When it came time to gather all the data for the recon of the Hyundai Tucson, I was amazed how words that were in almost all the reports. Words like 5 star crash rating, great standard seating, cargo configurations, quality and reliability. It made me to want learn more about this little SUV.

The Hyundai Tucson first hit dealership floors in the 2005 model year. It represented Hyundai’s first entry in the small SUV market.

The Hyundai Tucson is a 5 passenger compact SUV. It offers a wide range of features like an raised driving position, a flexible cargo area, and predictable handling. Expect to get from 18 to 23 miles per gallon.

Hyundai Tucson has an impressive roster of standard safety features, including antilock brakes, stability control, front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. GLS and Limited models add tire-pressure monitors to the list. In terms of utility, the Tucson comes with a 60/40-split rear seat that, when folded flat, opens up a very respectable 65 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Tucson is available with either a four-cylinder engine or a V6, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A 173-hp 2.7-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission is standard. The smaller 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

All Tucsons are covered by Hyundai’s now-famous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Another very impressive fact is our research showed as of the 2009 Hyundai Tucson does not have any reported recalls.

According to Edmunds.com the Hyundai Tucson is selling for $26,700 new. After it has been driven off the lot of the dealership the price drops to between $23,000 to $17,000. The lowest price is for the 2005 model coming in just under $8,800.

I must admit that the Hyundai Tucson is on car that has all the features I would want in a family car at the price I can afford.

Tags: Hyundai, Hyundai Tucson, SUV