A Comprehensive Review of the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon: A Stylish and Affordable Sports Coupe
The 2007 Hyundai Tiburon, also known as the Hyundai Coupe in some markets, represents a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable and stylish sports coupe. With its sharp design, solid build quality, and a reasonable price tag, the Tiburon has attracted a loyal fan base. This review delves into the key aspects of the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon, including its design, performance, interior features, and overall value.
Design and Exterior
One of the standout features of the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon is its distinctive design. The car’s sleek and aggressive appearance is characterized by its low-slung profile, angular headlights, and a sporty front fascia. The updated styling for 2007 introduced a more refined look with revised headlights, a reshaped front bumper, and new taillights, giving the Tiburon a more modern and cohesive aesthetic.
The Tiburon’s coupe body style, with its flowing lines and muscular stance, conveys a sense of speed even when stationary. It’s a design that has aged well, maintaining a contemporary appeal even years after its release. The availability of a range of vibrant exterior colors, combined with optional rear spoilers and alloy wheels, further enhances the car’s visual appeal.
Performance and Handling
The 2007 Hyundai Tiburon offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-four engine and a more powerful 2.7-liter V6 engine. The 2.0-liter engine produces 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque, which provides adequate performance for daily driving and good fuel efficiency. However, the real excitement comes with the 2.7-liter V6, which delivers 172 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
While the V6 engine isn’t the most powerful in its class, it provides a noticeable boost in performance compared to the base engine. The Tiburon V6 accelerates briskly, and the engine produces a satisfying growl under hard acceleration. The car’s five-speed manual transmission, which comes standard with both engines, offers a direct and engaging driving experience. For those preferring an automatic, a four-speed transmission is available, though it lacks the same level of driver involvement.
In terms of handling, the Tiburon strikes a balance between sporty responsiveness and everyday comfort. The suspension is tuned to provide a firm but not overly harsh ride, making it suitable for both spirited driving and longer journeys. The car’s front-wheel-drive layout limits its ultimate performance potential compared to rear-wheel-drive competitors, but it also makes the Tiburon more predictable and easier to handle, especially for less experienced drivers.
Interior and Features
Inside, the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon features a driver-focused cockpit with a blend of sporty and practical design elements. The cabin is well-constructed, with materials and fit-and-finish that exceed what you might expect at this price point. The seats are supportive and comfortable, offering good lateral support during cornering, which adds to the car’s sporty character.
The dashboard layout is simple and intuitive, with easy-to-read gauges and logically placed controls. The center console houses the audio and climate control systems, which are straightforward and user-friendly. The Tiburon comes with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD player with an MP3-compatible audio system.
For those seeking additional comfort and convenience, the higher trim levels offer features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a premium Infinity sound system. The interior space is adequate for a coupe, with front passengers enjoying ample legroom and headroom. The rear seats, however, are best suited for shorter trips or smaller passengers, as space is limited.
Safety and Reliability
The 2007 Hyundai Tiburon comes equipped with a decent array of safety features for its time. Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). While stability control was not available, the car’s predictable handling and braking performance provide a reassuring sense of control.
In terms of reliability, the Tiburon has a solid reputation. Hyundai’s warranty coverage was among the best in the industry, with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. This generous warranty added to the Tiburon’s appeal, giving buyers confidence in their purchase.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a consideration for many sports coupe buyers, and the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon delivers respectable numbers, especially with the base 2.0-liter engine. The four-cylinder model achieves around 20-22 mpg in the city and 28-30 mpg on the highway. The V6 model, while more powerful, is slightly less efficient, with fuel economy figures in the range of 18-20 mpg city and 26-28 mpg highway. These figures are competitive for the class and make the Tiburon a reasonable choice for those who want sporty looks without sacrificing too much at the pump.
Value for Money
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon is its value for money. At its price point, the Tiburon offers a blend of style, performance, and features that is hard to match. It provides an entry into the sports coupe market without the high costs typically associated with such vehicles. For budget-conscious buyers who still want a car with a sporty character and good build quality, the Tiburon is an attractive option.
Conclusion
The 2007 Hyundai Tiburon is a stylish and affordable sports coupe that offers a lot for the money. Its eye-catching design, decent performance, and well-appointed interior make it a compelling choice for those looking to stand out without breaking the bank. While it may not be the fastest or most powerful car in its segment, the Tiburon delivers a well-rounded driving experience that is both enjoyable and practical.
For anyone in the market for a used sports coupe with a strong balance of style, performance, and value, the 2007 Hyundai Tiburon remains a worthy contender. Its enduring appeal, combined with Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and excellent warranty coverage, ensures that the Tiburon continues to be a smart choice for drivers seeking an affordable yet engaging driving experience.
