Four years ago, Hyundai displayed a mouth-watering concept car at national auto shows. Called the HCD-II, showgoers could hardly swallow the fact that the same company that produced the Excel could, or would, dream up something like the HCD-II. Hyundai execs promised that a production version of the showcar was on the drawing boards.

The following year, HCD-III arrived and contained an innovative side-saddle rear seat that a passenger could sit in sideways and stretch out. Excellent concept, Hyundai. Young consumers drooled in anticipation of the forthcoming HCD production car with the cool back seat.

Alas, it was not meant to be. The Tiburon arrives at a compromise between federal regulations and designer fantasy in base and FX trim levels. Tiburon is based on the same platform as the Elantra, and base models share that sedan's 130-horsepower 1.8-liter engine. FX gets a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, along with rear disc brakes, alloy wheels, and other goodies. With just over 2,600 pounds to motivate, the FX's engine moves the Tiburon along reasonably quickly, but we think this shark's bark is worse than it's bite.

Just look at that sheetmetal, would you? Looks like some Hyundai stylists pilfered sketches for the next zany Toyota Celica. This car will definitely get you noticed, but not for blazing performance. This is a car for stylin', dude. Inside is a snug but attractive interior that borrows design cues from several popular sport coupes, past and present. Dual airbags are standard, while ABS is optional only on the upper-level FX.

Tiburon is a belated replacement for the Scoupe, which disappeared last year. Improved all-around, Hyundai's sport coupe is much better, but will it sell? Obviously, the target market is the same young, style-conscious, and financially-impaired bunch that buy the Toyota Paseo, Volkswagen GTI, Dodge Neon Sport, and Pontiac Sunfire GT. We think that the stylish Tiburon will compete very well from a design standpoint, but without improved acceleration from the FX to compete with the Pontiac and Dodge, and consumer confidence in its ability to hold up as well as a Toyota, this species may be doomed to the same fate as the late Mazda MX-3: extinction.

1997 Highlights

Loosely based on the 1993 HCD-II concept car, the Tiburon (Spanish for shark) debuts as a budget sport coupe that promises to gobble competitors such as the Toyota Paseo like so much chum.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback.

5(64%)

4(27%)

3(9%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

4.5

22 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

hyundai is the best

david,12/14/2009

2dr Hatchback

I was always a Hyundai man owning 5 new ones and many used. I bought this tib at auction with 150,000 miles on it. It now has 166,000 miles on it and I have never had 1 problem with it everyone comments on its looks. The mileage is great and I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere I would never buy anything but a Hyundai

get it

jason12,06/06/2003

2dr Hatchback

The best car i have ever had.NO trouble at all.

reliable, and a blast

tyler29,04/01/2013

FX 2dr Hatchback

I bought this car for $1100 from a college kid. Had about 110k miles and had been in an accident. There was some exterior damage, but not too bad. I loved it immediately. Its a blast to drive, and I've never had to worry about it stranding me or so much as not starting. I am going to have to get rid of it soon, which will make me sad, but because of this car I'll probably end up selling

Decent Car

Decent,06/14/2009

2dr Hatchback

I just rolled over 200,000 miles. Very reliable car, nothing too major done to it, tranny rebuild, replaced multiple wear parts, repaint. Never has left me stranded anywhere. Would definitely recommend to anyone that is looking to buy a cheap older vehicle.

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Features & Specs

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Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

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More about the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon

Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback Overview

The Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback is offered in the following styles: 2dr Hatchback, and FX 2dr Hatchback. The Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.

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Should I lease or buy a 1997 Hyundai Tiburon?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback

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Vehicle overview

1997 Highlights

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

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Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback Overview

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback?

Which used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchbacks are available in my area?

Can't find a used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Tiburon Hatchback you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 1997 Hyundai Tiburon?

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