Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops
Key Competitors:
Opel Vectra A, Ford Sierra, Nissan Primera, Toyota Camry (early models)
Design Influence:
Styling influenced by Italdesign Giugiaro, shared platform with Opel Vectra A
Value Proposition:
Affordable European-inspired styling and engineering for its era.
Engine Coverage:
All petrol engines
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and Automatic transmissions
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, steering, brakes, body
Electrical Coverage:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams
Bodywork Coverage:
Exterior and interior components, repair procedures
Type:
Full Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (clutch, gearbox, torque converter, final drive)
Chassis And Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system (power steering, steering column), brake system (front discs, rear drums/discs, ABS components), wheel bearings, drive axles
Electrical And Electronics:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), instrumentation, wipers and washers, horn, power windows, central locking, engine control unit (ECU) and related sensors, diagnostic procedures
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system (air conditioning, heating, ventilation), fuel tank, exhaust system routing
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation, general lubrication
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head gasket replacement, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, starter motor/alternator repair, fuel injector cleaning/replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
System-specific troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for ECU, electrical fault finding using wiring diagrams, performance issue diagnosis
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Code Typical:
C16NZ, C18NZ, C20NE (Opel derived)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC/DOHC (depending on variant)
Displacement 1.6L:
1598 cc
Displacement 1.8L:
1796 cc
Displacement 2.0L:
1998 cc
Horsepower 1.6L:
75 PS (74 hp; 55 kW)
Torque 1.6L:
124 Nm (91 lb-ft)
Horsepower 1.8L:
90 PS (89 hp; 66 kW)
Torque 1.8L:
140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Horsepower 2.0L:
115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW)
Torque 2.0L:
170 Nm (125 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating as per manual recommendation)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless or Distributor-based depending on specific engine)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with fan
Oil Capacity Approx:
3.5 - 4.5 Liters (check specific engine)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Automatic Transmission Features:
Torque converter, P-R-N-D-2-1 shift pattern, potentially electronic control depending on specific model.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (verify with manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (verify with manual)
Length:
Approx. 4570 mm (179.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1735 mm (68.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2600 mm (102.4 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1460 mm (57.5 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
1250 - 1350 kg (2756 - 2976 lbs) depending on engine/transmission
Trunk Capacity Approx:
470 Liters (16.6 cu ft)
Wheel Size Standard:
14-inch or 15-inch alloy or steel wheels
Tire Size Standard:
185/70R14 or 195/60R15 (verify with manual)
Crash Test Results:
Limited official data for 1991 models; equivalent European models (Opel Vectra A) generally performed moderately in contemporary crash tests.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims/later models
Brake Bias System:
Load-sensing proportioning valve on rear brakes
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts, rear lap belts (3-point optional/standard on some trims)
Airbags:
Driver airbag optional on later models, not standard on 1991 models.
Side Impact Beams:
Reinforced door beams
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player, potential for CD player integration on higher trims. Basic speaker setup.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges and indicator lights for instrumentation. No central display for infotainment.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control available on some variants.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to factory audio system, no Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (verify with manual)
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km or 12 months (verify with manual)
Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 40,000 km or 24 months (verify with manual)
Coolant Replacement Interval:
Every 40,000 km or 24 months (verify with manual)
Brake Fluid Replacement Interval:
Every 24 months, regardless of mileage (verify with manual)
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH or higher, verify with manual)
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Dexcool equivalent for long-life or standard green coolant, verify with manual)
Electrical System:
Corrosion in connectors, premature failure of headlight/taillight bulbs, issues with power window regulators, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan, potential carbon buildup on intake valves, thermostat housing leaks, distributor O-ring leaks.
Suspension And Steering:
Wear in front control arm bushings, worn tie rod ends, premature front wheel bearing failure, power steering fluid leaks.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion of exhaust pipes and muffler, catalytic converter failure.
HVAC System:
Leaking AC evaporator core, heater core issues, degradation of vacuum lines for HVAC controls.
Daewoo Automotive:
South Korean manufacturer, established by Daewoo Group. Known for licensing technology and producing vehicles based on GM and Isuzu platforms.
Espero Introduction:
Introduced in 1990 as Daewoo's flagship sedan, designed by Italdesign Giugiaro. Replaced the Daewoo Espero.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the GM 'V' platform, shared with the Opel Vectra A.
Production Years:
1990-1997
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (main), also assembled in other countries.
Key Export Markets:
Europe, Australia, Canada, and other global markets.