Target Audience:
Owners and independent repair shops seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and repair.
Competitors:
Hyundai Sonata, Kia Clarus, Ford Sierra, Opel Vectra, Nissan Maxima.
Design Influence:
Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, featuring European design cues.
Value Proposition:
Affordable European-inspired styling and a comfortable ride.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox assembly, gear selection, driveshafts, bearings, seals.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission unit, torque converter, valve body, shift control, fluid cooling.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system, power steering, wheel alignment.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, brake fluid.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control module.
Body And Trim:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, bumpers, weatherstripping.
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, refrigerant, blower motor, controls, diagnosis.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I/OBD-II (depending on model year and market) diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage, sensor testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Code:
C20SED (1.8L), E20SED (2.0L)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1.8L (1798cc) / 2.0L (1998cc)
Horsepower 1.8L:
Approx. 109 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
Approx. 150 Nm @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 130 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 176 Nm @ 3600 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Bore X Stroke 1.8L:
80.5 mm x 88.2 mm
Bore X Stroke 2.0L:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (typical)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission
Drive Type:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
Crash Test Results:
Limited public data available for specific crash test ratings for all model years and regions. Consult regional safety databases if available.
ABS:
Optional on some models/trims
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped, not a common feature.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on later models, passenger airbag optional.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts front and rear, pre-tensioners on front belts on some later models.
Body Structure:
Designed with crumple zones and a reinforced passenger safety cell.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player, with CD player optional on later or higher trims. Basic speaker system.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, coolant temperature. Warning lights for oil pressure, battery, brake system, etc.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically found on factory units of this era; aftermarket upgrades common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, critical for DOHC engines.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use a silicate-free coolant if specified.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual).
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in connectors, failing grounds, and aging wiring looms can cause intermittent electrical issues.
Cooling System:
Thermostat failures, radiator leaks, and water pump issues are common with age.
Power Steering:
Leaks from hoses or the power steering pump can occur.
Engine Performance:
Idle control valve issues, fuel injector clogging, and MAF sensor problems can affect performance and emissions.
Daewoo Motors:
South Korean automobile manufacturer, formerly a division of Daewoo Group, later acquired by GM.
Design Collaboration:
Daewoo collaborated with Italdesign Giugiaro for the Espero's styling.
Platform:
Based on the Daewoo Nexia chassis (which itself was based on the Opel Kadett E).
Manufacturing Plant:
Bupyeong plant, South Korea.
Market Release:
First introduced in 1990.
