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2008
Hyundai Tiburon

Starts at:
$17,270
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New 2008 Hyundai Tiburon
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe Man GS
    Starts at
    $17,270
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Auto GS
    Starts at
    $18,370
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Man GT
    Starts at
    $20,170
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Auto GT
    Starts at
    $21,270
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Man SE
    Starts at
    $22,620
    16 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Auto GT Limited
    Starts at
    $22,770
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Hyundai Tiburon

Notable features

Four-cylinder or V-6
Four airbags and ABS
Track-tuned SE version
Available electronic stability system

The good & the bad

The good

Lots of standard features
Sprightly acceleration with V-6
Long warranty
Appealing styling

The bad

No curtain airbags
High-speed handling
Clutch operation
Passenger space
Ride and road noise in SE

Expert 2008 Hyundai Tiburon review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Fresh off last year’s restyling, the Hyundai Tiburon has few changes for ’08. The sporty compact sits somewhere between a mild-mannered coupe — think Scion tC — and a genuine performance car, like the V-6 Mitsubishi Eclipse. As such, it roughly competes with both.

Hyundai’s sporty two-door was first offered in its current body style for 2003. The car received updated front and rear styling for 2005, and it did again for 2007. Top-of-the-line SE models also added an electronic stability system and upgraded brakes.

Upscale touches for the GT include automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the SE has a sport-tuned suspension and six-speed manual transmission.

Exterior
Styled in South Korea, the Tiburon coupe blends straight and curved lines in what Hyundai calls an effort to “emphasize vitality and strength.” The body features a high belt line and a short greenhouse, with a steeply raked windshield and back window. Tiburons are equipped with all-disc brakes, which feature larger, cross-drilled rotors on the SE model. A fully independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars is standard on all Tiburons.

Built on a 99.6-inch wheelbase, the Tiburon is 173 inches long overall. A deck-lid spoiler is mounted on the GT coupe, which has 17-inch alloy wheels. The SE model gets a high deck spoiler. The GS has standard 16-inch alloy wheels, but 17-inch wheels are available.

Interior
Up to four people can fit inside the Tiburon. Air conditioning, keyless entry, a CD stereo, and power windows, locks and mirrors are standard in all Tiburons. Automatic temperature control and cloth upholstery with leather bolsters are installed in the GT model. The seats in the GT feature red leather accents. Full leather seating is available. The SE coupe has aluminum pedals, metal-style trim, a trio of auxiliary gauges and a Kenwood CD/MP3 audio system. Cargo volume totals 14.7 cubic feet.

Under the Hood
Rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, the 2.7-liter V-6 teams with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission in GT models or a six-speed manual in the SE. The GS carries a 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that mates with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual.

Safety
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are standard. For 2007, the SE adds an electronic stability system. Side curtain airbags are not available.

Driving Impressions
The Tiburon’s shapely lines don’t quite translate to the sporty driving experience one might expect. In performance-oriented models, the ride is bouncy on rough pavement. Even though the car stays properly on course, it doesn’t impart a full sense of security.

Handling is good; the GT coupe steers easily and maneuvers with some nimbleness in corners. Stable on the highway, the Tiburon takes curves reasonably well, but it falls short of some rivals. Road and tire noise is prominent, but the engine — if anything — is too quiet for easy manual gear shifting.

The Tiburon’s seats are supportive. Legroom and elbow space are good, but headroom is meager.

2008 Hyundai Tiburon review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Fresh off last year’s restyling, the Hyundai Tiburon has few changes for ’08. The sporty compact sits somewhere between a mild-mannered coupe — think Scion tC — and a genuine performance car, like the V-6 Mitsubishi Eclipse. As such, it roughly competes with both.

Hyundai’s sporty two-door was first offered in its current body style for 2003. The car received updated front and rear styling for 2005, and it did again for 2007. Top-of-the-line SE models also added an electronic stability system and upgraded brakes.

Upscale touches for the GT include automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the SE has a sport-tuned suspension and six-speed manual transmission.

Exterior
Styled in South Korea, the Tiburon coupe blends straight and curved lines in what Hyundai calls an effort to “emphasize vitality and strength.” The body features a high belt line and a short greenhouse, with a steeply raked windshield and back window. Tiburons are equipped with all-disc brakes, which feature larger, cross-drilled rotors on the SE model. A fully independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars is standard on all Tiburons.

Built on a 99.6-inch wheelbase, the Tiburon is 173 inches long overall. A deck-lid spoiler is mounted on the GT coupe, which has 17-inch alloy wheels. The SE model gets a high deck spoiler. The GS has standard 16-inch alloy wheels, but 17-inch wheels are available.

Interior
Up to four people can fit inside the Tiburon. Air conditioning, keyless entry, a CD stereo, and power windows, locks and mirrors are standard in all Tiburons. Automatic temperature control and cloth upholstery with leather bolsters are installed in the GT model. The seats in the GT feature red leather accents. Full leather seating is available. The SE coupe has aluminum pedals, metal-style trim, a trio of auxiliary gauges and a Kenwood CD/MP3 audio system. Cargo volume totals 14.7 cubic feet.

Under the Hood
Rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, the 2.7-liter V-6 teams with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission in GT models or a six-speed manual in the SE. The GS carries a 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that mates with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual.

Safety
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are standard. For 2007, the SE adds an electronic stability system. Side curtain airbags are not available.

Driving Impressions
The Tiburon’s shapely lines don’t quite translate to the sporty driving experience one might expect. In performance-oriented models, the ride is bouncy on rough pavement. Even though the car stays properly on course, it doesn’t impart a full sense of security.

Handling is good; the GT coupe steers easily and maneuvers with some nimbleness in corners. Stable on the highway, the Tiburon takes curves reasonably well, but it falls short of some rivals. Road and tire noise is prominent, but the engine — if anything — is too quiet for easy manual gear shifting.

The Tiburon’s seats are supportive. Legroom and elbow space are good, but headroom is meager.

Safety review

Based on the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic
Remainder of the 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification
173-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 35 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.7
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.1
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • I would recommend anyone to look at the Tiburon A

    One of the best cars I’ve ever owned I recently put in a brand new suspension my mechanical me the suspension is better than brand-new and compliments on the car all the time it is a 2007 SE with the optional red leather interior and six speed I love the car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best Car I've Owned

    This car runs great. It drives very comfortably and has never given me any issues. I've owned it for 10 years and have never had an accident. It is very reliable, It is a great car!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nicest car I own

    The car performs awesome. Easy to drive and got a clean bill of health from my personal mechanic. I am so suprised as I have never purchased a foreign car before. It definatly changed my thinking!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best vehicle I have ever owned

    Even though my Tiburon is ten years old; it's reliable, comfortable, still has the power when I ask it, and still gets looks and comments. I think of her as my sexy, stylish (slightly) older woman-er- car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • A fast little car

    I absolutely love my Hyundai Tiburon GT! I got an amazing deal on it and am very thankful for the team of employees that put me in my car!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great, sporty little 6 cylinder

    This is a very reliable and sporty little car. Especially with the 6 cylinder engine. It's great for 2 people and a bunch of stuff in the back, but as you would expect the rear seats are small.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love It!

    I've had my 2008 Tiburon 5-speed since January of 2016. I bought it really cheap with a slipping clutch, grinding gears, and many other issues from 7 previous owners mistreating it. Since then I've replaced the transmission, clutch, pressure plate, and the simple components of the suspension. It's definitely not the fastest or best performing car, but it's definitely styled right and turns heads with just halos and aftermarket wheels. By far one of my favorite cars I've owned. Great on gas mileage, I average about 28-31mpg every fill up. It's approaching 200k miles, but I definitely see it lasting as long as I stay in love with it. Overall, it's a fun, cheap project (after the major repairs required in my case, of course)!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • MOST STYLISH ,YET HIGH MILEAGE CAR

    HYUNDAI IS GOOD ON MILEAGE , RELIABLE, PARTS AREN'T EXPENSIVE ND COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. I WISH TO OWN MORE OF THEM SOON.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car ever

    I love it great on gas very reliable very clean runs as If it were brand new would recommend it to anyone great on trips always get stares
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great First Car

    The Tiburon GT Limited was an excellent choice for a first year car. It had great styling and good gas mileage. In 6 years of ownership, it never let me down.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fun to zip around town in

    I love my Tiburon sporty and great in the snow -- a lot of plastic parts had to be replaced like the door handles -- trunk Hydraulic lifts --and there is no cruise control weird things but love to drive it
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Reliable & Fun

    Owned the 2.7 GT. Not a ton of power but due to the weight of the car, it's quick. Handles well. Not the best in the rain, however. Interior is pretty basic. Stock stereo system was great.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Hyundai dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon?

The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon is available in 4 trim levels:

  • GS (2 styles)
  • GT (2 styles)
  • GT Limited (1 style)
  • SE (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon?

The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon reliable?

The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2008 Hyundai Tiburon owners.

Is the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon. 85.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 35 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.7
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.4
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