Competitors:
Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra, Volkswagen Passat, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry
Design Inspiration:
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, featuring a distinctive styling for its era.
Powertrain Options:
Offered with reliable four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.
Value Proposition:
A well-equipped vehicle offering good value for money at the time of its release.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, timing, and component diagnostics.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (MPI), ignition systems, emission control systems, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, and sensor testing.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (4-speed) operation, hydraulic controls, valve body, torque converter, diagnosis, and repair procedures.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission (5-speed) overhaul, clutch system, gearbox components, and diagnosis.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems (MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear), power steering system, steering column, and wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Front disc and rear drum/disc brakes, ABS system diagnosis and repair, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete vehicle wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, and relays.
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, trim components, and exterior lighting.
Body Interior:
Interior trim removal/installation, dashboard, seating systems, HVAC system components, and sound insulation.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, heater core, blower motor, and climate control panel.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and precautions, seatbelt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures, wiring harness testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced component-level repair and diagnostics.
Engine Code 1:
T20SED (2.0L DOHC 16V Inline-4)
Engine Displacement 1:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine Horsepower 1:
Approximately 130-135 PS (96-99 kW) at 6000 rpm
Engine Torque 1:
Approximately 180-185 Nm (133-136 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2:
L81 (2.2L DOHC 16V Inline-4)
Engine Displacement 2:
2198 cc (2.2 Liters)
Engine Horsepower 2:
Approximately 140-145 PS (103-107 kW) at 5800 rpm
Engine Torque 2:
Approximately 200-205 Nm (148-151 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm
Engine Code 3:
X25NE (2.5L DOHC 24V V6)
Engine Displacement 3:
2498 cc (2.5 Liters)
Engine Horsepower 3:
Approximately 170-175 PS (125-129 kW) at 6000 rpm
Engine Torque 3:
Approximately 220-225 Nm (162-166 lb-ft) at 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating: 95 RON recommended)
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron (Inline-4), Aluminum Alloy (V6)
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Timing Belt Chain 1:
Timing Belt (2.0L & 2.2L), Timing Chain (2.5L V6)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4T40-E derived)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (GM P/N 88903678 or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil
Length:
Approximately 4705 mm (185.2 in)
Width:
Approximately 1775 mm (69.9 in)
Height:
Approximately 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
1400 - 1550 kg (3086 - 3417 lbs) depending on engine and trim
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
Approx. 1900 - 2050 kg
Trunk Volume Approx:
Approximately 450 liters (15.9 cu ft)
Latin Ncap Rating:
Not extensively tested by official bodies like Euro NCAP or NHTSA for all years, but generally considered to have basic safety features for its era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Available on higher trims, typically 4-wheel ABS.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) - Optional on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard on most models).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage construction.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level (e.g., 4, 6, or 8 speakers).
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning with manual or automatic climate control options available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, controlled via steering wheel buttons or stalk.
Antenna:
Power antenna, typically located on the rear passenger side pillar.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine type).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 km (18,000 - 27,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0/2.2L:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 km (37,000 - 60,000 miles) depending on spark plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L V6:
Every 90,000 - 120,000 km (56,000 - 75,000 miles) for iridium plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement 2.0/2.2L:
Critical: Every 90,000 - 120,000 km (56,000 - 75,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km (25,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km (25,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type 1:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating recommendations based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approximately 4.0 - 4.5 liters (4.2 - 4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L V6:
Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 liters (4.8 - 5.3 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
GM DEX-COOL (or equivalent silicate-free/OAT antifreeze) - typically orange or red.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine and transmission mounts can lead to excessive vibration.
Cooling System:
Leaking coolant hoses, radiator leaks, and thermostat failures are common.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion or poor connections in electrical connectors, especially ground points, can cause intermittent issues.
Timing Belt:
As mentioned, critical to replace on schedule. Failure leads to severe engine damage (interference engine).
Automatic Transmission:
Slipping gears or harsh shifts can indicate internal wear or issues with the valve body or solenoids.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings can lead to clunking noises and poor handling.
Parent Company:
Daewoo Motors (South Korea), later part of GM Daewoo.
Introduction:
Launched in 1997 as a flagship sedan for Daewoo, designed to compete in the global mid-size market.
Facelift:
Received minor updates and trim changes throughout its production run but no major mid-cycle facelift.
Production Period:
1997-2002
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (primarily Bupyong plant)
Discontinuation:
Production ended with the restructuring of Daewoo and the introduction of GM-badged vehicles.
