1990-1994 Hyundai Excel: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Fuel economy
- Price
- Maneuverability
- Ride
Cons
- Engine noise
- Acceleration
- Handling
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
South Korea's subcompact shattered sales records for a first-year import when it arrived on the American market in 1986. A 2-door hatchback soon joined the original 4-door sedan and 4-door hatchback. Built on the same platform as the Mitsubishi Mirage and Dodge/Plymouth Colt, the Excel also shared their 1.5-liter engine, transmissions, and some suspension parts. For 1990, Excel and the similar Mitsubishi Precis got new styling, akin to the bigger Hyundai Sonata but only a little larger than before. The engine adopted sequential fuel injection, and a new 4-speed automatic transmission became available. Models included a base 2-door hatchback and 2-door sedan, GS 3-door hatchback, GL 4-door sedan and 4-door hatchback, and GLS 4-door sedan.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| 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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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.
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $450 |
| Alternator | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $780 |
| Brakes | $180 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $335 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $360 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $160 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1994 | |||
| Excel | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1993 | |||
| Excel | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1992 | |||
| Excel | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1991 | |||
| Excel | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1990 | |||
| Excel | $0 | $0 | $0 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | 4-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 93.9 | 93.9 | 93.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 161.4 | 161.4 | 163.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 63.2 | 63.2 | 63.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.5 | 54.5 | 54.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2040 | -- | 2185 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.2 | 14.2 | 11.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.6 | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.1 | 33.1 | 33.1 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.5 / 90 | 81 | 91 | 4-speed manual: 29/33 5-speed manual: 28/36 4-speed automatic: 27/35 |
4-speed manual: -- 5-speed manual: 33.2 4-speed automatic: 22.8 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Excel |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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%.








