2008 Hyundai Tiburon [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 27 Tiburon reviews and test drives.
Hyundai Tiburon - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon ranks 8 out of 10 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Tiburon, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Tiburon ranks in the bottom half of its class because it delivers a sporty ride wrapped in an attractive package, but it can't match the performance abilities and interior accommodations of others in its class.
Reviewers find the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon to be a good-looking car with sporty performance and a reasonable price tag. Car and Driver calls it a "composed commuter, an accomplished tourer, and an acceptably sporty back-roads burner." More than anything, however, it looks great.
While it may not lead its class, the Tiburon does garner a great deal of praise from reviewers who think it offers impressive bang for the buck. In fact, the '08 Tiburon is designated as a "Best In Class Winner" for "Lowest Repair Costs."
The Tiburon is available in GS, GT, GT Limited and SE trim levels.
- "Hyundai's entry level sports coupe has wooed almost a quarter million buyers worldwide with its great looks, and like the previous generation, this coupe looks champagne expensive with a beer-bottle price tag." -- Automobile Magazine
- "If you want a new sports car but don't want to spend a lot, the Tiburon is worth considering." -- Automotive.com
Tiburon Performance - 7.1 (Good)
Test drivers award the Tiburon good marks for its sporty and responsive nature, but because it operates on a front-wheel drive configuration, it can't compete with some of the sportier cars in its class. In terms of performance, the Tiburon ranks low. Continue with our full Tiburon Performance Review to read why test drivers prefer the V6 SE trim over the four-cylinder base model. continue
Tiburon Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
According to most reviewers, the Tiburon's exterior styling is its greatest asset. Automobile Magazine asserts the Tiburon "would continue to find buyers if it were powered by a hamster under the hood, simply because it looks like it should cost twice as much as it does." Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Tiburon's exterior receives a mid-range exterior score. Continue with our full Tiburon Exterior Review to learn which high-end brand of car some reviewers liken the 2008 Model to. continue
Tiburon Interior - 6.5 (Mediocre)
The Tiburon's interior is reasonably accommodating and comfortable, at least for most front-seat passengers. "From behind the wheel, the Tiburon looks and feels terrific," says the Detroit News, while at the same time observing that it's "clearly a car built for a driver and perhaps one passenger." The Tiburon's interior cabin ranks in the middle of its class. Continue with our full Tiburon Interior Review to read why one reviewer likens its backseat to hell. continue
Tiburon Safety - NA
The Tiburon performs well in government crash tests, and features a wide array of active and passive safety features -- including front and front-side air bags. Continue with our full Tiburon Safety Review to read about which features reviewers would like to see on all trim levels. continue
Tiburon Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Hyundai offers impressive warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Continue with our full Tiburon Reliability Review to read what some reviewers think about Hyundai's pledge of quality. continue