1998 Hyundai Tiburon FX review from North America

Air bag warning light.

The stock seats are awful and there is a lot of rattles and noises.

However, it's a sports car and they're all like that.

On the road however this car can REALLY dance. The handling is second to none in this group and it's clear to see where porsche came in with the monocoque chassis and mcpherson gas struts.

Acceleration doesnt come easy for the tiburon, from 0-30 miles per hour the car is somewhat of a slouch, but once past 30 the engine kicks in and makes a satisfying growl at which point she can really dance.

The stock seats in mine were removed and I added racing seats to hold me in better, as commented on previously this car loses grip when you can no longer hold the steering wheel.

The feel on the steering wheel is like holding a beautiful woman, it's firm and you can feel every subtle nuance of the road below.

By the time my Yokahamas lost grip the steering would literally break your wrists, this car is to the road like epoxy is to hardnener, when it comes to handling the closest you will get to this is about $60000.

I have driven all kinds of cars in my life but never one that handles like this.

Case in point I have a highway entry ramp close to my house and by the time I have left it and entered the highway I can already be exceeding the speed limit.

Try and remember the entry ramp is a full half circle and you are hanging on for dear life, but the complete eliminiation of body roll from the monocoque chassis is a joy to behold.

I lucked out on my car for price, and it does have a couple of cosmetic flaws but for the price (even at the full going rate) you just will not find a car that handles like this one does.

I have had people 'challenge' me and break the law to undertake me, but when we get to the corners they soon discover that no matter how many horses daddy's acura may have or how many countless thousands of dollars it may have cost it just cannot shake the tiburon.

I seriously reccomend adding racing seats and harnesses, the way this car likes to be driven it's the least you can do for your own safety.

I wouldnt, however, rely on this car as a permanent solution to an automobile.. the cockpit is crampt although well laid out and it's bumpy, as an example to this when the gumballs freeze over on the road in the winter it's almost back breaking to drive over them.

And whilst I am on the subject of winter do your tiburon a favor and DO NOT drive it in the snow.

The car is so low and the suspension so hard it is like driving an ice skate, the previous owner spun it around and hit a snow pile damaging the fender and bending one of the drive axles.

Leave it at home and use a truck for the winter, and don't take it on a drive farther than 100 miles or you will not be walking comfortably for a while.

The tiburon is best described as your utterly irresponsible yet sensible second car, it's there to cater to the child in you and your racing car alter ego :)