Model Alias:
Lada Taiga, Lada Sport, Lada Riva (some export markets), VAZ-2121, VAZ-2123
Generation Code:
First Generation (VAZ-2121) / Second Generation (VAZ-2123 - Chevrolet Niva)
Applicable Years:
1999 - Present (covering evolution and variants)
Chassis Codes:
VAZ-2121, VAZ-21213, VAZ-21214, VAZ-2123
Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, off-roaders, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain and repair their vehicle
Key Competitors Contemporary:
Suzuki Samurai, Jeep Wrangler (in utility/off-road focus), early Land Rover Defender
Vehicle Strengths:
Exceptional off-road capability, robust construction, simple mechanics, affordability, distinctive design
Core Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level information for all repair and maintenance needs.
Engine Variants Covered:
1.6L, 1.7L, 1.7L (Fuel Injection), 1.8L (Opel-sourced, Chevrolet Niva)
Body Styles Covered:
3-door, 5-door (later models), Pick-up (some variants)
Trim Levels Covered:
All standard trim levels and special editions within the specified years
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (exact number not specified but described as very detailed)
Type:
Factory Service & Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description context)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system (carbureted & fuel injected), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system
Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (4-speed & 5-speed), transfer case, front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension, rear live axle suspension, shock absorbers, springs, steering system (including power steering where applicable)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, brake system hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, gauges, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, basic ECU diagnosis (for fuel injected models)
Body Chassis:
Chassis construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, glass, bumpers
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system, heater core, blower motor, ventilation ducts
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication points, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Overhaul:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation of all major systems
Component Replacement:
Engine, transmission, clutch, suspension components, brake components, electrical parts, body parts
Diagnostics:
Engine timing, ignition timing adjustments, fuel pressure testing (for FI models), basic electrical testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics, suitable for professional mechanics)
Illustrations:
Detailed photos and exploded diagrams
Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions
Engine Code Typical:
VAZ-21214
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
1.7 L (1690 cc)
Horsepower Typical:
82 hp @ 5000 rpm (VAZ-21214)
Torque Typical:
130 Nm (96 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm (VAZ-21214)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (early models, e.g., VAZ-2121) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (later models, e.g., VAZ-21214)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 92-95 RON)
Engine Code Early:
VAZ-2121 (1.6L, 75 hp)
Engine Code Chevrolet:
2123 (1.8L Opel C18NE, 103 hp for Chevrolet Niva)
Type:
4-speed Manual (early models) / 5-speed Manual (later models)
Drivetrain Layout:
Full-time 4WD with lockable center differential and low-range gearing
Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific grades)
Transfer Case Oil:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific grades)
Differential Oil:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (check manual for specific grades)
Crash Test Results:
Limited official crash test data available for early models; later models and Chevrolet Niva have improved safety features but generally not to modern Western standards.
Braking System:
Front Disc, Rear Drum
ABS:
Optional or standard on later models (especially Chevrolet Niva)
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on later models; passenger airbag optional or absent on early models.
Seatbelts:
All seating positions (3-point front, 2-point or 3-point rear depending on year/market)
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional CD player (on later models or aftermarket).
Display:
Simple dashboard with analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature, oil pressure.
Cruise Control:
Not typically fitted from factory.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically fitted from factory.
Bluetooth:
Not typically fitted from factory, aftermarket solutions available.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km, depending on plug type.
Engine Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., G11 or G12, check manual for compatibility)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III (if equipped with power steering)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water-based washer fluid, with or without antifreeze additives.
Common Faults:
Rusting bodywork, carburetor tuning issues (early models), suspension wear, electrical gremlins, potential for clutch wear with heavy use, transfer case noise.
Common Fixes:
Regular rust prevention and repair, carburetor cleaning and adjustment, suspension bush replacement, electrical connector cleaning and rewiring, transmission fluid changes, clutch replacement.
Manufacturer:
AvtoVAZ (later AvtoVAZ OJSC), Soviet Union / Russia
Original Concept:
Designed as a robust, affordable, and highly capable off-road vehicle for various terrains and conditions.
Major Updates:
Introduction of 1.7L engine (VAZ-21213), fuel injection (VAZ-21214), 5-speed gearbox, minor styling updates, development of the Chevrolet Niva (2002) with significant body and mechanical revisions.
Original Production Start:
1977
Production Locations:
Tolyatti, Russia (AvtoVAZ)
Production Volume:
One of the longest-produced single-generation vehicles, with millions of units manufactured.