Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
European-influenced styling, comfortable ride, good value proposition
Target Audience:
Families, budget-conscious buyers seeking a comfortable and stylish sedan
Primary Focus:
Maintenance, Repair, Workshop Procedures
Secondary Focus:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Technical Specifications
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual
Engine Management:
Fuel Injection System (MPI), Ignition System, Emission Control Systems (EVAP, EGR)
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical (all variants), Automatic Transmission (4-speed), Manual Transmission (5-speed)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System (Hydraulic Power Assisted), Braking System (Front Ventilated Disc, Rear Disc/Drum), ABS System
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Power Accessories, Instrument Panel, ECU Pinouts, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body And Trim:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Replacement, Tune-up Procedures
Repair:
Engine Component Rebuilds (Cylinder Head, Pistons), Transmission Overhaul, Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides based on symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution, Component testing procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
130 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
138 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Available Engine Option:
2.2L Ecotec (GM L61) - approximately 140 hp (less common in 2000 model year)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Automatic Features:
Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT), Overdrive
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
3 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars
Antilock Brakes ABS:
Standard on most models
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH system in rear seats
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player and cassette deck, optional premium sound system.
Display:
Basic digital clock and radio display.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry system.
Phone Integration:
No factory Bluetooth or smartphone integration available.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (check type: copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush And Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial procedure for T20SED engine: Every 60,000 miles or 48 months (non-interference engine, but failure can still cause damage).
Engine Oil:
API SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan, occasional ignition coil failure, timing belt tensioner wear.
Common Problems Transmission:
Slight hesitation on gear changes in automatic transmission, clutch wear on manual transmission.
Common Problems Suspension:
Wear in front ball joints and tie rod ends, rear shock absorber degradation.
Common Problems Electrical:
Dashboard warning lights intermittently illuminating, power window motor failures, alternator bearing noise.
Common Problems HVAC:
Blend door actuator failure, AC compressor issues.
Parent Company:
Daewoo Motor Company (South Korea)
Ownership Evolution:
Daewoo was acquired by General Motors in 2002, leading to the eventual phasing out of the Daewoo brand in most markets.
Development Basis:
Based on the Daewoo Arcadia platform, which itself was derived from the chassis of the Oldsmobile Achieva/Cutlass.
Design Influence:
Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio.
Production Years:
1997 - 2002
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea
Industry Awards:
Generally not a recipient of major industry awards; often positioned as an affordable alternative to established brands.
Consumer Reports:
Variable reliability ratings in consumer reports from the era, often citing electrical and minor mechanical issues.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
