1997 Hyundai Tiburon Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
- Inexpensive, expressive styling
- Spotty Hyundai quality record, performance can't deliver what looks promise
Vehicle overview
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
Consumer reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test0
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Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon Overview
The Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon is offered in the following submodels: Tiburon Hatchback. Available styles include 2dr Hatchback, and FX 2dr Hatchback. The Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1997 Hyundai Tiburon?
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Which used 1997 Hyundai Tiburons are available in my area?
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Can't find a used 1997 Hyundai Tiburons you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Hyundai Tiburon for sale - 4 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $24,208.
Find a used Hyundai for sale - 10 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $20,107.
Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai Tiburon for sale - 5 great deals out of 20 listings starting at $18,857.
Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai for sale - 11 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $19,243.
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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