1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2001 Hyundai Tiburon
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1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon ▼
- Price Range: $1,000 - $3,300
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Ride
- Steering/handling
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Acceleration
- Rear-seat room
- Entry/exit
- Engine noise
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
Hyundai's replacement for the Scoupe sport coupe was based on the Elantra sedan, but rode a 3-inch shorter wheelbase and got its own hatchback styling. Two engines were available. Base Tiburons used the Elantra's 1.8-liter dual-cam 4-cylinder, rated at 130 horsepower. The upscale FX edition got a 2.0-liter four, producing 140 horses. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard, and the optional 4-speed automatic transmission had Normal and Power shift modes. Tiburon's independent coil-spring suspension was essentially the same as the setup on the Elantra. Also borrowed from Elantra were the power rack-and-pinion steering and the front-disc/rear-drum brakes. A Tiburon FX could have optional antilock braking, with rear discs instead of drums. Dual front airbags were standard, along with air conditioning, power windows, remote-control mirrors, a tachometer, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM cassette stereo, 50/50 split folding rear seat, and a roller-blind cargo cover.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Hyundai Tiburon w/auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Hyundai Tiburon:
Tiburon lost its weaker engine, giving both models the 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.
1999 Hyundai Tiburon:
A power sunroof and CD player, previously available only on the upscale FX, became optional on the base coupe as well.
2000 Hyundai Tiburon:
Facelifted for 2000, Tiburon lost its uplevel FX model, leaving only a base coupe with a revamped nose, including standard fog lamps and a new-look tail. All-disc brakes and 15-inch alloy wheels were now standard, as were power windows.
2001 Hyundai Tiburon:
For 2001, Tiburon got a standard rear spoiler. Also new were metal-look interior trim and revised front bucket seats with manual 6-way driver's adjustment, new engine mounts, and a stiffer dashboard.
Our road test for the 1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Though the 2.0-liter engine is a little smoother and quieter than the first-year 1.8-liter four, it also disappoints, generating a loud, crude growl during even moderate acceleration. The growling does not smooth out fully when cruising, either. Furthermore, road noise and suspension thumping grow annoying, making Tiburon quite unpleasant on a long trip. Acceleration from a standstill and from midrange speeds qualifies only as adequate--not lively enough to satisfy the enthusiastic driver. An automatic transmission slows progress substantially. An automatic Tiburon averaged an appealing 25 mpg in a mix of urban commuting and rush-hour expressway driving. Handling is one of the car's greatest strengths--sporty and secure, with well-managed body lean through turns. A Tiburon pulls through sweeping curves with good grip and stability. Firm steering has plenty of road feel, centering quickly after turns. Large bumps and dips can yield mild floatiness, however. A comfortable ride is another of this coupe's prime attributes. The ride is taut, but without lapsing into harshness. The driver gets a low, snug driving position, facing a well-arranged dashboard. Back-seat space is no more than a joke, for anyone above toddler size. Entry/exit isn't so easy, even into front seats. Visibility is above average for a sports coupe, despite the car's curvy shape.
Value for the Money
Attractively and distinctively styled, the Tiburon can be a good bargain-priced alternative to Ford's Probe as well as the Nissan 200SX. Although Tiburon ranks far ahead of the old Scoupe, however, it does no more than score dead even with other small sporty coupes, and behind some of them.
Attractively and distinctively styled, the Tiburon can be a good bargain-priced alternative to Ford's Probe as well as the Nissan 200SX. Although Tiburon ranks far ahead of the old Scoupe, however, it does no more than score dead even with other small sporty coupes, and behind some of them.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Hyundai Tiburon w/auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Hyundai Tiburon includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Hyundai Tiburon .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
Harsh automatic transmission 4-3 downshifts when decelerating may require the transmission-control module or entire transaxle to be replaced. (1997-98)
Clutch:
The clutch may drag (manual transmission), especially after long-term storage due to grease in the hydraulic line. Flushing and refilling the system cures the problem. (1997)
Sunroof/moonroof:
The edge of the sunroof lip rusts because the weatherstrip does not seal properly. (1997-98)
Timing belt:
Noise from the timing belt due to belt walking off of pulley and rubbing timing cover requiring replacement of the idler pulley. (1999-00)
Timing belt:
The timing chain may be noisy and wear out prematurely. (1997-98)
Transmission problems:
If transmission sticks in 3rd, shifts poorly, or has harsh 1-2 shift, the pulse generator may need to be replaced. (1997-2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $555 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $970 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $375 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $455 |
| Exhaust System | $360 |
| Radiator | $370 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $810 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $290 |
Our price chart for this generation Hyundai Tiburon details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Tiburon | $3,400-4,200 | $2,700-3,300 | $900-1,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| Tiburon | $2,700-3,400 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1999 | |||
| Tiburon | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1998 | |||
| Tiburon | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1997 | |||
| Tiburon | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Hyundai Tiburon include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 170.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2570 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 29.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In the first season, two engines were available: a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder rated at 130 horsepower, and a stronger 2.0-liter. Since then, all Tiburons have used a dual-overhead-cam 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, making 140 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic might be installed.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 130 | 122 | 5-speed manual: 22/30 4-speed automatic: 23/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 140 | 133 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 21/28 |
5-speed manual: 27.4 4-speed automatic: 25.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Hyundai Tiburon include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997:
Evaporative-emissions control system can apply excessive vacuum to fuel tank, which could result in minor tank distortion; small crack could develop, allowing fuel to escape.
1997:
Wipers may not operate, due to contamination in contacts.
1997-2001:
The driver and front passenger seatbelts may not extend and retract smoothly through the d-ring guides mounted on the body pillars aft of the doors.
1999 w/automatic transmission:
Pressure-control solenoid-valve seals can allow transmission fluid to leak, resulting in slippage.
1999:
Tire-pressure placard contains incorrect tire sizes, seating capacity, and luggage capacity.
2000-01:
Seatbelts may not extend and retract smoothly, making them inconvenient to use.
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