Faults:

Everything!

Rear passenger window and driver's window would not roll either down or up.

Huge amount of water leaks after rain. We had to cover the whole roof with the plastic, but that didn't stop. Worse when driving. It's like a garden hose at full blast.

It died many times while driving for unknown reasons.

Driver's side door handles won't open from the outside.

Air conditioning didn't work.

Well, I'd say, EVERYTHING didn't work right at all! Poor manufactured! No power steering! Nothing!!!

General Comments:

This was my mother's car. She got it for really cheap, it ran beautiful as soon as we drove off the lot, after that, it was nothing, but problems! One September in 1995, she was finally fed up and traded for a 1990 Geo Prizm.

I even told her about the new Hyundais with excellent warranty, she still refused even though she thought they looked much better today, but she still refused! She's staying with Chevrolet!!

Faults:

Front and rear brakes had to be replaced last year, cost around $500.

Rear wiper and fluid pump don't work.

Overheated in the winter, blew two hoses, radiator and coolant froze.

Front springs and struts now badly worn, needs new springs, struts and mounts, nearly $800 in work.

Losing 3rd and 4th gear.

Car stalls when first started, terrible fuel flow for a block or two. Probably needs new carb.

Jack went through passenger side floorboard and nearly killed my friend while he was fixing the blown lower radiator hose.

Paint is terrible, clear coat peeling badly on roof and hood, rust around wheel wells, rear hatch.

General Comments:

I would not recommend an Excel, this car cost me $750 to buy, then another $500 in brake work, and now it needs $800 in suspension work and likely a new or rebuilt tranny.

It's slow (68hp), and handles badly. It isn't even that good on gas. The interior is small and bland, though I wouldn't expect much from that.

I could see buying an Excel if it were in good shape and you didn't pay much. However, it's likely more wise to get a Civic or 323 of similar vintage.

Faults:

When I first got the car the car was in the need of some TLC.

The carburator is quite worn. It burns oil and the valve cover and oil pan gasket leak.

The car has had a new CV shaft installed and some carburator work done on it since I bought the car.

General Comments:

This car handles like a bus and accelerates like a tank.

The seats however are very comfortable and the accessories and place nicely.

I love this car, but if I had money to buy a different one I'd do it in a flash.