2003 Hyundai Tiburon ( GT V6 and Base Styles)

lngtonge18

Woah now. You're calling the Tib's V6 inefficient? Have you looked at the EPA ratings for the Focus SVT? It's quite the opposite. The SVT has a very inefficient four cylinder. The Tib V6 gets 19/26 with a 5 speed and 20/26 with an automatic compared to 21/25 for the SVT. You must admit that's pitiful mileage for that "little four cylinder". Here's another thing to consider: The SVT is already tuned out to the max in engine power. Only a turbo or supercharger could get any more power and the Zetec can't handle a lot of boost. The Tib, on the other hand, has room to be tuned further without major surgery, and it's already almost a second faster to 60 mph then the SVT. Hyundai may not have the most reliable cars in the world but they are climbing amazingly fast and have already surpassed the American makes.

muffin_man

"already surpasse the American makes"

That is much too broad of a statement for me to agree with.

jocko9

Are you really William Clay Ford? LOL. Must be, either that or some desperate Ford salesman.

jocko9

to say "already surpasses MANY American makes", it would be entirely accurate.

pghtiburon

I own a 2001 Tiburon and one of the primary reasons I bought it was the unique pastel yellow color.

I'm disappointed in the color selection of the '03 version, but I notice that the Tiburon in other countries (Australia, Korea, much of Europe) offer several other colors...including shades of Yellow and Green.

Does anyone know if Hyundai will offer more color choices for '04?

u4eahh779

Last time I wrote about my new 2003 Hyundai Tiburon, I only had one complaint. Now I wish I had never wasted 20 grand on this obvious POS. I first had the motor replaced in the sunroof about a month ago. Since then it has stopped working twice - the second time just today.

To top it all off, the check engine light has been on for two weeks. The dealership told me to make sure my gas cap was on tight and "drive around for a couple of days until the light turns off."

My last car, a 97 Ford Aspire (and I normally hate Fords), never once had to be brought into the shop, but I have had to bring my 03 Hyundai in three times this month!

I do not know if all of Hyundai's cars are like the lemon mine turned out to be, but it seems the people of Hyundai give so much attention to the outer appearance of their cars, that they just fill the inside with junk.

They should use their own tactics for stealing the exterior design from other cars, and put something of quality INTO the car. Take a cue from the Eclipse or the Camaro.

beesenitch

If those are the only things wrong...consider yourself lucky.

Sunroof motors go ALL the time no matter what vehicle you have.

And if the check engine light is on...yes, it would be annoying...but if nothing is actually wrong with the engine then what is the problem?

Trust me, you do not have a P.O.S.

u4eahh779

To answer your question...

I have had the car for less than 1 month. The first day I drove it, the sunroof broke, two weeks later it broke again, one week after that it broke again.

The problem? Oh.... I don't know. Maybe bringing a brand new car into the dealership and back (35 miles away) three different times.

Don't get me wrong, I have never actually owned a new car before, but I suspect they are not ALL like this - at least I am hoping so (with a company like Hyundai, however, I've learned you can never be too sure).

Also, many problems can result from electrical shortages - which is the problem my car is currently having.

Given, the actual engine still runs, but without electricity the car may not even start, so it is probably best that I do worry about this.

Bottom line, a brand new 2003 20+ grand car should not be giving anyone headaches.

charliemike

It could be worse. I visit the Acura CL board a lot and there are people who spent $32k (with Navigation) on there that have had two and three transmissions replaced on cars with less than 20k miles ...

All cars have problems ... I'm sorry you happened to get a bad copy of the Tiburon. I have a 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 with 104k miles that has been flawless (except for the brakes but that's a design flaw, and even then I can't complain as I got 80k miles out of them). I've known other ZX2 owners that hate their cars and would never get another Ford because of it. *shrug* Maybe things will get better when those two gremlins get fixed.

boomn29

Yes, but I've heard a LOT of stories about Hyundai vehicles. A guy I knew had the 1st generation Tib and he drove a rental car more than it because it was always in the shop. That shy's be away fromt he company.

jocko9

The first generation Tibs were like many Hyundai's from the mid '90's, not particularly good.

As Charliemike stated, you can cite anecdotal evidence of car problems from every manufacturer. Hell, my brother said he will never buy another Mercedes after the last one he purchased had so much trouble.

Such is life with just about all vehicles, individual cars from every line come up with unexpected problems. I bought a new 1997 Pontiac GTP with the supercharged engine when it first came out. Never had a serious problem with it. Then I had a friend that liked mine so he decided to by a new 1998 GTP, he had so many glitches and problems with that car that he unloaded it after a year. I mean cars are machines, and they all experience mechanical or other problems for that reason, and because they are designed and built by humans, who as we all know are less than perfect.

iluvmysephia1

the old Tibby's. I think it looks more bold and more aggressive. If it's lowered and mods are done it looks stunning and, although not the fastest sports car out there(because of it's weight)it is the best looking sports car. Looks like a more refined and respectable race-sports car compared to the older, quirky looking Tiburons. Tell me people don't just form OTHER people's opinions about a car. This is what's helped keep Toyota and Honda at the top for way too long.

boomn29

Where are these cars made. Isn't it like Korea or something?

lngtonge18

Yes, the Tiburon is made in Korea, just like every other Hyundai. Hyundai does have plans to build a US factory soon in Alabama though.

jocko9

What's your point?

tibgirl

Hey everyone!! I just purchased a '03 Tibby about two months ago and absolutely love it. The only problem... the moonroof has gone bad twice since I got it. My dealership obviously had no idea how to fix it after the first time they replaced the motor, but they told me that another guy had cranked his open with his hand crank and it has worked ever since. So I tried it myself, and guess what? It works, and has for a month. If you're having trouble, just hold the open button down while you hand crank it and it should work!

mxh5891

I was wondering what the GT V6 auto transmission with the 16 inch tires is like in the snow. I live in an area where it can snow alot and was just wondering how it handled the snow.

boomn29

I don't think I'd wanna pay 20k and have to live with a broken sunroof. Warranty should cover it, take it in!

tibgirl

I did take it in...twice. Obviously they don't know how to fix it because it after the second time it broke the Hyundai service department said they didn't know what to tell me. So it was worth the five minutes I took to fix it myself than have to drive it back and forth to the dealer every time it broke. I've opened it 3 dozen times and it is fine, where before it would break after two or three openings. I was just trying to be helpful to anyone who was also having trouble with the dealerships being able to fix them.

apocalypse13

my wife just purchased a 03 tib v-6 at....she owned a 00 tib prior and sold it to her parents who loved the car. in my opinion there is no comparison between the 2. i liked the 00 but i love the 03. the looks alone would get me to buy this car but after driving it...the v-6 has a ton of low end power for that extra zip from the traffic light or for merging onto the highway. with that comes a bit of torque steer but once you get used to it no big deal....the ride is a little harsh and i only have the 16in wheels, i would like to upgrade to 17 but how much harsher of a ride will they be? and why can't you get the 17's with an automatic tranny, not even an option.....after 2 weeks still no problem with the moonroof, but after reading the posts here i'm worried. one problem i've found is a leak in the seal where the hatch meets the roof and is dripping right into the new leather back seat. i haven't yet brought it into the dealer so i'm not sure if this is a common problem....somebody mentioned it would be nice to have a button on the remote for the hatch and i agree but after no remote keyless at all on the 00 i'm just happy to have any remote...a few others complained about head room. i'm 5'10 and have no problem with head room although and with the cd holder on the visor visibility is a little limited but not horribly so. i have a 500 mile trip to nj from mass and back this weekend and after i'll let everybody know what i think of it over a long haul.

jmatero

Just so you know, Hyundai screwed up the HP rating on the V6... it's listed as 182 but it is really only 170

boomn29

Aren't they advertising 181? Not 182 or 170??? Are they going to put out some kinda kit like they did with the 2001 Cobra's or what?

homer399

I read that there is a problem with headroom in the 2003 tiburon. How much of a problem is it? I'm 6"2 and if head room is a problem i may have to go another direction. Also i was wondering if anyone had seen any nice kits for the 2003 tiburon. I haven't seen any yet so i was wondering if anyone else has. and what is the actual horsepower?

iluvmysephia1

of the base 2003 Tiburon model but I'm only 5'10". As far as kits for the 2003 Tiburon(and for anything else about the new Tiburon)may I suggest a website: newtiburon.com. You'll find lots of new Tiburon owners there who will answer *any* question you may have. Try this link:

http://www.newtiburon.com/

revka

that some of you may find interesting: Eclipse or Tiburon? Perhaps you can help tharl make up his mind.... Thanks for your participation. ;-)

Revka

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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

iluvmysephia1

they are modifying a 2003 Tiburon GT6. The magazine writer's test model had just had the Tein SuperStreet coilovers put on. Sweet! Take a look at the magazine if you like this great looking new sports car from Hyundai. With this suspension you'll be able to turn a screw and get 16 separate settings of riding comfort(or relative discomfort!). The finished picture has the silver GT6 sitting next to a competitor(a WRX).

jc58

Has anyone driven the Tib in snow yet? How do they handle without traction control?

jocko9

I thought the Cougar was discontinued by Ford Motors? I might be wrong about that though but I thought for sure I read that somewhere.

jc58

Have dealers started to finally come down on the Tiburon? I received a quote of $18,000, plus T/T/L for a V-6 automatic model ( red) with moonroof. The sticker is $19,893, so based on the Edmunds pricing guide, this is below invoice. This is also a lot below the TMV figure reflected for the car ( $18,969)

I do not see any incentive listed so the only thing I can think of is that buying 4 cars (Santa Fe LX AWD/Sonata GLS and an Accent plus a used one) there in the last 2 years helped!

Does anyone feel they might add any incentives around Christmas time on the Tiburon, since the economy is down and most people will be shopping for things other than cars? Or maybe some special rebates for those of us owning Hyundais, due to the horsepower issue? Want to get one for the little lady, but she wants to keep expenses as low as possible.

jimbeaumi

Cougar is indeed discontinued, but there are probably a few leftovers, as with any 2002 models.

mauvas

Does anyone know if we are going to see a convertible Tib any soon? If so, does anyone have pictures of the concept car? I mean, based in the actual 03 Tib, not the convertible concept they presented in Detroit last year...

iluvmysephia1

at least until late 2003. I saw an update from Import Racer magazine tonight on his 2003 Hyundai Tiburon GTV6 project car. He now has 18 inch wheels, Tien SuperStreet coilovers, a wicked looking side body kit and he just had an Alpine Development supercharger kit installed to the tune of $2900. The kit enables the Tib to produce 50 more hp and 38 more foot/pounds of torque. He said that it's acceleration is awesome now and when you figure the Tibby already posesses great handling and steering you know that this Tiburon is a fun ride. I still am keeping the Tiburon on my short list for my next car. He says he is getting the silver Tiburon ready for the SEMA show at Las Vegas coming up shortly in Las Vegas. Humm...wasn't that show already held in November sometime? Anyway you can read about in the Jan.'03 issue of Import Racer magazine. It's a great read if you want to follow this guy along the trail of modifying his 2003 Hyundai Tiburon GTV6.

skubes

My teenage son has pretty much convinced us to buy a 2003 Tiburon. But after I test drove it I am very concerned about visibility over the driver's left shoulder to see cars in the left rear quarter blind spot. There seems to be NO visibility to me! The headrest and pillar block it completely. Test drove the Eclipse and it has the same problem. I may be a boring old parent, but how do people drive these things - how do you safely merge left onto freeways, etc??

iluvmysephia1

mirrors on your current rig, or most all of the rigs you've owned, the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon is one to start on! I've test drove two base model 2003 Tiburons and I noted the very same thing you're talking about right away. While you're stopped, move your side mirrors around to get the best angle. The way the side swoops down on this beautiful sports car does not enable easy blind spot viewing, true. The mirrors do stick out enough, though, for you to see along each side of the Tibby. I would suggest practicing a bit first though. Anybody have any suggestions on safely seeing around the blind spots on the new Hyundai Tiburon model?

stshane

Apocalypse13, I have had the same problem with the hatch seal leaking, but it only occurs when there is extremely heavy rain. I don't know if it is just the seal or just poor dissipation of the pooled water.
As for those people having trouble merging.. the Tiburon has side view mirrors that are mounted much differently than most cars. The mirrors sprout from behind where the A-pillar connects and are very large. Hyundai designed them this way because of the poor rearward visibility. I have found the Tiburon's mirrors to work fine and don't have much more of a blind spot than in my winter car ('91 Nissan Sentra with excellent visibility). Too many people have their side-view mirrors set wrong, which leads to a larger blind spot. When I set my mirrors, I don't see any of the car in them. Maybe a touch of the rear, but I try to get the mirror positioned so that I am able to see an object when I glance over my shoulder if I can't see it in the mirror. Again, too many people like to see behind their car with their side view mirrors.. This is why you have a rear-view mirror (appropriately named) on the windshield on your car. The Tiburon's merging potential is not much worse than any other "sporty" car with a highly-raked belt line.
Hope this helps!
Own-- 2003 Super Silver Tiburon GT-V6, 5-speed, 17" wheels, 6K miles(stored for winter)

revka

"Factoring in the cars satisfying performance, high level of fit and finish and a strong warranty, wed bet that Hyundais new shark will have no problem taking a healthy bite out of the sport coupe market."



Read the complete story here. And let us know what you think!

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

5port

May I suggest you recheck your horsepower figures for base and GT Tib:

       Wrong / Correct

Base: 140.......135

GT: 181..........170

revka

Hi 5port- Feel free to submit any comments/feedback regarding hp to our editorial department. Here's a feedback form you can use. Thanks.

Revka
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revka

Please share what you paid in our Hyundai Tiburon: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion. Thanks for your participation!
 
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5port

I filled out the form and sent it.

It was a good review. My observations:

Braking is a little long for its class(abs or not)

0-60 is a little slow for this class.

Car is a bit heavy.

In the end though...looks make up for all. THE Hyundai to lust for.

JG
01 EGT

revka

Just a reminder that if you don't own the photo, we ask that you please just post a hyper-link to the photo, instead of embedding it directly into the message. Please note: Our Town Hall Member Agreement forbids postings that might "infringe in any manner on the copyright, trademark or intellectual property rights of any person or other entity."

Feel free to email me (revka@edmunds.com) if you have any questions regarding this policy; please do not address this with me here. Thanks!

And now, back to the subject of the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon!
  
Revka

mauvas

I've just added a new forum about the Tiburon Convertible, just in case we want to centralize all the comments and to show all the interest in this new vehicle. As Iluvmysephia1 has pointed out, the concept car is plenty of innovations for the roof solution. Already there are some pictures available around the web.

Pictures can be seen here:

http://www.ciudad.com.ar/online3/00000000000090361.jpg
http://img.interia.pl/motoryzacja/nimg/moto365840.jpg

Also from Kia, a cabrio prototype:
http://img.interia.pl/motoryzacja/nimg/moto368885.jpg
http://img.interia.pl/motoryzacja/nimg/moto368887.jpg
http://img.interia.pl/motoryzacja/nimg/moto368889.jpg

c18sel_dohc

Korean people are proud of Tiburon(Tuscani) just like Skyline GTR of Japanese people.. Tiburon fans think it has very large potential so they tune it hardly..!!
Several weeks ago, "La-seng", a Tiburon V6 owner gave challenges to Silvia S15 Spec-R and Lancer evo TME.. To see the Down-hill battle, more than 100 sportcar owners (even Ferrari,Porsche) went to Mt.Jung-mi BUT.. "La-seng" didn't appear..-_-;;
In my oppinion, Tiburon V6 is very nice coupe in terms of its PRICE.. BUT It can't be GTR..!! Some owners in Korea who doesn't recogniz this fact, make their Lovely Tiburons and even the other owners fools..
Anyway, Thank u everybody for being concerned about Korean cars..!!
.
P.S : This is my car.. Daewoo Prince FR Sedan.. It has a Holden(GM) engine..
http://www.familyoum.com/~haelhere/zboard/data/eoulsure/Prince_02- - .jpg
http://www.familyoum.com/~haelhere/zboard/data/eoulsure/Prince_03- .JPG

iluvmysephia1

tuning much at all. I like how it comes stock from Hyundai's factory. The 2.7-litre V6 is the same basic engine in the Sante Fe and Sonata, but has a unique ``non-twist'' crankshaft casing to improve reliability and overall refinement. What's more it also has a stylish new body that is longer, wider and heavier than the model it replaces. However, Hyundai claims to have improved the car's torsional rigidity by 20 per cent and its bending stiffness by a massive 60 per cent, which means better safety and handling. Smart, eh? Less horses produced coupled by more torsional rigidity and a little heavier body means a compromise of top-end speed through the higher gears. An engine needing refining...or does it? When you gather together how and why this car is engineered the way it is you understand it's limitations. To me, they're not limitations at all...I mean, we've got enough moronic road-racers in this nation as it is. Take some more downers people, I mean really! I'd like to make it home for the SuperSonic's game. GT V6 owners have been getting anywhere from 16.6 to 20, 25 mpg....I've even heard of people getting 30mpg in their 2003 Hyundai Tiburon GT V6. I don't think that bit of input was very scientific-I tend to not believe it. However, I am very impressed with this vehicle from many different angles. I'm interested in those new colors for 2004, that I am. Rally Red remains my fave.

revka

Because the Hyundai Tiburon traffic has not been very active on this board, we're going to close this discussion and continue this subject in our ongoing Hyundai Tiburon Experiences & Information. To iluvmysephia1 & c18sel_dohc - Please feel free to copy/paste your recent messages into that discussion. ;-)

We also have new Hyundai Tiburon: Prices Paid discussion for those that would like to share their recent purchase experiences. Thanks for your participation.

 
Revka
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