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:

The CV Joints required replacing at about 205000km. This was probably due to my erratic driving rather than anything else.

There is a slight amount of rust beginning to develop just above the front windscreen, and on the door on the right hand side of the vehicle, behind the driver.

Otherwise I have been surprised by the reliability of this vehicle.

General Comments:

The model that I own is the most basic five door. It appears a bit odd without the mirror on the left hand side (passenger) door, and the steering, especially in car parks, requires muscles. The four speed manual leaves you wishing there was a fifth gear.

The acceleration in third gear going up anything steeper than a 10 degree hill is terrible. To go from 40kph to 60kph takes around 10 seconds.

It can handle the erratic nature of my driving (e.g. taking a round-a-bout at 60kph).

It goes through about 10L/100km of unleaded on the wide Australian roads. I could probably get 8L/100km if I did not push the car so hard.

Struggles at 100km on the freeway. The engine is very loud at this speed.

It can get really hot left out in the sun. Probably requires air conditioning to make it comfortable.

The heater is very effective, but it is seldom needed.

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.