Years Covered:
1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Market Segment:
Subcompact car
Generation Identifier:
GM U-body platform precursor (shared with Isuzu Piazza/Impulse)
Vehicle Classification:
Economy subcompact
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, affordable transportation
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Mirage
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, simple mechanicals, durability (with proper maintenance)
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge for efficient and accurate servicing, reducing repair costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel & emissions, ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, transmission (manual & automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (front disc, rear drum), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wipers, horn, audio system, power accessories
Body And Frame:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, seats, climate control system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks & changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing procedures
Repair:
Component removal & installation, internal engine repair, transmission overhaul, brake caliper/wheel cylinder service, suspension component replacement
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Code:
4ZC1 (Isuzu)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1471 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Horsepower:
72 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
84 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Multi-port)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cooling Medium:
Ethylene glycol and water mixture
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition System (EIS)
Emission System:
Catalytic converter, EGR valve, Oxygen sensor
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
3-Speed Automatic
Automatic Transmission Features:
Torque converter lock-up
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent), approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) refill
Length:
Approx. 158.9 inches (4036 mm)
Width:
Approx. 64.8 inches (1646 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.9 inches (1370 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 94.3 inches (2395 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2050-2150 lbs (930-975 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3000 lbs (1360 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 8.4 cubic feet (238 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated or insufficient data
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not rated or insufficient data
Braking System:
Front disc, Rear drum
Seat Belts:
Three-point front, two-point rear
Head Restraints:
Front seat head restraints
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio, optional Cassette Player, typically 2-4 speakers.
Dashboard Design:
Functional and straightforward, with analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature.
Antilock Brakes:
Not typically equipped as standard; potentially available on higher trims or as an option in later years.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag not standard on all models; passenger airbag not available.
Connectivity Features:
None (vehicle predates modern connectivity standards like Bluetooth or USB).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for exact type and gap).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for engine integrity).
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7 US quarts (3.5 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 L)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), aging rubber bushings in suspension, potential for carburetor issues (if applicable in later models/regions), exhaust system rust.
Electrical Quirks:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, malfunctioning instrument cluster gauges.
Engine Specifics:
SOHC design can be sensitive to timing belt neglect. Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket can occur with age.
Chevrolet Positioning Era:
Chevrolet's entry into the small, fuel-efficient segment during the 1980s
Rebadging Agreement:
Based on the Isuzu Gemini (FF platform), rebadged for the North American market under GM's partnership with Isuzu.
Design Inspiration:
Front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout typical of Japanese compacts of the era.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (assembled by Isuzu)
Production Years Global:
1985-1994 (as Chevrolet Spectrum; Isuzu Gemini successor continued under various names)
Reputation:
Generally regarded as a dependable and economical vehicle, though not a performance leader. Praised for its value proposition at the time of release.
Consumer Reports Historical Ratings:
Varies by year and specific reporting; typically average to above average for reliability in its class during its production run.
