Verdict
C
Sports · South Korea · 1996-2008
Hyundai Coupe
Hyundai Coupe — spec data and generation history.
Years
1996-2008
Generations
3
Segment
Sports
Hyundai's affordable two-door — RD (1996–1999) launched the nameplate with sharp Pininfarina-influenced lines; RD2 (1999–2002) was the facelift with the swollen rear arches and 2.0/2.7 V6 options; GK (2001–2008, sold as Tiburon in some markets) was the all-new car with a bigger 2.7 V6 and six-speed gearbox. Cheap cruiser-coupes more than drivers' cars — looked the part, drove softly, undercut the Celica on price.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
RD2 1999-2002 → GK 2001-2008
BHP +27 bhp
Torque +35 Nm
0–60 mph −0.6 s
Top speed +5 mph
MPG −1 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1996-1999
RD
→
2.0 — 137 bhp, 0-62 in 8.6s.
Verdict
C
BHP
137
0–60
8.6 s
Top
127 mph
MPG
25 mpg
Used
$600-$3,200
- + Sharp original styling
- + Cheap to buy
- − Rust on UK cars
- − Soft chassis
1999-2002
RD2
→
2.0 — 137 bhp, 0-62 in 8.4s.
Verdict
C
BHP
137
0–60
8.4 s
Top
127 mph
MPG
25 mpg
Used
$800-$3,600
- + Beefier styling
- + V6 option added
- − Still soft to drive
- − Rust ongoing
2001-2008
GK
→
2.7 V6 — 164 bhp, 0-62 in 8.0s.
Verdict
C
BHP
164
0–60
8.0 s
Top
132 mph
MPG
24 mpg
Used
$1,100-$5,100
- + All-new car with stiffer body
- + 6-speed gearbox option
- − Steering numb
- − Cabin plastics still poor
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
1996-1999 · RD
- Cam belt failure if neglected
- Rear arch rust on UK cars
- Power steering pump whine
1999-2002 · RD2
- Crank pulley failure on 2.0
- Sticky throttle bodies
- Rear arch rust
2001-2008 · GK
- Crank position sensor failure
- V6 timing belt service intensive
- Rear shock bush wear
Rivals
Toyota Celica · Ford Cougar · Honda Integra · Vauxhall Tigra