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1991-1995 Hyundai Scoupe Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Hyundai Scoupe. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Hyundai Scoupe.
1991-1995 Hyundai Scoupe Review
Beneath the Scoupe's 2-door notchback sport coupe body sat the same front-drive platform used for the Excel sedan. Exterior sheetmetal was unique, however, and the Scoupe's suspension was calibrated by Lotus of England. Power until 1993 came from the same 81-horsepower, 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine used in Excels, with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Scoupes had a shorter final-drive ratio than the Excel for quicker off-the-line acceleration.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Hyundai Scoupe: Nothing was new for Hyundai's sport coupe in its second season.
1993 Hyundai Scoupe: Scoupes got a modest facelift this year, including new flush headlamps plus body-colored side moldings and redesigned front sheetmetal, taillights, and rear bumper. A Turbo model and an improved 1.5-liter engine became available. Dubbed Alpha, the new engine made 92 horsepower. Developing 115 horsepower, the Turbo engine had three valves per cylinder as well as multipoint fuel injection. Turbos came only with 5-speed manual shift, while base and LS models could have an optional 4-speed automatic.
1994 Hyundai Scoupe: Nothing but detail changes were evident on Hyundai's sport coupe this season.
1995 Hyundai Scoupe: Scoupes dropped out of the Hyundai lineup after the 1995 model year.
1991-1995 Hyundai Scoupe Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (turbo) Acceleration (base and LS)
Control layout Noise
Fuel economy Rear-seat room
Maneuverability Entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
A shorter final-drive ratio gave the Scoupe quicker standing-start acceleration than Excel's, but performance is otherwise similar--which means sluggish, especially with automatic. Reserve power for passing is lacking, too. The Turbo and stronger base engine for '93 both improve performance and reliability, though base-engine acceleration still ranks only as adequate. Unfortunately, the newer engine drones just as much as the earlier 4-cylinder. Gas mileage is good with the base engine; less so with the Turbo. A Turbo Scoupe returned 23.5 mpg. For a sports coupe, Scoupe's handling is below average, even on Turbo models. However, it does hold the road better than most subcompacts. Ride quality is good but not great. On anything other than ultrasmooth straightaways, expect some noticeable jiggling. Braking is second-rate, suffering sudden, early wheel lock-ups that compromise both stopping distance and directional control. Scoupes were honestly billed as "2+2" models, but the back seat is is only for occasional adult use. Drivers sit comfortably in a user-friendly position, facing an attractive, conveniently laid out dashboard. Visibility is good, but entry into the front is complicated by automatic front seatbelts. The standard split folding rear seat improves cargo-carrying versatility.
Value for the Money
Secondhand prices might appeal due to low resale value, but don't expect the precision or finesse of, say, a Mazda MX-3, Nissan NX, or Toyota Paseo when you drive home a Scoupe.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Hyundai Scoupe auto Rating
Performance 2
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 2
Steering/Handling/Braking 2
Quietness 2
Controls/Materials 3
Interior Room 3
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 3
Total: 28
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.
1991-1995 Hyundai Scoupe Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: The transmission may shift poorly between first and second or develop harsh shifting. It can be corrected by adjusting the kickdown servo. (1991-92)
Automatic transmission: If the transmission slips or will not go into fourth gear, the end clutch needs to be replaced. (1991-95)
Hard starting: Hard starting may be due to a cracked in-tank fuel line. (1991-95)
Hard starting: Cars with an automatic transmission and 1.5-liter engine may suffer from hard starting or stalling when started when the outside temperature is cool. (1991-92)
Hard starting: The engine may not start due to a faulty tach filter causing a weak ignition spark. (1992)
Manual transmission: Manual transaxles may grind when attempting to shift into reverse. A new reverse idle-gear bushing and reverse shift lever may fix the problem. (1991-92)
Water leak: Water leaks into the truck due to incomplete sealing in the wheel wells. (1991-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $630
Alternator $315
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $810
Brakes $170
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $280
Constant Velocity Joints $325
Exhaust System $260
Radiator $365
Shocks and/or Struts $555
Timing Chain or Belt $170
NHTSA Recall History
: None
1991-1995 Hyundai Scoupe Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1991
Scoupe $0 $0 $0
1992
Scoupe $0 $0 $0
1993
Scoupe $0 $0 $0
1994
Scoupe $1,000-1,300 $600-800 $100
1995
Scoupe $1,000-1,400 $600-800 $100
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1991-1995 Hyundai Scoupe Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 93.8
Overall Length, in. 165.9
Overall Width, in. 63.9
Overall Height, in. 50.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 2176
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 9.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 11.9
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 38.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.8
Rear Head Room, in. 34.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 29.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Initial Scoupes were powered only by an 81-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, borrowed from the subcompact Excel sedan. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic might be installed. A 92-horsepower engine went into Scoupes in 1993, when a 115-horsepower Turbo also became available.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc I4 1.5 / 90 81 91 5-speed manual: 26/34
4-speed automatic: 25/32
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
ohc I4 1.5 / 91 92 97 5-speed manual: 28/36
4-speed automatic: 25/34
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
Turbocharged ohc I4 1.5 / 91 115 123 5-speed manual: 27/33 5-speed manual: 23.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1995 Scoupe
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
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%. Side-impact 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%.
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
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