2005 Hyundai Terracan CRDi review from Costa Rica

Nothing has gone wrong with this car.

I bought this new 2006 Terracan with a 2.9 liter diesel engine and automatic transmission in 2005. It now has 20,000 km on it and so far it has been perfect. Other than oil changes and tire rotations, it has required no service.

Performance has been totally satisfactory for my use in rural Costa Rica. The ride is a bit harsh on our very bumpy road, but on decent pavement and at highway speed it is just fine.

The diesel engine is giving us 18 - 21 miles per gallon. It starts immediately in this warm climate and provides all the power we can use.

The transmission is smooth. Shifts are almost imperceptible.

The car came with seating for seven, but the two seats in what is really the rear cargo compartment are not fit for anyone, but small children. They are more of a nuisance than an asset. We removed them for good in the first week of ownership.

Steering is the best I have ever experienced. Not only is the mechanism tight and predictable, but the tilt wheel position is comfortable and still allows the instrument panel to be visible.

Suspension and brakes have left nothing to be desired.

The "fold-up/fold-down" second row seats fold against the back of the front seats. That leaves a large cargo area, but compared to other SUVs, it is primitive. The seats should fold flat into the floor which would leave still more cargo space.