2008 Hyundai Tiburon Exterior Review [ 2007 ]

#6

in Affordable Sports Cars

Based on analysis of 27 Tiburon reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $17,025 - $22,525
Invoice: $16,338 - $21,085
MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.3
Performance:7.1
Exterior:8.1
Interior:6.5
Safety:NA
Reliability:6.0

Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

Most reviewers agree that the new Tiburon looks hot. This year, the front and rear fascias have been reworked, along with the headlights, taillights, hood, front fenders, and exhaust tips. "Most of the new styling is on the front end, with projector headlights, a more muscular hood and the front fenders and grille area having a slightly more aerodynamic and sleek appearance," reports Kelley Blue Book. "Wedge-shaped, the silhouette is classic sports coupe."

Car and Driver explains, "The company has changed the looks of the car's front end from a kind of mini-Ferrari 456 to a Porsche-like appearance, and added styling flourishes including a side crease and accent strake, a rear under-bumper valence resembling a racing diffuser, a fairly prominent rear wing on SE models, and new split-spoke alloy wheels." Automotive.com decides, "The Hyundai Tiburon has nice, rakish lines," adding, "A crease on each side extends precipitously, from above the rear tire and slightly higher than the door handle, to a point on the front fascia below the headlamp. A crevice down by the rocker panel accentuates the slope of the crease. It's a lot of styling work to make the car look forward-leaning, but in the end it works."

The result, according to the Detroit News, is that the Tiburon "looks fast, even standing in the driveway." Velocity Journal puts it simply, saying, "Tiburon is a sharp-looking small coupe."

Review Last Updated: 7/10/08