Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, general public
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla (regional variations apply)
Design Origin:
Developed during Daewoo's partnership with GM and Italdesign Giugiaro
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, practical design, decent fuel economy
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS & non-ABS)
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, HVAC, Audio, Security
Body:
Exterior panels, Interior trim, Doors, Glass, Bumpers
Engine Rebuild:
Complete overhaul procedures, torque specifications, clearances
Transmission Repair:
Disassembly, assembly, clutch replacement, automatic transmission service
Brake System Service:
Pad/shoe replacement, rotor servicing, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures, ABS diagnostics
Suspension And Steering:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), alignment specifications
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fault code interpretation
Fuel System Service:
Fuel pump replacement, injector cleaning, pressure testing
Cooling System Service:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat replacement, flush and fill
Air Conditioning Service:
Refrigerant handling, component diagnosis, leak detection
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic strategies, symptom-to-cause charts
Rebuilds:
Full engine and transmission rebuild specifications
Troubleshooting:
In-depth troubleshooting guides for all major systems
Specifications:
Detailed torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Engine Code 1:
A15SMS (1.5L SOHC)
Displacement 1:
1498 cc (1.5 Liters)
Configuration 1:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain 1:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 8 Valves
Horsepower 1:
75 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque 1:
114 Nm (84 lb-ft) @ 3400 rpm
Engine Code 2:
A16DMS (1.6L DOHC - less common in 1998 models, but possible)
Displacement 2:
1598 cc (1.6 Liters)
Valvetrain 2:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves
Horsepower 2:
90 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2:
130 Nm (96 lb-ft) @ 3400 rpm
Fuel Economy Est Combined:
Approx. 26-30 MPG (varies with engine and transmission)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) - specific type varies
Transmission Type 1:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type 2:
4-speed Automatic (optional)
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact viscosity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (check specific manual for exact specification)
Body Styles:
3-door Hatchback, 4-door Sedan
Length Sedan Est:
4295 mm (169.1 in)
Length Hatchback Est:
4025 mm (158.5 in)
Width Est:
1680 mm (66.1 in)
Height Est:
1435 mm (56.5 in)
Wheelbase Est:
2520 mm (99.2 in)
Cargo Volume Hatchback Est:
245-820 Liters (with rear seats folded)
Curb Weight Est:
1050-1150 kg (2315-2535 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
Approx. 1500 kg (3300 lbs)
NHTSA Driver Front Crash Est:
Acceptable to Good (varies by test and specific market regulations)
NHTSA Passenger Front Crash Est:
Acceptable to Good (varies by test and specific market regulations)
ABS:
Optional on some trims
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard on most later models, optional on early ones
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX points may be present depending on market
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player or CD Player (optional)
Speakers:
Typically 2 or 4 speakers
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions may exist
Headlights:
Halogen, sealed beam or composite depending on market
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical for interference engines)
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or SL, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owners manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Premature wear of suspension components (bushings, ball joints), ignition coil failure, radiator leaks, potential rust issues in certain climates, occasional electrical gremlins
Diagnostic Tips:
Check for engine misfires, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to ignition or fuel systems, listen for suspension noise, inspect for coolant or oil leaks
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Ownership History:
Daewoo Motor Company (later acquired by GM)
First Generation Start:
1997
Facelift Timing:
Minor updates throughout its lifecycle, no major facelift for 1998
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Chevrolet Aveo (T200) and other GM small cars
Production Period:
1997-2003
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Poland, Russia, Vietnam (and other licensed plants)
Safety Awards:
No significant safety awards reported for the 1998 model year in major Western markets.
Reliability Reputation:
Mixed; generally considered average for its class and era. Dependent on maintenance and specific build quality.
Emission Standards:
Meets relevant emission standards for the year of manufacture (e.g., Euro 2, EPA standards depending on market)
