Photo: Hyundai Excel by OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. It shows the model, not always this exact version.
Hyundai · model year 1989
1989 Hyundai Excel
Subcompact · Front-Wheel Drive · Gas · EPA class: Subcompact Cars
Where it places
The CarCody take
The 1989 Hyundai Excel is a front-wheel-drive subcompact car with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. It returns 23 MPG in city driving, 29 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. Listed annual fuel cost is $2,600, with tailpipe emissions of 341.81 grams per mile.
Good to know
- 26 MPG combined fuel economy
- 29 MPG highway rating
- Front-wheel drive
- Automatic three-speed transmission
Watch for
- 23 MPG city rating
- $2,600 listed annual fuel cost
- 341.81 g/mi tailpipe CO2
- Three-speed automatic transmission
Who it suits. Drivers seeking a small front-wheel-drive gasoline car Owners whose routes include highway driving
Choose the 1989 Hyundai Excel when you want a subcompact gasoline car with front-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, and you can accept its 26 MPG combined rating. City-heavy driving is rated at 23 MPG, so the $2,600 listed yearly fuel cost matters most for frequent short trips. Highway use reaches 29 MPG. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 341.81 grams-per-mile tailpipe figure complete a practical, clearly defined package.
What it is
The Excel is a 1989 Hyundai subcompact car. It uses front-wheel drive and gasoline power.
Its powertrain pairs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a three-speed automatic transmission.
The numbers
The combined rating is 26 MPG. City driving is rated at 23 MPG, while highway driving is 29 MPG.
That split gives you a simple planning point: stop-and-go trips use more fuel than steady highway travel.
What it costs to run
The listed annual fuel cost is $2,600. Tailpipe emissions are 341.81 grams of carbon dioxide per mile.
Your actual bill will depend on how much you drive and the mix of city and highway miles, but 26 MPG is the combined reference figure.
How it compares
The Excel appears in the Hyundai cars lineup with a 26 MPG combined rating. Its 23 city and 29 highway ratings also show where its fuel use changes with driving conditions.
The available figures identify its place by fuel economy, but do not provide another model's numbers for a direct head-to-head result.
Who it suits
The Excel suits a driver looking for a small gasoline car with front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
It makes the most sense for someone who can work with 23 MPG in city driving and values the higher 29 MPG highway rating on longer trips.
Trade-offs
The three-speed automatic keeps the drivetrain straightforward, but the car's fuel figures differ noticeably between city and highway use.
The 1.5-liter engine, front-wheel-drive layout, and subcompact class define the package. Its listed emissions are 341.81 grams per mile.
Verdict
The 1989 Hyundai Excel is a small, front-wheel-drive automatic built around ordinary gasoline running costs rather than a low-fuel-use claim. A 26 MPG combined rating gives it a clear baseline, while the 23 city and 29 highway figures help set expectations for different routes. Consider it if a simple subcompact format matches your needs and the $2,600 annual fuel figure fits your budget.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 26 MPG
- City MPG
- 23 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,600
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 342 g per mile
- Model year
- 1989
- Body
- Car
- EPA size class
- Subcompact Cars
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 1.5 L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- Automatic 3-spd
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 1989 Hyundai Excel's combined MPG?
Its combined rating is 26 MPG.
How many MPG does it get in the city?
The city rating is 23 MPG.
How many MPG does it get on the highway?
The highway rating is 29 MPG.
What is its annual fuel cost?
The listed annual fuel cost is $2,600.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a three-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 1989 Hyundai Excel front-wheel drive?
Yes. The Excel uses front-wheel drive.
What are its tailpipe CO2 emissions?
Tailpipe emissions are listed at 341.81 grams per mile.
More Hyundai model years
1990 Hyundai Excel
26 MPG · $2,600 fuel a year 1990 Hyundai Excel
27 MPG · $2,500 fuel a year 1990 Hyundai Excel
28 MPG · $2,400 fuel a year
1990 Hyundai Sonata
20 MPG · $3,350 fuel a year 1990 Hyundai Sonata
21 MPG · $3,200 fuel a year 1990 Hyundai Sonata
18 MPG · $3,700 fuel a year 1989 Hyundai Excel
26 MPG · $2,600 fuel a year