2001 Hyundai Tiburon Review
Price Estimate: $280 - $438
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Aggressive styling, comfortable interior, zippy engine, good handling.
Cons
- Aggressive styling, lots of squeaks and rattles from rear hatch, plenty of noise, vibration and harshness intruding upon cabin.
What’s new
Following last year's freshening, the Tiburon sees only minor trim changes for 2001, such as redesigned wheels and the addition of a rear spoiler as standard equipment.
Edmunds says
It may not appeal to everybody, but the Tiburon is a decent enough ride that looks like nothing else on the road.
For sale near Des Moines, IA
Vehicle overview
Several years ago, Hyundai displayed a mouth-watering concept car at national auto shows -- the HCD-II. Show-goers could hardly swallow the fact that the same company which produced the dowdy Excel could, or would, dream up something like this futuristic sport coupe. Hyundai execs promised that a production version of the show car was on the drawing board.
The following year, HCD-III arrived and contained an innovative sidesaddle 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 backseat.
Alas, it was not meant to be. The Tiburon arrived as a compromise between federal regulations and designer fantasy. Still, its swoopy sheet metal and sporty interior got it noticed. It sports large bold quad projector-beam headlights, a standard rear spoiler and distinctive styling that you either love or hate.
A 140-horse four-cylinder engine propels the Tiburon's front wheels and can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. Acceleration is lively, and thanks to a sport-tuned suspension, cornering is one of the Tiburon's favorite activities. Ride quality, however, is somewhat harsh, and the steering is not exactly accurate. Brakes operate with authority.
Thanks to its hatchback body style, Tiburon offers outstanding utility when the rear seats are folded flat. Standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, power door locks and mirrors and four-wheel disc brakes. Option packages can get you leather trim, a power sunroof, AM/FM stereo with CD/cassette and antilock brakes.
Hyundai customers will be delighted with the company's buyer-assurance program, called the Hyundai Advantage. With the purchase of any Hyundai vehicle, consumers will receive an awesome 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. If the car is sold within those first 10 years, the new owner will still be entitled to the balance of a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also part of the program is 5-year/100,000-mile corrosion coverage and a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles. Additionally, the program offers free 24-hour roadside assistance for 5 years, which includes towing and lockout service.
The Tiburon's target market is the same young, style-conscious, financially impaired bunch that buys the Ford Focus ZX3, Honda Civic Coupe and Pontiac Sunfire GT. The stylish Tiburon competes well and, with the Hyundai Advantage warranty backing up the Tib's credentials, many young buyers may look at this coupe with newfound enthusiasm.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa
$151/mo for Tiburon Base
Tiburon Base
vs
$157/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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.
Hyundai Tiburon Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
I love my Tib
4.75 out of 5 starscora_v, 09/30/2011
2001 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Tib brand new and yes the radio went within three months and yes the front wheel barrings keep going(left 2x right 3x), it goes through headlights like no tomorrow, has had 3 alts and those tires phew, can they make some decent tires for this car? And right now my timing belt and water pump just blew at 135,000 (replaced at 90,000).
I still love this car.
My husband wants me … to get rid of it but its perfect. Handles great, good on gas, zip in and out of traffic, I have no trouble in ice and snow or rain.
I would buy this car all over again. When the time comes to get another vehcile I will buy another Hyundai.
No major problems
4.63 out of 5 starsJoshua, 11/04/2010
2001 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Overall have had a good experience with this vehicle. Only owner. Have had to fix both windows ($300-400 each) and the driver's side is acting up again. Tape deck went bad within a few months, replaced under warranty. ~110,000miles and have changed oil and spark plugs, no issues with engine or other components. Have been in a few (not too major) accidents and was impressed by the … safety of such a small car. Handles great in good conditions. So light that drives horrible in snow, not that good on very wet surfaces, and only OK on dirt/gravel. Not enough weight on tires to keep enough friction. Backseat is hard to fit anyone over ~5'5".Trunk is surprisingly roomy.
Amazing little machine
4.88 out of 5 starsgiotis92, 10/10/2011
2001 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Well I came to the states after done with high school in europe and my uncle gave me this car! I did not think of much at the time but it has captured my heart as i said amazing car even though way underestimated!! I do not want to give this car away ever!!
First Car
4 out of 5 starsalishamoody815@aol.com, 09/30/2015
2001 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I got my Tiburon when I was 16 and still have it at 22. I'm just now thinking of getting a new car after putting this little thing through hell. It drives well, parks well, can take snow, rain, and just about anything. Mine has had issues with the fuel pump most recently, radiator, thermostat, and a few other things. But this has been a course of 6 years. Its still running and currently … my daily driver and has been for several of my family members lots of times. Its a little car, but its tough. I've had several incidents in it, but it keeps going. If you need something small and reliable, this is definitely it. I have over 200,000 on mine and if it wasn't giving issues that cost more than it was worth and had four doors, I'd never want to get rid of it.
2001 Tiburon Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,499 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $151/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Related Used 2001 Hyundai Tiburon info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Chevrolet Express Cargo 2021 Review
- Jeep Cherokee 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz GLC Class 2021 Review
- Mclaren GT 2020 Review
- Nissan Titan 2020 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Automatic Honda Fit
- BMW Electric Car I3
- Lexus NX 300H Awd
- Used Acura ILX 2017
- Used Acura ILX 2018
- Used Acura ILX 2020 For Sale
- Used Acura ILX 2023
- Used Acura Integra 2014
- Used Acura Integra 2015
- Used Acura Integra 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2025 GV60
- Kia Sportage 2025
- New BMW X4
- New Buick Envista
- 2024 Dodge Durango
- New Lincoln Navigator
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
- 2024 Stelvio
- New BMW iX
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Research other models of
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- Hyundai Kona 2024
- 2025 Hyundai Sonata
- 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2024
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Tucson 2024
- 2024 Hyundai Sonata
Other models
- Used Audi A4 in Randolph, NJ 2025
- Used Mitsubishi Mirage in Ponchatoula, LA 2024
- New Volvo Ex40 for Sale in Flagstaff, AZ
- New Chevrolet Equinox-Ev for Sale in Wayne, NJ
- Used Toyota Yaris-Hatchback in Quakertown, PA 2020
- Used Ram Promaster-Cargo-Van in San Bruno, CA 2025
- Used Aston-Martin DB7 in Mount Dora, FL 2003
- Used Kia Niro-Ev in Waterbury, CT 2025
- Used Genesis G70 in Belleville, IL 2026
- Used Oldsmobile Silhouette in Santa Ana, CA 2004