Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan / Mid-size Sedan
Key Competitors:
Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Galant.
Styling:
Sleek, European-influenced styling designed by Italdesign Giugiaro.
Interior Appointments:
Well-appointed interior for its class, often featuring leather upholstery and wood trim accents in higher trims.
Powertrain Options:
Initially offered with the Holden-sourced Ecotec engines, later featuring Daewoo's own designed engines.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, automatic transmission, manual transmission, clutch system, drivetrain (front axle, driveshafts).
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic and parking), wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Body electrical, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, climate control electronics, engine control module (ECM) wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM) wiring diagrams.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation and clearing, on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft bearing service, transmission removal/installation, clutch replacement, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, steering rack service, electrical component testing and replacement.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and top-offs, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, timing belt replacement, brake pad and rotor service.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance, basic repairs, advanced diagnostics, component overhaul, and complete vehicle disassembly/reassembly.
Engine 1 Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine 1 Type:
DOHC Inline 4-cylinder (LDA)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
131 hp @ 5400 rpm (estimated)
Engine 1 Torque:
137 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (estimated)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2198 cc (2.2 Liters)
Engine 2 Type:
DOHC Inline 4-cylinder (L4)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 95.0 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.8:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
140 hp @ 5000 rpm (estimated)
Engine 2 Torque:
145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
60 Liters (15.9 US Gallons)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) on some variants.
Engine Control Module:
ECM (ECU) specific to Daewoo programming.
Standard Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent, consult manual for exact specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or consult manual for exact specification)
Length:
4850 mm (190.9 in)
Height:
1425 mm (56.1 in)
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 in)
Front Track:
1510 mm (59.4 in)
Rear Track:
1500 mm (59.1 in)
Curb Weight:
1470 - 1550 kg (3240 - 3417 lbs) (estimated, varies by trim and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
1950 kg (4299 lbs) (estimated)
Trunk Capacity:
490 Liters (17.3 cu ft) (estimated)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
Likely 3-star or 4-star (data for specific model year may vary and be difficult to find).
IIHS Crash Test Rating:
Acceptable (for some aspects, depends on specific test category and year).
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional on select trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM/CD player with optional premium sound system and steering wheel mounted audio controls on higher trims.
Navigation:
Not typically available on this model year.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Climate Control System:
Manual air conditioning and heating, with optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Headlights:
Multi-reflector halogen headlights, with optional front fog lamps.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for severe driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (refer to specific spark plug type recommended in manual).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first (critical maintenance item).
Engine Oil Type:
API SL or SM, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (consult manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 Liters (4.2 US Quarts) with filter change for 2.0L engine, 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change for 2.2L engine (estimated).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Long Life Coolant (OAT or HOAT compatible, consult manual for exact specification).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, SAE J1703 (consult manual for exact specification).
Common Repair Items:
Timing belt failures (if not replaced on schedule), front suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), HVAC blower motor issues, occasional electrical gremlins, rust formation in certain climates.
Engine Management Concerns:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, O2 sensor failures leading to check engine lights.
Transmission Performance:
Slipping or delayed gear changes in older automatic transmissions.
Parent Company:
Daewoo Motor Co., Ltd., South Korea.
Predecessor:
Daewoo Espero
Successor:
Daewoo Tosca (rebadged Chevrolet Epica in some markets)
Design Inspiration:
Based on the Daewoo Nova concept car, styled by Italdesign Giugiaro.
Production Years:
1997-2002
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (primarily), assembly also occurred in other locations for specific markets.
Market Introduction:
Introduced in South Korea in 1997, followed by international markets.
Design Award Recognition:
Designed by Italdesign Giugiaro, known for its distinctive styling.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally average to below average for reliability in consumer surveys of the era.
Emission Standards:
Meets US EPA emission standards for the model year.