Cars.com Reviews the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon

The revised 2007 Hyundai Tiburon got a thorough thrashing by our staff, winding up in Kelsey Mays’ hands for the full Cars.com review treatment. The sports coupe is one of those models that’s often forgotten when talking about cars like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Scion tC and Honda Civic coupe. After reading Kelsey’s review, now we may know why.

2007 Hyundai Tiburon Expert Review (Cars.com)

Comments

[Infosaur]

Every time I see one I want to drive it. I don't want to own it or make payments on it, I just want to drive it.

It's so sporty looking I forget it's a FWD Hyundai. When I DO remember, the doubts start to creep in.

[Chris]

See the problem is the car looks really good and looks really fast especially with those exhaust tips but its not. Its a sheep in wolfs clothing. It has a way underpowered engine that can go 0-60 in the 7 second range. I'm sure the handling is pretty good though but when you get all the goods it costs you $22,000 bucks. Something like a Scion TC would do better as it costs less and is slightly faster.

[Happymantis]

agh... I consider this to be last of the uncompetitive Hyundais. I'm willing to bet that the next generation of Tiburons will be far better executed, in terms of performance (Genesis V8, anyone?), because if there's a company of that's capable of impressive turnarounds, its Hyundai.

[Kelsey M]

The Tiburon's an entertaining car to drive, but it just isn't in the same class as the Eclipse, GTI and Civic Si. Not sure I'd put the tC in that league -- top-notch quality notwithstanding, the base model sans TRD supercharger would have a hard time keeping up with the others. Happymantis nailed it on the head: This is the last of the Hyundais of yore. They're a company that proves time and again that they can take a relative fringe model and turn it into something very, very competitive. Can't wait to see the next Tib.

[505Accent]

The word that I've heard on the next gen Tibby is: RWD, a base model with an improved 4 cyl, performance/GT model with a near 300hp V6 or a turbo 4 cyl. Now THAT would be more than competitive with the above mentioned cars, especially if Hyundai can keep the price very competitive (read: lower or equal to those cars above).

[Burak]

being an "alfista" for a long time, i too had doubts before buying hyundai coupe, or tuscani i prefer to call it. the design as everyone agrees is nice, not overdone like the previous model. now the lines look more stylish, more sleek...the performance? ofcourse one wants more ooooomph from a car with sporty looks like Tuscani.
but hey, each and every day i look around me, same looking cars everywhere, boring models running the streets. i must say hyundai coupe is like a breath of fresh air in traffic. at least only for that reason coupe is a car to consider. (if u dont mind to love the sheep in wolf's clothing ofcourse...) -i do :)

[Keith]

It's close rivals are also (for the most part) simply modified sedans with the rear doors pulled off. The Civic Si requires incredibly high RPMs to make it's peak horsepower and torque is practically non existent. It is a fact the the Tiburon is a purpose built vehicle (there is no 4 door equivalent) Just sitting in one you quickly realize just how boring those other cars are.

[Jay]

Most people and reviewers do not understand the market this basic rocket is made for. For the money spent you get a very good basic platform to expand from. The real sports-car fan can easily add on customized favorites. A racing ECM can be added for under $400.00. This will add up to 20 bhp. And if you are in a club you can purchase a reprograming module to set your own limits and remove the RPM top limit. Add Lamborg doors for about $1200.00. If you want more power you can add Tubo of your choice for $2500.00. For a really face distorting blast Nitro can be added making prissy Sunday drivers out of the best Europe has to offer. As for driving, this is a FWD. Your power is in the front so it will "hop" over bumps but will pull right thorugh any problems.

SO THERE!!!!

[Devin]

Well, is it just me or do most enthusiasts forget what market the tiburon is actually aiming for? Yes the SE model is set at 22,000. It is over priced, but you can walk out of a dealership, brand new, at 19,500. I know this from a personal experience. The car is great. Performs well for the most part, it takes rough roads pretty hard like any FWD car does, but on the flip side, the gearbox feels smooth despite the long throws. The interior is comfortable and it's one of the few cars on the market that look more then they're worth anymore. Everyone wants a car that goes fast and does these cool accelerations. The tiburon is a fast car. It's not a 350z or a GT eclipse that both cost around 25-30 grand, but given the driving limitations in the world, when are you going to be able to use this? The tiburon is a comfortable, tight, fun sporty ride that anyone can enjoy for around $17,000. Try finding any other sports car on the market that can pull that off. It wont come close, the Scion tC is nice but the suspension is uncomfortable and it doesn't feel nearly as firm. It is a bit quicker, but it just doesn't feel like a sports car. The tib does, and for 17-20 grand, that's saying something.

All that aside, i'm not a bias person, I just feel that alot of these review sites are too use to driving XK8s and pimped out 350z's and forget what it's like to not ever have drove a car that high of a price. Alot of us can't afford to even sit in cars over 20 grand, the tiburon offers something nothing else under 20 grand comes close to except maybe the base model eclipse, which has the shittiest interior I've ever sat in.