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1997
Hyundai Tiburon

Starts at:
$13,499
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New 1997 Hyundai Tiburon
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr HB Cpe Manual
    Starts at
    $13,499
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB Cpe Auto
    Starts at
    $14,299
    23 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB Cpe FX Manual
    Starts at
    $14,899
    22 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB Cpe FX Auto
    Starts at
    $15,699
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1997 Hyundai Tiburon review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Hyundai Motors’ 1997 Tiburon is a striking example of an automotive dream come true.

Originally introduced in 1993 as the Hyundai HCD-II concept car, the Tiburon is one of those futuristic sport coupes that made it into production.

Featuring bold design and spirited performance, the new front-drive coupe comes in standard and upgraded FX form, with both models enhanced by aerodynamic styling and advanced technology.

“Customers are calling it The Shark,” said Jim Webb, Butler Hyundai’s general sales manager. “It’s got that pointed nose and eyes on the side.”

The Tiburon is a prime example of the longer wheelbase, shorter front/rear overhang school of design. Overall length is but 170.9 inches. The wheelbase, however, is 97.4 inches, with the chassis layout pushing the wheels out toward the four corners of the car.

When the FX stands on its optional aluminum wheels and 15-inch Michelin tires, it takes on a decidedly muscular appearance.

You have to give the Tiburon an “A” for looks. Stylists have achieved a fluid exterior theme. Side panels are sculpted and integrate smoothly into a steeply raked windshield.

Slim-profile roof pillars maximize the driver’s field of vision, offering 330 degrees of visibility. Side mirror housings have been designed to negate wind noise at high speed.

The sporty front air dam also is a high-design element that is specially formed to enhance air flow into the engine for more efficient cooling.

At the rear, the deck spoiler has an integrated brake light. Extra-large tail lights feature a unique ellipsoid shape and are tilted downward.

Altogether, the body structure package represents a fairly decent 0.33 coefficient of drag, which translates into better fuel efficiency.

For some reason, apparently known only to Hyundai’s management, two engines that are within 10 horsepower of each other are offered. Both are dual overhead cam, 16-valve four-cylinder motors, one a 1.8- liter (109.4 cubic inches/1.795 cubic centimeters.) powerplant and the other displacing 2.0 liters (120.4 cubic inches/1,975 cubic centimeters).

The 1.8 is rated at 130 horsepower and powers the standard Tiburon. The 2.0 liter, the latest series of Hyundai-designed engines, powers the Tiburon FX and is rated at 140-horsepower.

Both motors are from Hyundai’s Beta engine family and, while the larger engine obviously is more powerful, it sure doesn’t put out as much power per cubic inch. The numbers here have the 1.8 developing 1.18 horsepower per cubic inch and the 2.0 liter 1.16 horsepower per cubic inch.

It makes one wonder why they didn’t just put the 2.0 liter in both models and be done with it.

In keeping with the sporting nature of a driver’s car, the standard transmission is a five-speed manual, with a four-speed automatic being an $800 option.

The automatic adds 66 pounds, so with curb weights running between 2,566 and 2,633 pounds and 130 to 140 horses in hand, the five-speed is going to be the more lively propositio n.

There really is not a major mileage differential between the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter motors and five-speed and automatic transmissions.

A 1.8 five-speed has a rating of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. For the 2.0 liter, it’s 22/29. For the automatic, the 1.8 rates 23/31 and the 2.0 liter 21/28.

The coupe is a four-seater, with individual seats in front separated by a center console. A two-passenger formed seat makes up the back.

This is called a 2-plus-2 configuration in sports car terminology, and it also can be called intimate. With this type of automobile, there always is more room in front than in the rear. In the Tiburon, there is a drop of a little more than 3 inches of head and leg room from front to back.

The cockpit layout is state-of-the-art, with the console holding the shift lever quadrant. Stereo, climate controls and air vent are in the upward extension of the console. Instrumentation is the standard four-gauge speedometer-tachomenter-temperature-fuel.

Hyun dai’s Tiburon represents sports-type motoring at an affordable price, as the standard coupe has a base price of $13,499. Or, you can go upstream to an FX for $14,899. Options such as a premium stereo and leather are available.

1997 Hyundai Tiburon review: Our expert's take
By

Hyundai Motors’ 1997 Tiburon is a striking example of an automotive dream come true.

Originally introduced in 1993 as the Hyundai HCD-II concept car, the Tiburon is one of those futuristic sport coupes that made it into production.

Featuring bold design and spirited performance, the new front-drive coupe comes in standard and upgraded FX form, with both models enhanced by aerodynamic styling and advanced technology.

“Customers are calling it The Shark,” said Jim Webb, Butler Hyundai’s general sales manager. “It’s got that pointed nose and eyes on the side.”

The Tiburon is a prime example of the longer wheelbase, shorter front/rear overhang school of design. Overall length is but 170.9 inches. The wheelbase, however, is 97.4 inches, with the chassis layout pushing the wheels out toward the four corners of the car.

When the FX stands on its optional aluminum wheels and 15-inch Michelin tires, it takes on a decidedly muscular appearance.

You have to give the Tiburon an “A” for looks. Stylists have achieved a fluid exterior theme. Side panels are sculpted and integrate smoothly into a steeply raked windshield.

Slim-profile roof pillars maximize the driver’s field of vision, offering 330 degrees of visibility. Side mirror housings have been designed to negate wind noise at high speed.

The sporty front air dam also is a high-design element that is specially formed to enhance air flow into the engine for more efficient cooling.

At the rear, the deck spoiler has an integrated brake light. Extra-large tail lights feature a unique ellipsoid shape and are tilted downward.

Altogether, the body structure package represents a fairly decent 0.33 coefficient of drag, which translates into better fuel efficiency.

For some reason, apparently known only to Hyundai’s management, two engines that are within 10 horsepower of each other are offered. Both are dual overhead cam, 16-valve four-cylinder motors, one a 1.8- liter (109.4 cubic inches/1.795 cubic centimeters.) powerplant and the other displacing 2.0 liters (120.4 cubic inches/1,975 cubic centimeters).

The 1.8 is rated at 130 horsepower and powers the standard Tiburon. The 2.0 liter, the latest series of Hyundai-designed engines, powers the Tiburon FX and is rated at 140-horsepower.

Both motors are from Hyundai’s Beta engine family and, while the larger engine obviously is more powerful, it sure doesn’t put out as much power per cubic inch. The numbers here have the 1.8 developing 1.18 horsepower per cubic inch and the 2.0 liter 1.16 horsepower per cubic inch.

It makes one wonder why they didn’t just put the 2.0 liter in both models and be done with it.

In keeping with the sporting nature of a driver’s car, the standard transmission is a five-speed manual, with a four-speed automatic being an $800 option.

The automatic adds 66 pounds, so with curb weights running between 2,566 and 2,633 pounds and 130 to 140 horses in hand, the five-speed is going to be the more lively propositio n.

There really is not a major mileage differential between the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter motors and five-speed and automatic transmissions.

A 1.8 five-speed has a rating of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. For the 2.0 liter, it’s 22/29. For the automatic, the 1.8 rates 23/31 and the 2.0 liter 21/28.

The coupe is a four-seater, with individual seats in front separated by a center console. A two-passenger formed seat makes up the back.

This is called a 2-plus-2 configuration in sports car terminology, and it also can be called intimate. With this type of automobile, there always is more room in front than in the rear. In the Tiburon, there is a drop of a little more than 3 inches of head and leg room from front to back.

The cockpit layout is state-of-the-art, with the console holding the shift lever quadrant. Stereo, climate controls and air vent are in the upward extension of the console. Instrumentation is the standard four-gauge speedometer-tachomenter-temperature-fuel.

Hyun dai’s Tiburon represents sports-type motoring at an affordable price, as the standard coupe has a base price of $13,499. Or, you can go upstream to an FX for $14,899. Options such as a premium stereo and leather are available.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic
Remainder of the 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification
173-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.0
Performance 3.7
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • I'll die in this car before I lose it

    I got my car in 2016 for $300, at 60,000 miles. They thought the car was totaled but I got it fixed and running! Ever since it's litterly drove me across country a few times, and I used to to drive back and forth to collage two hours a day every day for a year. I tell everyone I'm going to die in my car before I get rid of it, it's at 120,800 miles now and honestly to keep up repairs is super cheap. For a car that isn't made anymore there's ton of parts available that you and switch with other models and other Hyundai's. Also mine goes super fast, it's not a GT or FX but it has a lot of zoom in the peddle, I used to race people in the moutains because of how well it handles. Honestly love my car and can't get rid of it. Named him Tibby the Tiburon
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • First year Tiburon

    This is a fun little car. It handles good, gets great gas mileage. The interior styling is very nice- very durable. The exterior is nice as well- modern & sleek. The power is not as impressive. The design is very well done under the hood. I was able to change the oil very easily myself. Changing out the alternator was a different story. Overall it's a very neat car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car

    Great car. Bought it used in 2002 and it has run like a dream since then. Minor problems have come up to be fixed and thats it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car for the money.

    I own the Tiburon FX and I love it. I have had to do repairs on it but nothing major, just things like belts, plugs and wires, ignition coil and the EGR valve. Mine does have 107,000 miles on after all but it still runs great. I would reccomend this car to anyone.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon?

The 1997 Hyundai Tiburon is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • FX (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon?

The 1997 Hyundai Tiburon offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon reliable?

The 1997 Hyundai Tiburon has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Hyundai Tiburon owners.

Is the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 3.7
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.7
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