1988 Hyundai Excel GLS 1.5 OHC carb
Summary:
Cheap beater car... you'll love it
Faults:
My car has nothing wrong with it! I have replaced 0 parts since I got it and I just plain love the car!
General Comments:
The manual transmission is geared perfectly from second to fourth. I sometimes just start out in second because first is too jerky for my flatfoot. The electronic addition of fifth is good for economy, but I rarely ever use fifth, mainly because it's a big joke.
My car is dark blue with a grey interior.
I have installed a K&N air filter and oil filter. I use only synthetic oil (5W-30). I feel that it runs better with this. Sometimes, I have the car fully loaded down with people (I have a hatchback 5-door) but it still accelerates good. The car was never intended to race, but I have surprised a few people. I had a Ford Crown Victoria in first gear once, I beat out an early 80's Civic (I think it was CVCC), I was head to head with a 94 Excel, and I beat out a four cylinder Mustang.
My car must be specially fast, because I've driven other cars like this (89 four speed) and it wasn't as fast as mine. Maybe the K&N filters do something...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st August, 2001
29th Oct 2002, 20:21
I recently purchased a 90 Excel used with 120k on the odometer. It had a blown head gasket and some fuel injection problems, but I only paid 200.00 for the car. After a 17.00 head gasket and new fuel injectors I have driven the little work horse for 8K miles with no problems. My total investment in the car right now stands at 400.00 and I expect it to last for years to come.
3rd Nov 2002, 17:16
I also own a hyundai excel and its the best car I have ever owned. I beat out a ford fiesta hatchback in 1st and 2nd gear one time. I'm sure they got the excel mixed up with a performance beast at the factory. Here in England, there is no other car on the road that can beat me out into 2nd gear at all! This one time, I nearly beat out a bentley Turbo continental, up until about 1500rpm then it moved away. I'm definitely considering buying a 4x4 version. perhaps in dark blue. P. s Does anyone have one for sale?
20th Aug 2002, 01:26
I have a GL model of the same year, with the same engine/transmission combination. While I like my car, I would say its performance is sub-par; this car is by no means a "sleeper" like this reviewer suggested. I recently drove a Ford Focus Wagon, and it blew the doors off my car, performance wise, which doesn't say a lot. My Excel is well maintained, so its lack of performance is not due to a tired engine. My Excel also need frequent repair. If I knew what I know now when I bought the car, I MIGHT not have done it. If you can't do MAJOR repairs yourself (new pistons, rings, rod bearings, shocks and struts and motor mount for my car) look to buy a Tercel. It will have fewer features than an Excel, but much higher reliability.