Vehicle Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Sedan
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Ford Sierra, Opel Vectra, Mitsubishi Galant
Design Influence:
Styling influenced by Italian design houses (e.g., Italdesign Giugiaro)
Value Proposition:
Offered a compelling blend of modern styling, amenities, and competitive pricing in its segment.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Transmission:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (including repair and overhaul)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS if equipped)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Starting and Charging System, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, HVAC Controls
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-I/early OBD-II)
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Code Typical:
C20NE (2.0L OHC)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86 mm x 86 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical for C20NE)
Horsepower Rating:
115 PS (metric horsepower) @ 5600 RPM (approximate for C20NE)
Torque Rating:
170 Nm (125 lb-ft) @ 2600 RPM (approximate for C20NE)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 RON or higher)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (with heater)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 Liters (without filter change)
Optional Engine Displacement:
2.0L DOHC (approx. 130 HP), 1.5L (less common)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronic control (in later models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Crash Test Results:
Limited independent crash test data available for this era/model; generally comparable to contemporary vehicles in its class.
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc
Brakes Rear:
Solid Disc or Drum (depending on trim and year)
ABS:
Optional on higher trims or later models
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on many later models, passenger airbag optional.
Seatbelts:
Front: 3-point with pre-tensioners. Rear: 3-point and 2-point lap belts.
Chassis Design:
Unibody construction with crumple zones.
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio, Cassette Player, optional CD Player
Speakers:
4-6 speaker configuration
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels
External Ports:
N/A (pre-OBD-II era for most models)
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 km or as needed based on conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-80,000 km (check manual for specific plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years (critical maintenance item on C20NE)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Issues Overview:
Can include oil leaks from valve cover gasket, aging rubber hoses and belts, potential transmission issues (especially automatic units), and electrical gremlins due to age and wiring loom quality.
Engine Common Faults:
Idle control valve issues, coolant temperature sensor failures, exhaust manifold leaks.
Chassis Common Faults:
Worn suspension bushings, premature brake wear, steering rack leaks.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
First Generation Introduction:
Launched in 1990
Facelift Or Updates:
Minor updates to trim, features, and potentially engine management systems throughout its production run.
Production Period:
1990-1997 (globally, some markets might extend slightly)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea
