2005 Hyundai Tucson GLS 2WD review from North America

I have owned my new SUV for about 3 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? But needless to say 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 18 mpg (highway). 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).

These are more Pros for the Tuscon-

it's a pretty comfortable ride for what you pay, the Tucson is a nice sporty looking ride you have to admit, better looking than the Santa Fe in my opinion. (Although Tuscon seems to be a bit of a copy cat of the Ford Escape). The standard options are great- power windows and locks etc. I like the power sun/moon roof, it is the best thing so far. The split folding rear seats are nice too for hauling longer items. The rear cargo area with privacy shelf is a perk, but takes away from space if you need to haul any tall items (just a little above the height of a brown paper bag). The leather covered steering wheel is smooth feeling although a little cheesy looking.

I'm sure there is more that I could say, but I was always taught when you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all right.

These are more Cons for the Tuscon-

The seats are pretty ugly with only a few options on interior colors and patterns for the cloth and the leather reminds me of the seat of the old Volkswagen Beetle. The drivers center arm rest, which is adjustable, still doesn't quite fit someone that is not 6 ft tall, you almost have to be in the backseat to use it. There really is no storage for CDs etc in the arms reach of the driver (except for inside that pesky center drivers arm rest which it's not very easy to access from the front seat again), and the stereo is very low quality so I guess you don't need CDs anyway.

The cargo area is not very roomy and backseat has a fold down drink holder/ passenger arm rest that has only one round hole and a square spot for what? My kids are still trying to figure that out. Hyundai needs to revamp their tilt steering wheel and get into the 21st century.