2006 Hyundai Tiburon Review
2006 Hyundai Tiburon Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Predictable driving dynamics, clean interior styling, generous standard equipment list, reasonable price, great warranty.
Cons
- Considerable curb weight takes its toll on performance, V6 is thirsty at the pumps, weak acceleration with base four-cylinder.
What’s new
A GT Limited trim level, featuring beige leather seating and a 440-watt Infinity audio system, has been added for 2006.
Edmunds says
With clean styling, optional V6 power and a generous warranty, the 2006 Hyundai Tiburon would seem a top sport coupe choice. Alas, a few too many pounds, ho-hum engine outputs and a less-than-athletic suspension keep it a few paces off the leading budget sport coupes.
Vehicle overview
The Hyundai Tiburon received a full redesign in 2003, and the changes that were rendered nudged the nameplate upmarket. Much has been made of the styling; in profile, it could almost be a body double for a Ferrari 456 GT, due mostly to its rising beltline, scooped outside detail and sweeping roofline.
"Pinched waist" side sculpting and slick alloy wheels wearing performance tires complete the car's head-turning looks. Compared to the lightweights of the sport coupe class, the Hyundai Tiburon GT V6 is plump at just over 3,000 pounds and this, along with soft suspension tuning, limits its handling abilities. If you're an enthusiast looking for a car to drive hard on the back roads, the Civic Si or Cooper S would be a better bet. On the flip side, the 2006 Hyundai 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 car is certainly worth a look.
Performance & mpg
The GS comes with a 138-hp, 2.0-liter inline four. Step up to the GT or SE, and you're rewarded with a 2.7-liter V6 rated at 172 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT are available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the SE can be had with either a six-speed manual or the automatic. The GT and SE feature a tauter ride, thanks to higher spring rates, stiffer shock absorbers and larger antiroll bars.
Safety
All Tiburons come standard with seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants. Four-wheel disc brakes are also included; antilock brakes are standard on the SE and optional on all other models. In NHTSA crash tests, the Hyundai Tiburon earned a full five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and four stars for the front passenger. Side-impact testing returned a four-star rating.
Driving
The four-cylinder engine provides barely adequate power for this 3,000-pound coupe, so upgrading to the V6-powered GT or SE is strongly encouraged. When the Tiburon is driven hard, it lacks the athleticism of its lighter weight competitors. Its V6 is confident but not eager, its steering is a bit slow and numb, and it's heavy for a sport coupe. However, when driven in a relaxed manner, this Hyundai car performs capably and delivers a smooth ride.
Interior
The 2006 Hyundai 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 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.
2006 Hyundai Tiburon models
The Hyundai Tiburon coupe is available in GS, GT, GT Limited and SE trims. Standard equipment for the GS includes air conditioning, six-speaker stereo with CD player, side airbags, sport seats, power windows and locks, keyless entry, foglamps, four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The GT adds automatic climate control, cruise control, a trip computer, 17-inch wheels and a more dramatic rear spoiler. The GT Limited includes leather seats, a sunroof and 440-watt Infinity audio system. The sporty SE includes red front brake calipers, ABS, foglamps, a high-mounted rear spoiler, aluminum pedals, manual-control air conditioning, metal grain interior trim, a Kenwood CD/MP3 audio system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The SE also features auxiliary torque, voltmeter and vacuum gauges.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Hyundai Tiburon.
5 star(76%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(1%)
90 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
2006 Tiburon = Best Tiburon of 'em all
Uifz, 12/14/2008
2006 Hyundai Tiburon GT 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
So you're thinking about making a car purchase, however you want something different out there. You're tired of all those 4 door sedans, that all look the same, drive the same, and are BORING...well no fear...because I was in your shoes about a year ago. The 2006 Hyundai Tiburon is an awesome Sports car! The look is great (especially yellow), the ride is comfortable and it's got some … juice to it too. It's a QUICK car, not a FAST car (there's a difference). The car simply stands out because of it's engaging and creative look. So far in my one year of having it, zero problems with 20,000 miles of driving since I got it! Did I mention, it's inexpensive?
4.75 out of 5 stars
Take the spring out!
matman142, 07/02/2010
2006 Hyundai Tiburon SE 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 6M)
Ok so i have an 06 Tiburon SE V6 and it came with the 6 speed manual and as you have probably read these tiburons have terrible clutch problems. Take that pesky spring out and this car is a dream to own. Great handling and decent performance plus i bought it used and it still has 1 year left on the powertrain warranty and 6 years left on roadside assistance! Overall a very good car for … the money
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love at First Sight
Nathan, 03/18/2006
2006 Hyundai Tiburon SE 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 6M)
I purchased my 2006 Tiburon SE almost 2 months ago. It is a dream car. I recommend to buy the higher model, the SE. It is well worth the meager $22,000. I first test drove a silver one. And then went to another dealership and found an orange one that I fell in love with. Even though the numbers don't sound like much 2.7 L with 172 hp and $22,000. It's lightning fast.
4 out of 5 stars
2006 model purchased in 2008!
Lacey C, 11/05/2015
2006 Hyundai Tiburon GS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I purchased my 2006 Tiburon in 2008 at 30,000 miles! As an 18 year old this was a dream. For the price I financed, the vehicle depreciated in value rather quickly. I was "upside down" after only 2 years, the amount I owed was more than the car was worth. That's the thing about Hyundai though! HOWEVER, I drove the heck out of this car daily, I needed new brakes and new battery in 2011 at … around 130,000 miles. (This is amazing for the amount of mileage and wear I put on this vehicle) In July 2014 at 154,000 miles, the car began overheating daily and therefore we replaced the radiator. I drove it fine until December 2014 when it randomly overheated one winter day and the following morning would not start. At 160,000 miles the car required a totally new engine. The cost of the engine replacement was more than the car was valued at the time but I sucked it up and replaced it anyway. I vowed to keep up with the oil changes on schedule!! After the new engine, we lived happily ever after until I purchased a 2011 BMW Mini Cooper in May of 2015 (huge difference, I know, but remember I was only 18 when I chose the Tiburon and now I am 25) I'm now experiencing major problems with the Mini and I'm about to re-tag and insure the faithful loyal old Tiburon again because she has always been there for me! The other quirk to the Tib that I must mention as have others, the thing EATS tires!!!!! I can't even count how many times I have had to buy tires for the car! It's no joke!
2006 Tiburon Highlights
GS
- Combined MPG
- 23 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $167/month
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- front wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
- Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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More about the 2006 Hyundai Tiburon
Used 2006 Hyundai Tiburon Overview
The Used 2006 Hyundai Tiburon is offered in the following submodels: Tiburon Hatchback. Available styles include GS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GT 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 4A), GS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GT 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 5M), GT Limited 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 4A), GT Limited 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 5M), and SE 2dr Hatchback (2.7L 6cyl 6M). Pre-owned Hyundai Tiburon models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine or a 2.7 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 172 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2006 Hyundai Tiburon comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed shiftable automatic, 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2006 Hyundai Tiburon?
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Should I lease or buy a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Hyundai lease specials
Check out Hyundai Tiburon lease specials
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