Original Intent:
Daewoo's attempt to compete in the global mid-size sedan market, offering a balance of styling, comfort, and features.
Key Competitors Era:
Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima
Design Influence:
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro ( Italdesign), known for its distinctive styling for the era.
Value Proposition:
Often positioned as a value-oriented alternative to established Japanese and European competitors, offering a competitive feature set for the price.
Primary Coverage:
Repair, Maintenance, Service
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians, DIY Mechanics
Estimated Page Count:
High (Typical factory service manuals for this era are extensive, often exceeding 1000 pages across multiple volumes or sections)
Manual Classification:
Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Compatibility:
Windows & Mac (All Versions)
Powertrain:
Engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions), Transmission (manual and automatic, including differentials), Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Gauges, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Anti-theft System
Body:
Body Exterior (panels, doors, hoods, trunks, bumpers, glass), Body Interior (trim, seats, carpeting, headliner), HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Safety Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Step-by-step disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components and systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data, component tolerances
Technical Data:
Wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, exploded views, service bulletins (if incorporated)
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system troubleshooting and bodywork repairs.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC
Engine Code Common:
Ecotec L8 (GM Family II engine, often based on Opel designs)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 130-135 hp @ 5400-5600 rpm
Torque Est:
Approx. 133-137 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Recommended:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
ECU Type:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) with OBD-II diagnostics
Length Est:
Approx. 4850 mm (190.9 in)
Width Est:
Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)
Height Est:
Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Wheelbase Est:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs), depending on transmission and options
Trunk Capacity Est:
Generous for its class, likely around 450-500 liters.
NHTSA Ratings Era:
Variable and often not as robust as contemporary Japanese or German rivals. Specific 1998 ratings are scarce and should be verified with era-specific crash data.
ABS:
Available/Standard on higher trims (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Less common for the 1998 model year, but potentially available on top trims or as an option.
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (Standard on most trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH or ISOFIX system may not be standard on all models of this vintage.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player with optional CD player. Speaker count and quality vary by trim level.
Display:
Basic LCD or LED displays for radio information and clock. No touchscreen or navigation.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available for the 1998 model year.
Aux Input:
Not standard; aftermarket head unit replacement often required for modern connectivity (e.g., Bluetooth, USB).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for the L8 engine. Typically around 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or SL, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for exact specification and viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use Dex-Cool or equivalent long-life coolant if specified.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific viscosity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Engine Performance:
Occasional issues with ignition coils, sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), and fuel injectors can lead to rough idle or misfires.
Electrical Systems:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, failure of power window motors, HVAC blower motor resistor failures are not uncommon with age.
Suspension And Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends due to mileage and road conditions.
Body And Interior:
Rust can be an issue in certain climates, especially around wheel wells and rocker panels. Interior trim pieces may become loose or crack with age.
Daewoo Automotive:
Daewoo Motors was a South Korean manufacturer that operated from 1982 to 2011. It was known for its diverse range of vehicles, often developed in partnership with or based on General Motors (GM) platforms.
Leganza Introduction:
The Leganza was introduced in 1997 (as a 1997 model in some markets) and was produced until 2002. It served as Daewoo's flagship sedan.
Platform Sharing:
The Leganza shared its platform with the Daewoo Arcadia (a badge-engineered version of the Holden Statesman/Caprice) and was based on the original Daewoo Espero platform, which itself had roots in the Alfa Romeo 155.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea
Market Availability:
Sold globally, including Europe, North America (briefly under the Daewoo and later Chevrolet brands), and other Asian markets.
