2004 Hyundai Tiburon Review

The 2004 Hyundai Tiburon GT V6 benefits from a re-tuned exhaust for a more aggressive sound a few more horses. The V6 delivers good acceleration performance with strong torque for flexible drivability around town. Tiburon GT's handling is fully competitive for the class. A retuned suspension and wider tires further sharpen the handling for 2004, and the interior gets some nice upgrades. The four-cylinder engine that comes with the base Tiburon also gets a slight boost in power, improved drivability, and reduced emissions, all benefits of a new variable-valve cylinder head.

Compelling pricing makes the Tiburon an attractive proposition. The Tiburon starts at less than $17,000. A Tiburon GT V6 absolutely loaded with leather seats, sunroof, an Infinity audio system, ABS, and a special six-speed gearbox retails for $21,597. A comparably equipped Mitsubishi Eclipse V6 (with a ropey five-speed) lists for $25,667. A six-speed Toyota Celica GTS with all the goodies lists for $23,915 and a V6 isn't available.

Hyundai has emerged the past few years to produce attractive cars with performance and panache. The quality of its products has improved tremendously in the past few years, according to the respected quality gurus at J. D. Power and Associates. Hyundai offers the best warranty in the business: 5 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.