Mitsubishi Precis
The Precis was a rebadged Hyundai Excel, which was the South-Korean brand’s first model in the US in 1987. It was positioned below the Mirage in Mitsubishi’s line-up of that time. Today, the Precis is not particularly well-remembered as a standout model in Mitsubishi’s history, given its origins as a rebadged Hyundai. It does, however, serve as an interesting footnote in the history of both Hyundai’s entry into the U.S. market and Mitsubishi’s efforts to expand its lineup during the same period.
Mitsubishi Precis Overview
The Mitsubishi Precis was a subcompact car that was essentially a rebadged version of the Hyundai Excel. Offered during the 1980s and early 1990s in the U.S. market, it’s a product of the collaboration between Hyundai and Mitsubishi. The Precis was sold in the U.S. market from 1987 to 1994.
As a rebadged Hyundai Excel, the Precis was based on the same platform as the Excel. It was Hyundai’s first model to be introduced in the U.S. market. The Precis was available in both 3-door hatchback and 4-door sedan configurations. t was typically equipped with a 1.5L inline-four engine.
The Precis was Mitsubishi’s entry in the budget subcompact segment in the U.S. It was positioned as an affordable and economical option for buyers seeking a basic transportation solution. Being a basic and economical car, it attracted budget-conscious buyers. However, like the early Hyundai models from which it was derived, it was not particularly known for its build quality or long-term reliability.
The Precis was discontinued after the 1994 model year. Mitsubishi did not offer a direct replacement for the Precis in the U.S. market.
Mitsubishi Precis Sales Figures
Mitsubishi Precis U.S Sales Data & Charts
US Annual Sales
| Year | Sales Units |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 20,658 |
| 1988 | 21,613 |
| 1989 | 15,039 |
| 1990 | 4,665 |
| 1991 | 3,329 |
| 1992 | 4,771 |
| 1993 | 1,078 |
| 1994 | 409 |
