Hyundai was making a name for itself in North America in the early 1990s with its array of affordable vehicles. Among them was the Scoupe, a sporty coupe introduced in 1991 and discontinued in 1995.
At the time, the Scoupe was the ideal choice for budget-conscious shoppers, offering a competitive price that was hard to beat by other automakers. The base model listed at just $9,069 for 1993, and even with the more luxurious LS trim level, the price was still appealing. Its affordability set it apart from other notable competitors in the market including the Honda Prelude and the Nissan 240SX.
The Scoupe’s Mitsubishi-based 1.5-liter SOHC straight-four engine produced 91 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque, providing a decent but not outstanding performance compared to its rivals. Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, the Scoupe did offer some level of driving enjoyment, however its life expectancy was limited due to the build quality.
Despite the Scoupe’s eventual disappearance and reputation for abysmal build quality, it played a significant role in marking Hyundai’s presence in the US market. The automaker gradually improved its vehicles and the perception of its brand among car buyers, shaping its trajectory in the auto industry.
With its illustrious history, the Hyundai Scoupe is not only a nostalgic gem but also a significant part of Hyundai’s journey in establishing itself as a reputable automaker. Its role in shaping Hyundai’s image in the US automotive market cannot be overlooked.
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