Sat 1 May 2010
The Hyundai Tiburon – A Shark Tale
Posted by Niki under Automotive Articles , History of Cars[14] Comments
The Introduction
The sporty body style of the Hyundai Tiburon, which means shark in Spanish, certainly reminds one of its sleek and maneuverable namesake.
Whatever you call it (it’s also known as the Hyundai Coupe in Europe and the Hyundai Tuscani in Asia) the series has been successful in each of the three main markets it is sold in.
Since its introduction as Hyundai’s entrance into the sports-car market the base series has changed with the times, adjusting the body style, interior, engine, and assorted accessories to the ever changing needs of Tiburon owners.
The First Generation
1996-1998 – Hyundai Tiburon RD
The 1996 Hyundai Tiburon RD base model introduced the series with the choice of a 1.6 or 1.8 liter engine, manual 5-speed transmission, and a 14.2 US gallon gas tank.
In 1998, the engine was upgraded to a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and equipped with optional ABS, sunroof, and 2 airbags.
1999-2001 – Hyundai Tiburon RD2
The engine stayed the same in the 1999 Tiburon, but the body style changed to a sleeker and more aerodynamic design, and a CD player became a standard option.
In 2000 the Hyundai Tiburon got a facelift. The nose style was changed, fog lamps were added, the rear and front bumpers were redesigned, and it got a new tail. Power widows, all-disk brakes, and 15” alloy wheels all became standard options as well.
For 2001 the interior was vamped up with a metal styled trim, adjustable bucket seats, a more durable dash, and new engine mounts.
Hyundai did not produce a model in 2002.
The Second Generation
2003-2004 – Hyundai Tiburon GK
The start of the second generation gave the 2003 Tiburon larger dimensions, an overall restyling, and an optional v6 engine. Front side airbags became standard and Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were added as options.
Hyundai gave the Tiburon another facelift in 2004 and changed up the lineup of the GS, GT, and SE models, making each model distinct in body style, interior, and available options.
2005-2006 – Hyundai Tiburon GK F/L
In 2005 the SE model got half-leather seats, and the GT and GS got twin exhausts and leather seats added as standard options.
The air filter resonator that was located behind the left fender was removed in the 2006 base model. The headlights were reworked, changing the clear light covers to sleeker smoke hued ones, and the tail-lights were redesigned. Also, Regatta Blue was added to the available color scheme.
2007-2008 – Hyundai Tiburon GK F/L2
The model for 2007 introduced a more aggressive grille and headlight design, added a 17 inch alloy wheel, and the rear light cluster became more refined by adding a chrome trim. A seat memory system was also added – taking away the need to readjust it each every time someone gets out of the backseat.
New equipment highlights, like Satellite Radio, and a Kenwood stereo system were added as standard options to the 2008 Tiburon. It was rated five stars for driver protection in accidents with frontal impacts, and four stars for front passenger protection. The Tiburon was discontinued after this model.
Pros and Cons
The Hyundai Tiburon series consistently received praise from reviewers for its sporty bad-boy look, economical price, low repair costs, and overall safety.
Some of the 2003-2006 models have had clutch and alignment issues. Also, because of its front-wheel drive configuration, it ranks low among its competitors in the same class in terms of performance. To the aspiring race car driver, that may be a problem, but that’s not likely the case for the average car owner.
May 1st, 2010 at 11:44 pm
the quality of Hyundai is acceptable.
i have a Hyundai car and has used 3 years.
there are no any maintain record.
May 18th, 2010 at 6:49 am
The Tiburon has changed so much throughout its lifespan, but it is definitely for the better.
Today it is one of the sleekest looking cars on the road that you don’t have to give up the shirt on your back just to finance.
Yes it may have front wheel drive but for those of you who deal with winter conditions, it will handle better than its rear-wheel competitors.
Great handling and low maintenance, accompanied with great options, economical price and high safety standards make the Tiburon a choice pick.
June 2nd, 2010 at 11:28 pm
I just equipped my Hyundai Tiburon with under car neon lights. It is amazing. There are many ways to dress up our cars. The powerful HIDs have helped many times on my long night drives.
July 1st, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Hyundai makes a great vehicle. I haven’t tested the Tiburon yet but had the pleasure of riding in a Genesis, and I thought I was in a BMW. The ride is so quiet and smooth. Considering what a nice vehicle it is and such a fantastic warranty, I may consider one for my next vehicle purchase.
August 28th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Today it is one of the sleekest looking cars on the road that you don’t have to give up the shirt on your back just to finance.
September 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
I have a 2006 gs and im trying to raise the horsepower with aftermarket performance parts but i have a question. when i go to look up the part or go to order, some parts put the fit as a gk 2.0L instead of the gs 2.0L. Is there a difference between the two or are they the same but have a different title through the market. i just want to make sure i dont order a part thinking its for my gs and it happen to be for a completely different trim or model of the car.
October 20th, 2010 at 5:09 am
@PATib
Interesting question, you might want to consider asking this at one of the Hyundai forums, you can probably get your answer there. Here are a couple to try.
Hyundai Forum
Hyundai Performance
April 6th, 2011 at 4:16 am
Nice car….I think red color are good fit on this car. thanks for sharing great post.
May 4th, 2011 at 2:49 am
The shape and look of this car really looks like a shark. The car looks awesome in black color.
May 30th, 2011 at 4:38 am
The shape look like as shark. The body style, interior, engine is really good.
June 8th, 2011 at 2:03 am
The sporty body style of the Hyundai Tiburon, which means shark in Spanish. nice looks, the wheels, shape, size, color is really good. Thanks for sharing
August 2nd, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Car look awesome. the shape and look this cars is like a shark. back color is very suitable for this car.
August 4th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
A good car i really like the structure of the car, and the history of the Hyundai and about it model it is nicely specified in your post.I like your post as a good information is given about all the vehicles in this blog.
August 8th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
this car really look like black shark. I just like its design and looks. Stunning interiors are the plus points of this car.