2005 Hyundai Tucson GLS from North America - Comments

Gas mileage isnt that great.

4 cylinder is not worth it. Get the v6.

Could use some more HP and a larger engine (3.5 liters or so).

First thing you notice is that it is a very comfortable ride - feels more like driving a sedan than an actual SUV.

Steering is very smooth and taking turns are perfect due the ESP system. There is hardly any "wobbly" feeling when ever you take a turn. Has the best handling I've seen on any vehicle.

You do not have the cramped in feeling like the Santa Fe or other SUVs.

Has all the options you would want in an SUV all in one very affordable package.

Accelerating and braking is very smooth.

Easily switch to 4wd by pushing a button.

Back seat folds downward to provide a tons of rooms for storage.

It's quite heavy (3500) so you don't seem to want to push it too hard (hence it may seem slow at accelerating) but when you do actually give it a push, the vehicle flies (0-60mph at 8 seconds).

Very stylish and rugged look.

The Hyundai Tucson has a few bugs in its system for the first go round. I have owned my new SUV for about 2 months now and it has been in the dealership shop 4 times for a total of 13 days. The first time for a faulty fuel gage which was told to me at that time was just a glitch. The 2nd and 3rd time was also for the fuel gage, but the check engine light was on so they replaced the fuel pump, gas tank floats and sending units, and made some adjustments. The fourth time---hopefully the last for a while--- was also for the check engine light and they changed the ECM twice in a six day stay over and other various items including the brake booster? Believe it or not I like my new auto and I would like it much more if I didn't have to see the inside of the garage again anytime soon.. But the fuel mileage my Tucson gets is ridiculous, I don't know how they can advertise 22-26 miles to a gallon when I am lucky to get 20 mpg. I have the 6 cylinder (but also own a full size Chevy truck with V-8 and it almost gets better mileage than the Hyundai). So you might want to think about letting the "glitches" get worked out of this new vehicle before you invest in it and if you do get one anyway- Good luck!

I've have my Tuscon for a month and half now, just got my first 3000 mile service oil change (yeah, I do a lot of commuting) and so far so good. I did ponder about the MPGs I was getting at first, but after about 2000 miles in, I began getting better gas mileage - but still not as good as I would want it to be. Otherwise, I have no complaints. It has lots of head and leg room and 4 people can actually sit comfortably (even the driver!!). My best vehicle so far, but still anticipating any problems that may occur with a Hyundai vehicle.

Info on the original comment - 190000 miles in one year? Did you mean 19,000 miles? Did the gas mileage improve after the break in period?

I agree with the reviewer's points about how the Tuscon rides and handles. I drive many SUVs and the Tuscon reminds me more of a hatchback the way it can be thrown around.

I know the Tuscon isn't a true off-roader, but I've hammered a 4 cylinder model over some really rough mountainous tracks in Saudi Arabia. It has the ground clearance and is surprisingly adept off-road. The one I drove lacked the power though for steep ascents. If you can afford the fuel bills, go for the v6, although the base model has cooler looking alloys.