2005 Hyundai Tiburon Trims and Specs

New this year is a base version of the front-wheel drive 2005 Hyundai Tiburon sports coupe. The GS features the same fully independent suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels as the GT, but it houses a 2.0-liter, 138-hp DOHC I4 under its hood, matched to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed shiftable automatic. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, but ABS is not offered. Dual front airbags earn four and five stars in crash tests. The 2005 Tiburon GS features new updates to the front and rear end, along with new mirrors, foglights, dual exhaust pipes, and a sporty new horizontal indentation.

Standard equipment includes full power features, heated mirrors, intermittent wipers, a CD player, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, security system, and a rear spoiler. Cruise control, a CD changer, and a sunroof can be added. The front bucket seats are adequately roomy, but the rear seats are not comfortable for adults. The trunk does hold up to 14.7 cubic feet and can be expanded with the rear seats folded down. Drivers are impressed by the acceleration in the 2005 Tiburon GS, and praise its handling and quiet ride. The 22/30 mpg is also decent for a sports coupe. The main complaint is the small backseat and a desire for more features.

More power and more features are added this year to the 2005 Hyundai Tiburon GT, along with revised head and taillights, new mirrors, sleeker foglights, a more subtle grille, and an indented horizontal line along both sides. Powered by a 2.7-liter, 172-hp DOHC V6 with 181 lb-ft of low-end torque, the front-wheel drive sports coupe rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and a fully independent suspension. Dual front-side airbags are standard, and 4-wheel ABS is offered on the 2006 Tiburon GT, unlike the base model. The stronger engine means less gas mileage, and the coupe is rated at 19/26 mpg.

Upgrading from the GS, the 2005 Tiburon GT adds cruise control, automatic climate control, and leather wheel and shifter trim. Other standard features include power windows, locks, and mirrors, heated mirrors, a security system, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, keyless entry, CD player, and dual exhaust. A larger rear spoiler decorates the back deck. A sunroof is available on the GT, and you can also get sporty leather seats. Drivers mention the poor fuel economy, some rear blind spots, and the lack of leg and headroom as negatives for the 2005 Tiburon GT. But the fun driving experience, good V6 power, responsive handling, and surprising 14.7 cubic foot trunk space all at an affordable price keeps owners happy.

Last year it was an option package, but this year the 2005 Hyundai Tiburon SE is its own trim offering, the sportiest version of the two-door, front-wheel drive sports coupe. A 2.7-liter DOHC V6 gets 172-hp and 181 lb-ft of torque and is the only trim to come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Like the GT, it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and has dual front-side airbags, but it also features standard ABS brakes. It also wears a larger rear spoiler than the GT.

Standard equipment includes leather trim, power features, cruise control, intermittent front and rear wipers, a security system, foglights, remote entry, tilt steering wheel, and heated mirrors. The 2005 Tiburon SE also includes a CD/MP3 player and aluminum pedals, and a sunroof is available. Rear seats split-fold 50/50 to expand the 14.7 cubic-foot trunk, but the backseat is not suitable for adults. Drivers praise the great V6 power and tight handling, along with the overall style which catches envious eyes. Complaints mention the cramped backseat and noticeable torque steer.