Target Audience:
Budget-conscious car buyers, small families, commuters
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta
Value Proposition:
Affordable price, decent fuel economy, practical interior for its size
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (including disassembly, assembly, specifications)
Engine Management System:
Yes (fuel, ignition, emissions, sensors, actuators)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (operation, diagnostics, repair)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (operation, diagnostics, repair)
Drivetrain:
Yes (axles, drive shafts, differential)
Suspension:
Yes (front and rear suspension components, alignment)
Steering:
Yes (power steering system, steering gear)
Brakes:
Yes (hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake)
Electrical System:
Yes (battery, charging, starting, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams)
Body And Chassis:
Yes (structural components, interior trim, exterior panels)
HVAC System:
Yes (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Safety Systems:
Yes (airbags, seat belts)
Scheduled Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks)
Diagnostic Procedures:
Yes (troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics)
Repair Procedures:
Yes (step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair)
Overhaul Procedures:
Yes (detailed procedures for major component rebuilds)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (essential for electrical diagnostics)
Tightening Torques:
Yes (critical for component assembly)
Depth:
Factory-level (covers everything from basic maintenance to full component rebuilds and diagnostics)
Wheelbase:
approx. 98.4 inches (2500 mm)
Length:
approx. 161.3 inches (4100 mm)
Width:
approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
approx. 59.4 inches (1510 mm)
Curb Weight:
approx. 2300-2400 lbs (1043-1089 kg) depending on configuration
NHTSA Front Driver:
Likely 4-star (based on sibling models and era)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Likely 4-star (based on sibling models and era)
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Often paired with ABS
Airbags:
Front airbags standard, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions; 3,750 miles or 6 months under severe driving conditions. Consult manual for exact details.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (verify in manual).
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (GM 6240M / GMDAT-1) - Orange silicate-free coolant
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) (verify in manual).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Dexron-VI
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - specific viscosity like 75W-90 or similar GL-4/GL-5 rated, consult manual.
Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils can lead to misfires and rough running.
Oil Leaks:
Leaking valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets are relatively common.
Evaporative Emission Control System:
Issues with the EVAP system, such as a faulty purge solenoid or vent solenoid, can trigger check engine lights.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Premature wear and failure of rear wheel bearings leading to noise.
Climate Control Actuators:
Blend door actuators in the HVAC system can fail, affecting temperature and airflow distribution.
Parent Company:
General Motors (GM)
First Generation:
T100 (2003-2007)
Second Generation:
T250/T255 (2007-2010) - This generation featured a significant exterior and interior redesign, based on GM's global small car platform.
Successor:
Chevrolet Sonic (2011 onwards)
Manufacturing Locations:
Korea (GM Daewoo), South Korea; also manufactured or assembled in other global locations.
