Segment:
Compact car, economy segment.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and affordable transportation solution.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Aveo (rebadged Lanos in some markets), Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio.
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordability, simple mechanicals, relatively spacious interior for its class, available in sedan, hatchback, and coupe body styles.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform DIY repairs and maintenance, saving costs and ensuring quality control.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU).
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, clutch, torque converter, gearboxes.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel alignment.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc/drum brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wipers, horns, power windows, central locking.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Component Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper service, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls. Includes diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Engine Code:
A15SMS (common variant)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1498 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 90-96 HP @ 5800-6000 RPM (depending on market and specific variant)
Torque:
Approx. 130-135 Nm @ 3400-4000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
GM (General Motors) ECU, likely DELCO or similar.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Dry Single Plate
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific GM/Daewoo spec).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Length:
Sedan: ~4290 mm, Hatchback: ~3900 mm
Height:
~1430 mm (Sedan) / ~1435 mm (Hatchback)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1050-1150 kg (depending on body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1500-1600 kg
Trunk Volume:
Sedan: ~400-450 liters (approx.)
NHTSA Crash Test:
Not extensively tested by NHTSA in North America; likely performed to Korean or European safety standards of the era.
Euro Ncap Crash Test:
Limited data available, but generally considered a basic safety performer for its class and time.
ABS:
Optional on higher trims, standard on some later models.
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models. Side airbags were very rare or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts (center lap belt in some older configurations).
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player (optional). Limited speaker configurations.
Display:
Simple dashboard display for instruments and warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Rarely available, typically not standard.
Aux Input:
Very unlikely for the base audio system of this era.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) using standard copper plugs, or longer for platinum/iridium.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, as this is an interference engine.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7-4.0 liters (with filter) for 1.5L engine.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher, viscosity SAE 10W-40 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for ambient temperature suitability).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a green or orange silicate-free type (consult manual for exact specification).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine:
Timing belt failure (critical if not replaced), oil leaks from valve cover gasket, occasional sensor failures (e.g., crank sensor).
Transmission:
Manual clutch wear, occasional issues with automatic transmission shifting.
Suspension:
Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends; premature strut failure.
Electrical:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, issues with power window regulators, alternator and starter motor wear.
Body:
Rusting in common areas (wheel arches, sills, door bottoms) depending on climate.
Parent Company:
Daewoo Motors (South Korea), later became part of GM Korea.
Platform Origin:
Based on the Daewoo 'Nexia' platform, which itself was derived from the Opel Kadett E.
Generations:
Single generation, launched in 1997. 2001 represents a model year within this generation.
Production Years:
1997–2003 (Daewoo), continued under various brands (e.g., Chevrolet Aveo) post-GM acquisition.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (primary), with potential assembly in other countries.
