1990-1994 Hyundai Excel: Road Test

Updated: 11/23/08

1990 Hyundai Excel 2-door hatchback
1994 Hyundai Excel
View the Photo Gallery

1990-1994 Hyundai Excel

  • Price Range:  $0 - $800
CG Rating

31

out of 100

About our Road Test

Pricing

Explore

Related to Hyundai Excel

Related Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Our road test for the 1990-1994 Hyundai Excel includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Hyundai Excel and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Hyundai Excel is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Standing-start acceleration is far from brisk: Even with 5-speed manual shift you have to hit the gas hard to keep up with traffic. Acceleration to 60 mph takes close to 15 seconds with automatic, versus 12 to 13 seconds with stick shift. Not only is the automatic transmission sluggish, but it shifts with a jolt at full throttle. It's also slow to downshift for passing. Gas mileage is great. We averaged nearly 34 mpg in city/expressway driving. An Excel maneuvers well enough, is easy to park, and the ride is comfortable for a small car. Soft springing not only makes the ride more compliant, but results in plenty of body lean in turns, plus sloppy cornering. Road noise approaches the excessive, even for a low-end vehicle. Tires howl loudly even at highway speeds, and wind noise can grow intrusive. Interior space is adequate for four, and five can squeeze in. Rear leg room is restricted, and backseats in 3-doors are particularly cramped. Assembly quality appears good, though fit and finish don't rank as first-rate.
Value for the Money
While not the best of the bunch, which includes the more refined Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, Excels offer a lot for a far more modest price. For buyers on a budget, an Excel is worth a look.
Advertisement

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Hyundai Excel GS Rating
Performance 3
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 2
Controls/Materials 3
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 31

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.

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement