1988 Hyundai Excel GLS review from North America
"Cheap beater car... you'll love it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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...
Recommended reviews
  | Good basic transportation |
| Unreliable, expensive, good for very cheap, disposable transport |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 OHC carb Manual |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 67920 miles |
| Most recent distance | 68546 miles |
| Date of Entry | 1st August, 2001 |