Hyundai Tiburon: generations, engines, trims and what to check on a used one

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Hyundai Tiburon is a front-wheel-drive sport coupe sold in the US for the 1997–2008 model years. The first generation (1997–2001) used 1.8L and 2.0L fours. The second (2003–2008) offered a 138-hp 2.0L four or a 172-hp 2.7L V6, with a 6-speed manual on V6 models. EPA lists no 2002 Tiburon.

Type
Compact sport coupe, front-wheel drive
Price (MSRP)
$17,495–$22,995 (2008 MY) · 2008 MSRP including freight, from Hyundai's 2008 pricing release. Low = GS 2.0 manual, high = GT Limited automatic.[1]
Powertrains
Tiburon 2.0 (2003–2008), Tiburon 2.7 V6 (2003–2008), Tiburon 2.0 (1997–2001) · 138–172 hp
Current generation
Second generation, 2003–2008

Hyundai Tiburon engines, horsepower and mpg

Hyundai's 2003 press kit quoted 181 hp for the V6, but from 2004 Hyundai listed 172 hp at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm. The 2008 V6 is rated 17/24/20 mpg with the 5-speed manual or automatic. For 1997 EPA also lists a 1.8L four (19/27/22 mpg manual). Hyundai's output figures for first-generation engines could not be retrieved.

Hyundai Tiburon powertrains with Hyundai-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Tiburon 2.0 (2003–2008)Base 2.0 (2003–2004), GS (2005–2008)2.0L DOHC inline-4 (CVVT from 2005)[2][3][4][5][6]1381365-speed manual or 4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20/28/232008 MY[5]
Tiburon 2.7 V6 (2003–2008)GT, GT Limited, SE, GTV62.7L DOHC V6[7][2][4][8][9][10]1721815-speed or 6-speed manual, or 4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive16/24/192008 MY[9]
Tiburon 2.0 (1997–2001)2.0L inline-4[11][12][13]——5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive21/29/242001 MY[11]

Output is as rated by Hyundai; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Tiburon 2.0 vs 2.7 V6 (2008)

Hyundai output ratings and EPA mpg for the final model year.[4][1][5][6][8][9][10]

Tiburon 2.0 vs 2.7 V6 (2008)
2.0L four2.7L V6
Output138 hp / 136 lb-ft172 hp / 181 lb-ft
Transmissions5-speed manual, 4-speed auto5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 4-speed auto
EPA combined22–23 mpg19–20 mpg
2008 MSRP incl. freight$17,495–$18,595$20,395–$22,995
  • The V6 adds 34 hp and 45 lb-ft for about 3 mpg combined.
  • Only V6 cars (SE) offered the 6-speed manual.

Tiburon GS vs GT vs SE

For 2005–2008 cars, the trim tells you the engine.

Hyundai's 2006 release listed prices of $16,095 for the GS, $18,495 for the GT, $20,495 for the GT Limited and $20,995 for the SE.

  • GS: 2.0L four with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
  • GT and GT Limited: 2.7L V6 with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic; the GT Limited added a sunroof, beige leather and a 440-watt Infinity system.
  • SE: 2.7L V6 with a close-ratio 6-speed manual only, red brake calipers and extra gauges; from 2007 also stability control, cross-drilled rotors and track-tuned suspension.
  • [14][3][15]

What to check when buying a used Tiburon

Even the newest Tiburon is a 2008, so condition matters more than model year.

  • On a 2003 car that spent time in the salt belt, confirm recall 09V125: road salt can corrode and thin the front lower control arms until they crack.
  • On 2006–2008 cars, confirm recall 13V113 (stop lamp switch), which can stop the brake lights working and affect cruise control and the shift interlock.
  • Confirm which engine and gearbox it has: the 6-speed manual came only with the V6.
  • Expect EPA ratings of about 23 mpg combined for a 2.0 manual and 19–20 mpg for the V6.
  • [19][20][15][5][9]

What came before and after the Tiburon?

Hyundai's earlier two-door, the Scoupe, is listed by EPA for the 1991–1995 model years with a 1.5L four, including a turbo version for 1993–1995. After the 2008 Tiburon, Hyundai's next sport coupe was the rear-drive Genesis Coupe, which EPA lists from 2010.[21][22][5]

Hyundai Tiburon generations by year

Every US Hyundai Tiburon generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Second generation2003–20082.0L I4 (138 hp / 136 lb-ft); 2.7L V6 (172 hp / 181 lb-ft); 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual (V6) or 4-speed automaticFirst shown at the 2001 Frankfurt show and on sale in spring 2002 as a 2003 model. 2005 brought revised styling and new GS, GT and SE trims, with CVVT on the 2.0L. 2007 brought a further restyle, and the SE got stability control, cross-drilled rotors and track-tuned suspension. 2007 prices ran $16,595–$22,695 before $600 freight.[2][14][15][16][3][17]
First generation1997–20011.8L or 2.0L I4 (1997); 2.0L I4 (1998–2001); 5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticHyundai says it introduced the Tiburon in 1996 and revised the first-generation car in 2000 with sharper styling. EPA lists both a 1.8L and 2.0L for 1997 and only the 2.0L from 1998. EPA has no 2002 Tiburon; the second generation arrived as a 2003 model.[2][3][18][13][11]

More Tiburon research

See how a Tiburon was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Hyundai build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Hyundai build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Hyundai Tiburon sold?

In the US, EPA lists the Tiburon for the 1997–2001 and 2003–2008 model years. There was no 2002 model; the second generation went on sale in spring 2002 as a 2003.

How much horsepower does a Tiburon GT V6 have?

Hyundai rated the 2.7L V6 at 172 hp and 181 lb-ft from 2004 on. Its 2003 press kit quoted 181 hp.

Is the Hyundai Tiburon rear-wheel drive?

No. Every Tiburon is front-wheel drive. Hyundai's first rear-drive coupe was the Genesis Coupe.

Did the Tiburon come with a 6-speed manual?

Yes, on V6 models: the GTV6 package from 2003 and the SE from 2005. EPA also lists a 2.0L 6-speed manual for 2003.

What replaced the Hyundai Tiburon?

Hyundai's next sport coupes were the rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe, from 2010, and the front-drive Veloster, from 2012.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Hyundai for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Hyundai Motor America Announces 2008 Tiburon Pricing — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/19356-HYUNDAIMOTORAMERICAANNOUNCES2008TIBURONPRICING.txt)
  2. 2005 Hyundai Tiburon Sports Coupe (Sep. 21, 2004) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/20060-2005HYUNDAITIBURONSPORTSCOUPE.txt)
  3. The 2006 Hyundai Tiburon: The Perfect Blend of Excitement and Affordability (Sep. 29, 2005) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/18575-THE2006HYUNDAITIBURON:THEPERFECTBLENDOFEXCITEMENTANDAFFORDABILITY.txt)
  4. Shark Attack: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon Ready for the Street (Aug. 23, 2007) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/19083-SHARKATTACK%3A2008HYUNDAITIBURONREADYFORTHESTREET.txt)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2.0L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2.0L, 4-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. 2004 Tiburon (press kit) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/20200-2004TIBURON.txt)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2.7L V6, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2.7L V6, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. EPA fuel economy: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2.7L V6, 4-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2001 Hyundai Tiburon 2.0L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2001 Hyundai Tiburon 2.0L, 4-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. EPA fuel economy: 1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2.0L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  14. New 2005 Hyundai Tiburon Pricing Announced (Nov. 30, 2004) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/14710-NEW2005HYUNDAITIBURONPRICINGANNOUNCED.txt)
  15. New 2007 Hyundai Tiburon Pricing Announced (Dec. 8, 2006) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/17699-NEW2007HYUNDAITIBURONPRICINGANNOUNCED.txt)
  16. 2003 Tiburon (press kit) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/20216-2003Tiburon.txt)
  17. EPA fuel economy: 2003 Hyundai Tiburon 2.7L V6, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  18. EPA fuel economy: 1997 Hyundai Tiburon 1.8L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  19. Recall 09V125: Front Lower Control Arms Rusting — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 13V113: Stop Lamp Switch may Function Intermittently — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. EPA fuel economy listings: Hyundai Scoupe (1991–1995 model years) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  22. EPA fuel economy: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0L turbo, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Motor Company or Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai and the model names are trademarks of their owners.