Once a small sports coupe built on the Hyundai Elantra's platform, and a car with a 140 horsepower engine as its up-scale power plant, the Hyundai Tiburon for 2002; sold as a 2003 model comes with an all new suspension, optional V6 power, and more transmission options than ever. The 2003 Tiburon not only can boast that it is better than its predecessor, it can claim it is one of the best sport coupes to ever be mass produced in South Korea.

For 2003 the Tiburon comes in 2 trim lines with a host of optional transmissions, packages, and 2 different engines. While the base 2 door coupe comes with the carryover 2.0 liter, 140 horsepower engine, the GT gets a 2.7 liter V6 that produces 181 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, and 177 lb-ft of torque. This 2.7 liter DOHC unit can also be found in the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Kia Optima, and the Hyundai Sonata. The GT (my test car, and what this review is based on) also comes available with an all new 6-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed manual is standard, and a 4-speed 'shiftronic' automatic is optional, and is also new for the Tiburon for the 2003 model year.

Driving Impressions:

Off-the-line acceleration is strong and much improved over the its predecessor, even with the current 3,000 lb curb weight. The 2.7 liter V6 doesn't offer exotic horsepower or acceleration, but coupled with the 6-speed manual transmission this car now can back up its sporty looks. If you have driven the older Tiburon's, the first thing you will notice while accelerating with the 2.7 liter V6 is the increase in torque, you no longer need to rev the engine for quick take-offs. The 2.7 liter engine offers plenty of torque at a relatively low RPM for good acceleration without having to strain your right foot.
The 6-speed manual transmission shifts with precision and is fairly easy to get used to (throws are relatively short). Under full throttle the engine sounds almost like the same 2.7 liter in the Sonata, but with a little more 'sport' to the exhaust note.
Despite the added torque with the 2.7 VS the 2.0, this FWD car keeps torque steer to a minimum.

Cruising in the Tiburon GT is both smooth in town and on the freeway. Affected slightly by wind and engine noise, the 2003 Tiburon GT still offers comfortable cruising, although bumpy roads can be quite annoying and harsh.
Hills, as you probably expect with the addition of the V6 are taken with stride, even in 6th gear. Most hills do not require you to down-shift into 5th, although the steepest hills will require a quick down-shift into 5th where you will be greeted with excellent acceleration, no matter how steep the terrain gets.


Handling is probably the 2003 Tiburon's strongest attribute in the performance category. Few cars in this price range offer this sort of 'fun factor' while on the twistys. The sport tuned suspension is finely adjusted for sharp handling, and the relatively large 17" 'optional' tires help glue the Tiburon GT to the road. Body roll is not noticeable, and the Tiburon GT stays impressively composed at almost all times.


Thanks to optional 4-wheel disc brakes mated with 4 wheel ABS, braking is excellent, and inspire driver confidence when coming to a sudden stop, or while driving in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

The Tiburon, despite having a small V6, gets only adequate fuel economy. The 2003 Tiburon GT is rated at 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the freeway. This EPA rating is 2 MPG less than the 5.7 liter OHV powered Z28 mated with a 6-speed transmission.

The 2003 Tiburon GT has an all new suspension. This car sits on a 99.6" wheelbase and has an overall length of 173". The GT's fully independent sport tuned suspension consists of front and rear stabilizer bars, Macpherson struts with coil springs, and shocks.


Interior Accommodation:


The interior of the 2003 Tiburon GT is much improved as well over its predecessor. When you first settle yourself into the Tiburon GT you are greeted with a thick leather wrapped steering wheel and comprehensive instrumentation. Ergonomics and the drivers position are good, except the drivers seat is a bit low, and rear and side vision is minimal. Embellishments are not kept to a minimum, there are plenty of amenities in the Tiburon GT, especially when equipped with the 'Ultra sport package #3'. Some noteworthy standard amenities with the 'Ultra sport package 3' include front cup holders, a tachometer, AC with Climate control, and excellent sounding, 360 watt, 7 speaker Infinity sound system with both cassette and CD player, keyless entry, cruise control, daytime running lamps, power everything, alloy foot pedals, leather shifter, power sunroof, digital clock, tilt steering, and dual front and side air bags (www.hyundaiusa.com) has a complete list of equipment. The AC vents are quite unique with a combination of square and round air vents. My tester came equipped with leather seating which felt cheap to the touch, but proved to be relatively comfortable and supportive. The seats did not have height adjustments, but did come with lumbar support adjustments. The rear seats are 50/50 split bench which allow for easy fold-down.
Interior room is a little on the tight side, the driver and front passenger have adequate space, but the rear passengers will be cramped if over 5'4" tall. Cargo room is good for a car in this class, the hatch opens up to reveal enough space for a weeks worth of groceries for a family of 5.


Exterior Innovation:


The exterior of the 2003 Tiburon is undoubtedly going to be its biggest selling asset. The 2003 Tiburon GT combines an excellent combination of edgy lines and curves, giving it an Italian spice. I do not think this car looks like a Ferrari, or an Alfa Romeo, however the 2003 Tiburon GT definitely looks more Italian than Japanese. The hallogen head lamps and front grille actually look a bit like the current generation 'Chevy Cavalier', but unlike the Cavalier the sexy style does not stop at the front fascia. With the 'Ultra sport package #3' you get a spoiler and 17" rims which add even more sport to this already sporty coupe. Side air vents in the shape of shark gills are incorporated in the bodywork to keep with the whole 'Tiburon' theme. Dual exhaust is also added to give the rear view that ultra sporty look. Although many find dual exhaust to be unnecessary, I have always thought dual exhaust adds major sport appeal to any car. A GT V6 badge is located at the rear of the car to designate the GT from the lesser models.


Price, Reliability, and Warranty:


The base Tiburon starts out at around $15,000, while a fully loaded model can run as high as $21,000, as was my tester. The 2.7 liter engine is a relatively new engine for Hyundai, and the 6-speed Transmission is totally new, so it is too early to comment on reliability. If anything does happen to your 2003 Hyundai Tiburon, Hyundai offers a 5 year, 60,000 mile bumper-bumper Warranty, a 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and roadside assistance.

Notice:

Willing to spend about $4,000 more for a much better car? You may want to check out my review on the faster
Subaru WRX http://www.epinions.com/content_76127178372

- Happy Car Shopping




Amount Paid (US$): TestDrive02
Model and Options: GT, 6-speed manual, Ultra sport package 3