2005 Hyundai Tucson GLS 2WD from North America - Comments

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.

Interesting but oddly enough, none the cons that was mention in this review really occurred to me. BTW, its not no scientific hypothesis or anything, but I think the empty cargo space in between the hand-rest is for storage...

We own a Hyundai Tucson as well and are having the same issue as you are with the gas mileage. I have been told that after 2,000-3,000 miles these engines tighten up and they do get better mileage, but I'm waiting for it to budge off of 17.5 MPG (we only have about 1200 miles on it now).

I believe the square in the rear arm rest is for a juice box. That's about the only thing I can think of that would fit in there.

I would advise you to go to a nice little local garage that isn't called hyundai.

I have read very poor reviews about the hyundai dealerships.

Apparently they try to make you change all sorts of nonesence.

I own an elentra GT

I have to say its as reliable as a civic or corolla.

Tho I never brought it to hyundai and never will

(actually got an appointment for a tune up... the estimate went up to 650$ + tax... so ya...

I had the tucson for 4 months now and I haven't found anything wrong with it. The car feels solid and comfortable.

As for gas mileage, I don't think it's too bad. people who complain are just a bunch of cheapskates that are whining more now bc of the high gas prices.

I always laugh when people say Hyundai or whatever auto company needs to rerate their fuel economy ratings...folks, these ratings come from the federal EPA, not the car company.

If it is the Federal Gov't that does Fuel Mileage ratings, then Hyundai has pulled a fast one on them.

I have owned GM's and Hyundai's and the "Real World" fuel economy of Hyundai's is noticeably worse than the published economy. I see a far great difference with Hyundai than I did with GM. I think there are a number of reasons for that. One of which is Hyundai's tend to be Overpowered compared to GM's. So if you push it at all, or encounter any kind of hills, the economy gets a lot worse.

I still own my Hyundai and am still happy with it. But the fuel economy is not much better than a full sized SUV.. especially for Highway driving.