i ordered the special edition and had to wait for it, and it was worth it. this is a fun car to drive, and banging through the tight 6spd manual makes you feel like you are in a much more expensive car. i have been asked many times what kind of car it was, and the reply is always "really? hyundai?? i though it was itallian." mine is black and i had custom wheels and the windows tinted. very sharp.
Up -and-Comer
You will not see this car reviewed in many magazines, but do not let that stop you from considering these little pocket rockets. One drive and you will see what the combined efforts of the Koreans and certain Japanese companies, are spawning a love-child of possible historic value. I personally bought the 2.0L 4 cylinder with a manual transmission due to rising gas costs. But if you want power to spare you should go with the GT V-6. I do not know why all the magazines are not testing these cars, but I am sure once they start testing them there will be a great demand in America for them.
Amazing Tiburon
I've had my Tiburon for a few months - I LOVE IT. I still say it's the best purchase I've ever made! It's fun, fast, sleek, economical and most of all has the best warranty EVER! What are you waiting for? If you're looking for an economical, sharp looking sports car, this one is it! Mine is black with stainless steel accents and although I've tried to find new accessories for it - nothing is needed to make it look as sharp as it already looks - minus tinted windows.
working man's maserati
first attracted by the styling (look at the maserati gran coupe). after first drive, impressed by the performance (better than my fiat 850 spyder, datsun 2000, datsun 240Z, or mustang gt).
"Shark Bitten" 2005 Tiburon Review
With the Tiburon it was love at first sight. With its sleek styling and sporty feel, the Tiburon was an easy choice. By now everyone was driving the popular Pontiac Vibe that I owned and I wanted something that would stand out in the crowd of the mundane. I was a little worried when I found out the horsepower of the 2.0 liter base model, but when I got behind the wheel it was amazingly responsive. I've been driving it for over a week now and have been nothing but excited to get in everyday. This is a thrill ride. Quick acceleration and very responsive steering, strong 4-wheel anti-lock brakes...the list goes on. The gear ratios are nicely layed out to make up for the horsepower. It zooms.
Tiburon fun
Nice styling vehicle which is comfortable and very fun to drive. The vehicle handles great with excellent pickup when needed and gets good gas mileage. The most fun I have had in many years.
Hyundai Surprise
For the money you cannot beat the quality of the vehicle and the buzz you will get from driving it. The 172 horsepower is a bit better than average but you can tweak this engine for minimal dollars and stay within the warranty. The vehicle's cornering ability is outstanding and the sports car feeling is outstanding. Best bang for the buck.
Good Car
I love the way this car drives. It is so smooth and quiet. It is a bit heavy, but that can come in handy on windy days!Tid bit of a gas guzzler, but i wouldn't trade it for any 4 cylinder!
My Tib is a Shark
My Tiburon is probably the best car I've had so far... It's sporty and fun to drive, it handles well, and mine has been extremely reliable. And, it's nice to know that if anything ever went wrong there's a nice 100,000 miles/10 year warranty that comes along with the vehicle!
Fun ride
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.
A great car!
I love this car. It rides smooth, steers excellently, and is just an all around great car. Its body style isn't like everyone else's, so to me it doesn't look like everything else on the road. I am a very happy new car owner.
05 Tib
My mom bought this car about 2 months ago in March and she absolutely loves it. I have driven it many times myself. With the GT model like she is it adds a 2.7L 172 horsepower V6 that adds more than enough power and also adds a 460 watt Infinty sound system with a subwoofer that sounds great. I myself have a 04 Chevy s-10 crew cab that i love and I added a premium sound system but it still doesn't sound as good as my mom's. I defintly recomend this car.
A great car!
I love this car. It rides smooth, steers excellently, and is just an all around great car. Its body style isn't like everyone else's, so to me it doesn't look like everything else on the road. I am a very happy new car owner.
Might Be Too Soon To Rate, But...
I think I'm in love. This is my first time buying a new car and/or a stick shift for that matter, but I am really enjoying this vehicle. You will definately get a lotta eye contact from others with the very sleek and unique look of the Tiburon. I'm still new to the whole manual driving thing, but in comparison to many cars i have been in this baby can move. I have a best freind who has a 2002 RSX S and he prefers to drive my Tiburon. I'm definItely goinG to customize my ride, but as is from the dealership you will definItely love how this car looks, sounds, and performs stock.
Tiburon WOW
Excellant quality and design. Fun to drive. Lots of standard features.
Constantly making it better
I was wowed when I drove this little pocket rocket. Superb performance, acceleration and braking. I bought it after one test drive. I was somewhat dismayed when it was recalled by Hyundai after owning it for only one week to replace tie rods that apparently were not standing up to their (Hyundai's) expectations. They further upgraded the steering gear to compliment the upgrade. Despite my temporary disappointment, I was impressed and delighted how fast and incredibly efficient Hyundai is at correcting a problem in their product. This is one great little car that is tight, fast and comfortable. Don't compare the 2005 Tiberons to the first ones, this is a whole different animal!
My Shark
Awesome vehicle! Feels like the Porsch 928 I had when I was a kid. Great power and handling. Gets a lot of stares. The front seating offers a lot of room. Much more than the Mustang we test drove.
I like it
My little Tiburon turns heads. I like the fact that very few people in the area have them. The ones I see on the road are from other states. Tiburon has excellent street appeal and beautiful lines. Classy for an inexpensive car.
Love this Car
This is a great car. much improved over the years. Great handling. The new styling is so nice; I much prefer the new grill and air dam. The car is pretty quick and loves to go fast!
Awesome Sports Car
I loved this car as soon as it came out because of its awesome styling. It's almost like an exotic Ferrari. I like every detail about this car inside and out. Nice twin mufflers, 17 inch Rims, Side Grills, the sports seats, etc. You will not regret it.
Best Kept Secret
I decided to give the tiburon a try and I have not been disappointed. After looking at other similiar cars in this class, the value, styling, and handling of the tiburon was hands down the best choice for me. This year's styling, both interior and exterior, is what caught my eye. It handles well, it's comfortable, and fun to drive. It's not your high performance sports car, but it definitely has the look and feel of one (without the high price tag). I've lost count of the compliments and the number of people who want to know what I'm driving, it's like having the best kept secret around.
Grown Up Sport
Having looked at and dismissed the Tiburon for the past 3 years I saw a mature sport in the 2005 model. This is not a wanna be sport but a real touring auto that is fun to drive and gets looked at alot.
Just bought for my Daughter
Just bought 4cylinder roof,cloth,dark tint wins,black/black. good quality, good price good looking! less than two hundred miles on it now so time will tell but my daughter picked it over several other autos and she loves it