Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Competitors:
Chevrolet (under GM ownership), Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf.
Appeal:
Affordability, practicality, European styling influence (after GM acquisition), and decent fuel economy.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Management, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear Disc/Drum), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical Systems, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM) Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM) Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Bumpers, Exterior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishments
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing Procedures, Wiring Diagram interpretation
Depth:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, component removal and installation instructions, rebuild procedures, wiring diagrams, schematics.
Engine Code:
T18SED / Z18XEL (common variants)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 120-125 HP (depending on specific market and tune)
Torque:
Approx. 165-170 Nm (depending on specific market and tune)
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Crash Test History:
Generally mixed results in various international crash tests; refer to specific regional NCAP ratings for detailed scores.
Braking:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs or Drums. Optional ABS.
Airbags:
Front Driver and Passenger Airbags. Optional side airbags in higher trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically recommended at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years, especially for the T18SED engine. Critical to verify in manual.
Engine Oil:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for climate-specific viscosity).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible or similar orange/pink long-life coolant, check manual for exact type and concentration).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Engine Reliability:
Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gasket, coolant leaks, and occasional issues with exhaust system components. Timing belt maintenance is crucial.
Electrical Concerns:
Common reported issues include headlight switch failures, power window motor failures, and intermittent warning lights due to sensor issues or wiring harness problems.
Suspension Wear:
Struts, bushings, and ball joints can wear over time, leading to noise and handling degradation, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
HVAC System:
Blend door actuator failures in the climate control system can lead to incorrect air temperature output.
Origin:
South Korean automotive manufacturer. Became a subsidiary of General Motors in 2002.
Generation Development:
The Lacetti (marketed as Nubira in some regions) was developed by GM Daewoo, leveraging European design input (Pininfarina for the sedan, Giugiaro for the hatchback). Replaced the Daewoo Nubira (J100).
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Poland, Vietnam, Russia, Romania, Ukraine.
Production Period:
The first generation (J200) was produced from 2002/2003 onwards, with the manual covering the 2004-2008 facelift/revision period.