Hyundai Excel: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Hyundai Excel

The Hyundai Excel, a subcompact car, marked a significant milestone for the South Korean automaker, Hyundai Motor Company, as its first front-wheel-drive vehicle. Produced from 1985 to 1999, the Excel played a pivotal role in establishing Hyundai’s presence in international markets, including the United States and Australia. It was offered in several body styles, including three-door and five-door hatchbacks, as well as a four-door sedan. Known for its affordability, the Excel appealed to budget-conscious buyers and became a notable sales success, despite facing criticisms regarding its build quality in earlier years. Over its lifespan, the Excel saw multiple generations and variants, each bringing design updates and mechanical improvements. It was also marketed under different names in various regions, such as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Presto, and Mitsubishi Precis. The Excel was eventually succeeded by the Hyundai Accent.

Hyundai Excel Overview

Generations and History of Hyundai Excel

First Generation (X1; 1985–1989)

The first-generation Hyundai Excel, known as the X1, was a landmark vehicle for the company, marking its entry into the front-wheel-drive market. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Excel was based on the second-generation Mitsubishi Mirage. It was launched in 1985 and was initially available as a five-door hatchback, with a four-door sedan model, called the Presto in South Korea, following shortly after. The hatchback was marketed as the Pony Excel in its home market. Engine options included a 1.3L and a 1.5L four-cylinder engine. The Excel became the first Hyundai vehicle to be exported to the United States in 1986, where its low price point contributed to record-breaking first-year sales for an import brand. A three-door hatchback was added to the lineup in some markets from 1987.

Second Generation (X2; 1989–1995)

The second-generation Excel (X2), introduced in 1989, was more of a significant facelift than an all-new model. It featured more rounded styling, moving away from the angular design of the first generation, and the interior space was increased. A notable mechanical upgrade was the introduction of a new 1.5-liter engine with electronic fuel injection, which produced 85 horsepower. In Europe, the four-door sedan version was now also badged as the Excel, aligning with other markets. This generation continued to be offered in three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback, and four-door sedan body styles. Despite improvements in build quality, it was still primarily sold on its affordability. The X2 also formed the basis for Hyundai’s first sports coupe, the Scoupe.

Third Generation (X3; 1995–1999)

The third-generation Excel, also known as the X3, was launched in 1994 for the 1995 model year and represented a significant leap forward for Hyundai. This model is also widely known as the first-generation Hyundai Accent in many markets. It sported a more modern, rounded “bio-design” aesthetic that was popular in the 1990s. The X3 was available as a three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback, and a four-door sedan. Engine options primarily consisted of a 1.5-liter unit, which was available in both single overhead cam (SOHC) and, from 1998, a more powerful dual overhead cam (DOHC) configuration. This generation was a massive sales success in many countries, including Australia, where its “driveaway” pricing made it a top seller.

Hyundai Excel Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Hyundai Excel Variants and Features

Throughout its production, the Hyundai Excel was offered in a variety of trim levels to cater to different customer needs and budgets. The first generation (X1) had variants such as the basic L, GL, and the better-equipped GLS. In North America, trim levels included Base, GL, GLS, and GS. The second generation (X2) continued with similar trim designations, including S, LS, and GSi in Europe, and Sprint, L, and GS in Australia. The third generation (X3) had variants like the Sprint, GX, LX, and the range-topping GLX. Base models were typically sparse on features to maintain a low price point, often lacking amenities like power steering or air conditioning. Higher-end trims like the GLS and GLX offered more comforts such as central locking, power windows, and a better audio system. Interiors across all generations were functional but often featured hard plastics, reflecting the car’s budget-oriented nature. Safety features were minimal in the early generations, with improvements being made over time. Later X3 models offered features like a driver’s airbag in some markets.

Hyundai Excel Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Hyundai Excel was powered by a range of four-cylinder engines. The first generation (X1) was equipped with 1.3L and 1.5L carbureted engines from Mitsubishi’s Orion family, mated to either a four-speed or five-speed manual, or a three-speed automatic transmission. The second generation (X2) saw the significant upgrade to a fuel-injected 1.5L engine, which provided a boost in power to around 81-85 hp. The third generation (X3) initially used a 1.5L single-cam engine, which was later upgraded to a more powerful dual-cam version. The driving experience was generally considered adequate for its class. While not a performance car, the Excel provided basic transportation. Earlier models were noted for soft suspension and less-than-precise handling. The manual transmission could feel sloppy, but the car was generally easy to drive, especially in urban environments. Acceleration was modest, particularly with the automatic transmission.

Hyundai Excel Pricing and Mileage

A key factor in the Hyundai Excel’s popularity was its highly competitive pricing. In the mid-1980s, it entered the US market with a sub-$5,000 price tag, which was a major draw for consumers. In Australia, it was famously marketed with “driveaway no more to pay” pricing, which also contributed to its sales success. As a used vehicle, its price range in Australia for the latest models produced is between $1,650 and $4,070. Fuel economy was a strong point for the Excel. The 1994 1.5L model had a combined MPG of around 26-27. The 1995 1.5L manual variant had a claimed combined fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100km. Real-world mileage would vary depending on driving conditions and vehicle maintenance. Running costs were generally low due to affordable parts and straightforward mechanics.

Hyundai Excel Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The exterior design of the Hyundai Excel evolved significantly over its generations. The first-generation X1, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, had a boxy, angular style typical of the 1980s. The second-generation X2 adopted a more rounded, aerodynamic look. The third-generation X3 fully embraced the “bio-design” trend of the 1990s with its curvy and ovoid shapes. A range of colors was available, including basic options like black, white, red, and blue, as well as metallic finishes in silver and green on higher trims. The Excel’s dimensions placed it firmly in the subcompact category. The length varied between approximately 3985mm and 4275mm, with a width of around 1595mm to 1620mm and a height of about 1370mm to 1394mm. Wheel sizes were typically 13 inches.

Hyundai Excel Safety Features

Safety features in the Hyundai Excel were basic, especially in the early generations, which was common for budget cars of that era.

• Airbags: Not available on early models. Later generations in some markets offered a driver-side airbag.
• ABS / EBD: Not typically available.
• Electronic Stability Control: Not available.
• Crash Test Ratings: The 1994 Excel received a 4 out of 5-star rating for the driver’s side in a frontal crash test conducted by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, there were also safety concerns, including a notable issue with a welding defect in the front suspension of some X3 models that could lead to collapse.
• Other advanced safety systems: The Excel was not equipped with advanced safety systems.

Hyundai Excel Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment systems in the Hyundai Excel were rudimentary by modern standards. Early models came with a basic AM/FM radio, sometimes with a cassette player. Higher trim levels might have included a system with four speakers instead of the standard two. As the models progressed into the 1990s, some versions were available with a radio and CD player combination. There were no advanced connectivity features like touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, or Bluetooth, as these technologies were not common in economy cars during the Excel’s production run.

Hyundai Excel Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the Hyundai Excel are mixed, often reflecting the car’s budget positioning. Many owners praised the car for its low purchase price and excellent fuel economy, viewing it as reliable and cheap transportation. For the 1990-1994 generation, 86% of owners on Kelley Blue Book recommended the vehicle. Common praises include the surprisingly spacious interior and boot space for its size. However, the Excel also faced significant criticism, particularly the earlier generations, for issues with build quality and reliability. Complaints included rust, cheap interior plastics, and mechanical problems. Some owners reported issues with oil consumption in higher mileage vehicles and transmission problems. Despite the drawbacks, many found the Excel to be a simple and easy car to work on for those with mechanical skills.

Hyundai Excel Comparison with Similar Cars

During its time, the Hyundai Excel competed in the crowded subcompact market against established rivals from Japan and the United States. Its main competitors included the Toyota Tercel, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Ford Festiva, and Geo Metro (a rebadged Suzuki Swift). The Excel’s primary competitive advantage was its price; it was often significantly cheaper than its Japanese counterparts. While competitors like the Civic and Tercel generally offered better build quality, refinement, and reliability, the Excel provided a new car warranty and more features for the money at the lower end of the market. Compared to the Ford Festiva (built by Kia) and Geo Metro, the Excel offered similar value propositions, though the driving dynamics and fuel efficiency of those models were often praised.

Hyundai Excel Awards and Recognition

• Voted one of the “Best Products” by Fortune magazine upon its US debut.

Interesting Facts about Hyundai Excel

• The Hyundai Excel was the first South Korean car to be exported to the United States.
• It was sold in the United States as the Mitsubishi Precis from 1987 to 1994.
• The Excel’s huge popularity in Australia during the mid-to-late 1990s led to the creation of a one-make amateur racing series, the Excel Racing Series, which remains popular.
• In its home market of South Korea, the first-generation sedan was named the Hyundai Presto.

Hyundai Excel Legacy and Influence

The Hyundai Excel holds a crucial place in the history of the Hyundai Motor Company. Despite early struggles with quality perception, its sales success, driven by aggressive pricing, allowed Hyundai to gain a significant foothold in key global markets like North America and Australia. It demonstrated the potential for South Korean automakers to compete on the world stage. The lessons learned from the Excel’s shortcomings, particularly concerning reliability and build quality, pushed Hyundai to focus heavily on improving these aspects in subsequent models. This led to a dramatic transformation of the brand’s reputation over the following decades. The Excel paved the way for its successor, the Hyundai Accent, and was instrumental in Hyundai’s journey to becoming one of the world’s largest and most respected automobile manufacturers.

Hyundai Excel Global Availability

The Hyundai Excel was a globally marketed vehicle. It was sold in North America (United States and Canada), Europe (often badged as the Hyundai Pony), Australia, and various parts of Asia. The vehicles were manufactured in Hyundai’s Ulsan plant in South Korea. For the North American market, a badge-engineered version was sold by Mitsubishi as the Precis. This arrangement was part of a broader technical partnership between Hyundai and Mitsubishi at the time. The Excel was produced in both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations to cater to different international markets. While the Excel itself has been discontinued, its lineage continues through the Hyundai Accent, which is sold in many of the same markets today.

Hyundai Excel Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Ownership costs for the Hyundai Excel were generally low, which was a significant part of its appeal. Maintenance was straightforward, and spare parts were typically affordable and readily available, although some specific parts may now be harder to find due to the car’s age and the popularity of Excel racing series depleting stock. Common maintenance items included timing belt replacements, which were crucial as the engines were interference designs. Known issues to watch for include oil leaks, failure of inlet manifold gaskets, and problems with distributors or coil packs. Exterior plastic parts like door handles were known to become brittle and break. Due to its age and initial low purchase price, the resale value of the Hyundai Excel is quite low. However, for those seeking basic, low-cost transportation that is simple to maintain, a well-kept Excel can be a very economical choice.

Final Words about Hyundai Excel

The Hyundai Excel was a transformative vehicle for its manufacturer and a significant player in the global budget car market for over a decade. While it may not have “excelled” in terms of performance, refinement, or initial quality, it succeeded in its primary mission: providing affordable and accessible transportation to the masses. Its legacy is complex; for some, it represents the “cheap and cheerful” economy car with its share of flaws, while for Hyundai, it was the crucial first step on a long road to becoming a world-class automotive powerhouse. The Excel’s story is a testament to the importance of value and market entry, and it remains a memorable, if imperfect, chapter in automotive history. For buyers today, a well-maintained Excel can still serve as a testament to simple, no-frills motoring.