Skip to main content

Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
22 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

hyundai is the best

david, 12/14/2009
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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

Report Abuse

4.13 out of 5 stars

reliable, and a blast

tyler29, 04/01/2013
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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 this one for a new tiburon.

Report Abuse
3.63 out of 5 stars

Decent Car

Decent, 06/14/2009
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

Report Abuse

4.63 out of 5 stars

I love it!

Bobbi, 11/18/2009
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My car is pushing 200000 miles,I thought it needed a new transmission, but changed the transmission FILTER and it is fine, just no overdrive? That filter was $25.00 a new transmission...too much. Now, if I didn't have a little body damage...I might go ahead and put a rebuilt transmission in, that's how much I like the car.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

This car rocks

GigaHz, 08/16/2010
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased the car new, when they were just introduced. My third Hyundai, and it is the best car I ever driven. Ive driven a lot of other brands, and none provided the same bang for the buck my Shark does. Very reliable and sporty, not to mention thrifty. I got over 40 mpg on a trip to Upstate NY from SE Virginia one time with the CC set on 65 mph.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Car - Great Price

JSeeley, 07/12/2002
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Never had any problems with my Tiburon. It was fun to drive and handled well in all weather conditions. I highly recomend this car if you are looking for a sporty car, with a low price tag.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car

chichisgrl, 11/06/2002
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned other cars before including Honda and Toyota. This car ranks right up there with them. It handles great and runs like a higher end car. I really recommend this car if you love to drive.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Hyundai engine's go on and on.....

cinsom, 10/14/2002
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my 1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX. It now has over 80,000 miles on it and runs great (never a problem). The problem with this car is that the body doen't hold up to the engine. Rust, paint peeling off, plastic popping off, power windows, etc. going. The car still goes, but the "luxery" is gone.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

MY LITTLE RED 1997 TIBERON

HONEYBUNS, 01/24/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I HAVE HAD GREAT FUN WITH THIS CAR. THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT REALLY BUGS ME IS THAT THE SEATS HURT MY LOWER BACK ON LONG TRIPS. MY PASSENGER ALSO GETS THIS PAIN. MAYBE YOUR NEXT MODEL WILL HAVE MORE COMFORTABLE SEATS-IT MAY CAUSE ME TO BUY ANOTHER ONE!!! HB-

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

Fun,fun,fun!

rachelgambrell, 10/21/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great car. I have had fun driving this car and I have only had it for about 3 months.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Great!!

mandy, 05/16/2005
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently had to get rid of this car and I am sad that I did. I had 112,000 miles on the car and it was still running strong. Other than the basic repairs that you have to do to all cars, this one was great anf fantastic on gas...I give it a 9.

Report Abuse
3.75 out of 5 stars

a good first car

Silvercide, 01/19/2004
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i have owned this car for a few month now and after some expensive 60,000 mile repairs, the car seemed to run perfect. the design is good for a hyundai and out of all the cars in that price range this car has been rather enjoyable for a hyundai. i have noticed some problems with the transmission, as it felt like the car was shifted into park while i was driving. but other than that, its been a dream. im a taller guy about 6'4 and i fit in this car very comfortable, just as long as no one is in the back

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

I loved my tibby

Tibby, 02/02/2004
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it is an awesome car. i got looks and questions about my car everywhere i went. it was very reliable up until the day i crashed it...im still bitter and comtemplating suicide over it...lol terrible loss. handles great

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Awesome car

Jack, 12/27/2004
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Tiburon is such a great car! It is definitely an eyecatcher. So far my '97 Tiburon has over 140,000 miles and I have yet to have any major problems.

Report Abuse
3.75 out of 5 stars

Like the energizer bunny!

BlackFX, 07/18/2005
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was a demo when I bought it in 98' and it had 1,120 miles on it. I love it! In the past 7 years the paint faded off and had to be repainted, the rubber pads fell off the brake and clutch, the cluch pin jammed leaving me in 2nd gear, and the clutch was replaced, and the wiring to the turn signals shorted out. That may sound like alot, but you have to consider it's age and the reputation of Hyundai, plus it currently has 112k miles on it! Great car, very fun to drive and dependable!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

my best car ever

Razor_drive, 02/18/2007
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this car is a realy blast to drive.. the 0-100 in less then 10 makes it a realy fun car to drive :P got it to 0-100 in little less then 8 in a downhill yesterday :P awesome.. wonder if its turbo convertable.. and the 185kmph in 4'th gear.. love it <3 wonder what the max is :P

Report Abuse
3.38 out of 5 stars

Great Looks, Disappointing Performance

pepsizen, 01/25/2012
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought used in 2000, I owned this ten years before it started to fall apart (at 98k miles). It is an okay car, but very little pep. The handling is really good, feels a bit sporty, but unfortunately it lacks power. The HP is not 130 as Edmund's lists - it is closer to 113 and maybe less than that (when I owned it, I received a notice of a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for misreporting the HP of the FX). It needed only one or two major repairs until 98k when a lot went wrong all at once (to the tune of $2750). Handles decently in snow. Not many rust issues. The gas mileage is awful for a car with such little pep and power, I was getting 25 mpg (half city, half highway).

Report Abuse
3 out of 5 stars

Trade it before it's too late

cerwinvega18, 08/29/2007
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have my car since it has 70k and I have been driving it for 5 years. I have dumped over 3k into last yr alone on major parts. I have had to replace the 5 spd transmission $1200, water pump 2x $510, struts $269, alt $269, exhaust work, oxygen sensor which where $160, ac problems, tail light wiring problems $200, radiator cracked, headlight wiring problems, replaced half shafts $300, and more. But the did not honestly the car was dependable until reached about 127k.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

97' Tiburon STD

rawilli2, 05/05/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car as a "Temp" vehicle with the understanding that the 97' model was the first production year. Now it's 2003 and I have 72,200 miles on the car. I have NEVER had any mechanical defects with this car. It rides smooth and handles great. The engine needs some pick-me up and the gas mile-age is a little lower than a typical 4 cylinder. Oh yeah, the best part is my car is now paid off and I still have 27,800 miles left on the warranty.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

1997 Tiburon FX

RageZ24, 06/02/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The 1997 tiburon FX, is one heck of a little car. The editor throws off on it, well line it up next to a civic or a NA Eclipse(which cost about the same or more) and see what happens. Another great thing about this car is the styling. The car is held back alot by it emission/sound pollution control devices. I have seen real dyno gains of up 15hp just from a cold air intake (the stock intake you couldn't fit a dime in vertically), and 8 just from a catback exhaust system.(with great meintenance this car will go the distance.) Which is awesome unless you want to look like everyone else that drives down the road.

Report Abuse
3.63 out of 5 stars

its a car thats woth the experience with

nbfinest*, 03/24/2008
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car besides me putting a new engine, because of past engine overheating problems has been running very well. I've noticed shaking when reach speeds from 80-90 but could be just my car... But very fun to drive, but you must realize this is a Hyundai which used to be one of the cheapest cars on the road. So far with this car Hyundai put good thoughts in my head about their cars besides the low performance pick up. But I would recomend a cold air intake to at least get the car moving faster than a turtle.. Has a lot of potential tho, just didn't start off with it.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

get it

jason12, 06/06/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50