1998 Hyundai Tiburon Consumer Reviews

Trying to keep this short,I maybe a bit vague.I can't recommend this,thought at the time, to be throw away car enough.My first Hyundai Tiburon,was purchased when I was a 17 year old 11th grade highschool student,back in 1998.I purchased a black US grey market (legal at that time) 1996 Korean only market Tiburon SRX 2.0L model at a local VT dealer.This model year or trim level was never offered in the US,only in Korea.This model was a more upscale trim level never offered to US buyers.It had strange but sweet black with small multicolor confetti like pattern cloth with a alcantara look and feel to it on the SRX sport style seats.It was basically a upgraded luxury version of the USDM 97-99 FX model.It was equipped with 4 wheel disc brakes w/ABS,15" alloy wheels with 205/55/15 sport tires,2.0L motor,w/ special to the model automatic transmission that featured a sport mode button by the shifter.This button allowed the transmission to hold the revs higher before a shift then normal.This transmission and really all models of the 1st and 2nd generation automatic transmissions available on the 1.8/2.0 were/are the weak link for Hyundai.They were weak a prone to failure,mine only lasted about 15,000 miles from new before a rebuild was needed.As the cheap and weak gears in the automatic transmissions just can not take even the stock power levels if used like a sports car is intended.They will be broken in no time!This car was totaled out after a late spring show left ice on the road.As I tried to pull over to stop on a downward hill at 5mph or less,the ABS pulsing caused the car to slide right off the road and down a 10 foot ditch onto the roof bending the driver A pillar.Totaling the car by law because of the bent structural A pillar.I purchased the totaled SRX back from insurance,as I wanted it for the parts.I then bought my second Tiburon,A red 1998 with the high rally style spoiler,a FX model with a 1.8L engine and a manual transmission.This car was then built up as much as the aftermarket availability of part would allow at the time.I swapped the 1.8L for the 2.0L first thing,for the added displacement and the fact it had really low miles.During the swap,the engine had installed stainless valves + springs,reground performance cams,MLS head gasket,Nology plug wires,MSD ignition coil, Aluminum lightweight pulleys, under drive aluminum crank pulley,A/C delete,cold air intake,ACT HD pressure plate+throw out bearing+ hd sport clutch,OBX stainless headers,magnaflow race car,hydro formed stainless MBRP cat back exhaust,new polished aluminum radiator+oil cooler,and a 75 hp shot of Nitrous.All Dyno tuned the best late 1990s tech could do, resulting in 211 whp with the spray, or about 165 whp without.I obviously spent way to much like everyone else on style mods.A Wings West Body kit,17"Motegi rims,KYB struts,Ibach sport springs besides many others.This car was used modded like this for over 5 years, and only having to replace F+R brake pads and rotors only after over 100k miles.The manual transmission was very reliable, taking much abuse on track days,with the aftermarket clutch kit.Gas mileage was one of the best I've had, near 34+ mpg on the interstate, and 30 in town,when driving right.These cars with a manual transmission are one of the most reliable engines+transmission combinations, if kept within their limits.200k miles is nothing to them if kept up correctly,and when undercoated before any rust sets in, the bodies hold up highly recommend this car as a cheap to own and fix if needed,very reliable,and very fun to drive car.But only if you stay clear of the automatic transmission cars,if not Baby that old car, because you will have problems quickly.

Trying to keep this short,I maybe a bit vague.I can't recommend this,thought at the time, to be throw away car enough.My first Hyundai Tiburon,was purchased when I was a 17 year old 11th grade highschool student,back in 1998.I purchased a black US grey market (legal at that time) 1996 Korean only market Tiburon SRX 2.0L model at a local VT dealer.This model year or trim level was never offered in the US,only in Korea.This model was a more upscale trim level never offered to US buyers.It had strange but sweet black with small multicolor confetti like pattern cloth with a alcantara look and feel to it on the SRX sport style seats.It was basically a upgraded luxury version of the USDM 97-99 FX model.It was equipped with 4 wheel disc brakes w/ABS,15" alloy wheels with 205/55/15 sport tires,2.0L motor,w/ special to the model automatic transmission that featured a sport mode button by the shifter.This button allowed the transmission to hold the revs higher before a shift then normal.This transmission and really all models of the 1st and 2nd generation automatic transmissions available on the 1.8/2.0 were/are the weak link for Hyundai.They were weak a prone to failure,mine only lasted about 15,000 miles from new before a rebuild was needed.As the cheap and weak gears in the automatic transmissions just can not take even the stock power levels if used like a sports car is intended.They will be broken in no time!This car was totaled out after a late spring show left ice on the road.As I tried to pull over to stop on a downward hill at 5mph or less,the ABS pulsing caused the car to slide right off the road and down a 10 foot ditch onto the roof bending the driver A pillar.Totaling the car by law because of the bent structural A pillar.I purchased the totaled SRX back from insurance,as I wanted it for the parts.I then bought my second Tiburon,A red 1998 with the high rally style spoiler,a FX model with a 1.8L engine and a manual transmission.This car was then built up as much as the aftermarket availability of part would allow at the time.I swapped the 1.8L for the 2.0L first thing,for the added displacement and the fact it had really low miles.During the swap,the engine had installed stainless valves + springs,reground performance cams,MLS head gasket,Nology plug wires,MSD ignition coil, Aluminum lightweight pulleys, under drive aluminum crank pulley,A/C delete,cold air intake,ACT HD pressure plate+throw out bearing+ hd sport clutch,OBX stainless headers,magnaflow race car,hydro formed stainless MBRP cat back exhaust,new polished aluminum radiator+oil cooler,and a 75 hp shot of Nitrous.All Dyno tuned the best late 1990s tech could do, resulting in 211 whp with the spray, or about 165 whp without.I obviously spent way to much like everyone else on style mods.A Wings West Body kit,17"Motegi rims,KYB struts,Ibach sport springs besides many others.This car was used modded like this for over 5 years, and only having to replace F+R brake pads and rotors only after over 100k miles.The manual transmission was very reliable, taking much abuse on track days,with the aftermarket clutch kit.Gas mileage was one of the best I've had, near 34+ mpg on the interstate, and 30 in town,when driving right.These cars with a manual transmission are one of the most reliable engines+transmission combinations, if kept within their limits.200k miles is nothing to them if kept up correctly,and when undercoated before any rust sets in, the bodies hold up highly recommend this car as a cheap to own and fix if needed,very reliable,and very fun to drive car.But only if you stay clear of the automatic transmission cars,if not Baby that old car, because you will have problems quickly.

I absolutely love this car its very reliable n basically made for a car seatless couple. Once that's in the equation it's not so comfortable. It's low to the ground so, that being said not made for ppl with bad knees or hips lol!! Its awesome on gas and drives great!! Its stylish n the sunroof in the summer is awesome. My only gripe is the CD/Cassette player never worked when I bought it. But, what do u expect when u purchase a 17yr old car that belonged to a college student? Its an amazing car n fin to drive.

I've had my '98 FX for over 2 years. When I showed it to my wife, she immediately took it to 90mph and insisted I buy it. I love driving it and she always enjoys the ride, which is firm and sporty without feeling rough. After my first Illinois winter I thought I might have to get rid of it because it was dangerous to drive. I am happy to report that following my second winter, I have determined that it just needed snow tires. Driving it this winter was a blast. My daughter recently got a 2015 vehicle but even this has only confirmed that this Tiburon is still a great car. It may not have all the tech in today's cars, but it is solid and reliable. It has been an enjoyable vacation companion with lots of room for luggage. At 17yrs old, our Tiburon is going to get the babying required to keep it on the road. We love this car. We have 3 grandchildren and they all like it too.

This car is just awesome. This is also my first car, runs great and it looks awesome and it runs wonderfully despite a little squeak that happens when the air conditioner is on, might need a new belt but it runs amazing and sounds great.

This has been the most fun car to drive. I bought it new and it has had all the power and performance you could want in a 4 cylinder. It has been extremely reliable and affordable to maintain. This would NOT be a good car for a larger or taller person. The driving compartment fits like a cockpit and not a lot of leg room in the back seat. The hatchback and fold down seats allow for almost anything you want to haul. If they still made this car I would buy another one tomorrow.

Wife got me this 4 our 25th anniv.in '01. Loved it from day 1. Very fast accel, turn ratio excell. GREAT sound system (6 spkrs). 1st repair yr 6 when trannie broke - fixed under extend. warranty. Engine still great after 150G! Use car 4 work: holds all my tools, a lil'Giant ladder,+food coolers. Built 2 last w/best parts i.e. platinum spk plug wires & many components sealed.Fun 2 drive - got orangey-red color -still looks new despite 12 Cleveland winters. SAFE car: guy plowed into car @light & HE had 90% of damage. Only downsides r hard 4 tall folks 2 fit in & deer like it 2...3 so far've run into/jumped on top. LOL Plan 2 keep it long as I can. Paid $12,900-comes to ~$1G/yr 4 great car! [Wife's friend bought same car, same color & still looks/drives like new w/0 breakdowns.]

this has been a cool car for the bucks,, great gas milesage comfortable,, has 77k when i got it , put on an air cond compressor and new brakes all around, putting on new power steering hose tomorrow and driving to nashville, in the event it breaks down,, i will revise my review overall seems tight , my first korea car , but i have owned over 100 different cars,,