Model Aliases:
        
        
            Lada 4x4, VAZ-2121
        
     
    
    
        
            Primary Generation Covered:
        
        
            All Generations (Original VAZ-2121 through subsequent updates)
        
     
    
    
        
            Chassis Codes:
        
        
            VAZ-2121, VAZ-21213, VAZ-21214, VAZ-2131, VAZ-2329
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Market Positioning:
        
        
            Affordable, rugged, go-anywhere utility vehicle with a loyal following
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors Historical:
        
        
            Jeep CJ, early Land Rover Defender, UAZ-469, Suzuki Samurai
        
     
    
    
        
            Unique Selling Proposition:
        
        
            Permanent four-wheel drive, locking center differential, robust construction, simplicity
        
     
    
    
        
            Primary User:
        
        
            Lada Niva owners, professional mechanics, DIY enthusiasts
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, timing, cooling system, lubrication system
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel injection systems (EFI), Carburetor systems (earlier models), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel tank
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (older models), electronic ignition control
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Drivetrain:
        
        
            Manual gearbox (4-speed, 5-speed), transfer case, differentials (front, rear), driveshafts, CV joints
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering:
        
        
            Front independent suspension (coil springs, control arms), rear live axle (coil springs, trailing arms), shock absorbers, steering rack, power steering (later models)
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, brake system diagnostics, bleeding, component replacement
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, dashboard indicators
        
     
    
        
            Bodywork Chassis:
        
        
            Body panel repair, rust prevention, frame structure, door mechanisms, interior trim removal/installation
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning (later models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication points, tire rotation
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based fault finding
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul Procedures:
        
        
            Complete engine, gearbox, and differential rebuild instructions
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Diagnostics:
        
        
            Wiring diagram interpretation, circuit testing, component diagnostics
        
     
    
    
        
            Technical Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type Common:
        
        
            Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Common Engine Displacement:
        
        
            1.6L (1570cc), 1.7L (1690cc), 1.8L (1774cc - Opel engine in some variants)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Block Material:
        
        
            Cast Iron
        
     
    
        
            Cylinder Head Material:
        
        
            Aluminum Alloy
        
     
    
    
        
            Typical Horsepower Range:
        
        
            70-80 hp (for 1.6L/1.7L early models), up to 90-100 hp (later models with EFI and larger engines)
        
     
    
        
            Typical Torque Range:
        
        
            110-130 Nm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery Early:
        
        
            Carburetor (e.g., Weber 32 DFM)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Delivery Later:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cooling Type:
        
        
            Liquid-cooled
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Standard:
        
        
            4-speed Manual (early models), 5-speed Manual (later models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            Automatic transmission not a standard factory option for most Niva models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Drivetrain Configuration:
        
        
            Permanent Four-Wheel Drive with center differential lock
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case:
        
        
            2-speed transfer case with low-range gearing
        
     
    
    
        
            Gearbox Oil Type:
        
        
            API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific model for precise recommendation)
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case Oil Type:
        
        
            API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific model for precise recommendation)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 3.7m (3-door), Approx. 4.2m (5-door)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 2.1m (3-door), Approx. 2.7m (5-door)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 1200-1300 kg
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 1800-1900 kg
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity:
        
        
            Varies by model and region, generally around 500-700 kg unbraked, up to 1200-1500 kg braked
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Crash Test Ratings Modern:
        
        
            Generally considered poor by modern safety standards (e.g., Euro NCAP results from early 2000s were often 1-2 stars)
        
     
    
    
        
            Active Safety Features:
        
        
            Basic braking system, 4WD with low range for off-road control
        
     
    
    
        
            Passive Safety Features:
        
        
            Seatbelts, basic chassis structure
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Safety Concerns:
        
        
            Lack of modern airbags, ABS, or advanced driver assistance systems in many older models; structural integrity relative to modern vehicles.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Infotainment Features Early:
        
        
            Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player (optional).
        
     
    
        
            Infotainment Features Later:
        
        
            Improved radio systems, some models may have basic CD players.
        
     
    
    
        
            Driver Assistance Systems:
        
        
            None in most older models. Later models might feature basic power steering.
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Options:
        
        
            Primarily basic 12V accessory sockets.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months (depending on usage and oil type)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically 40,000-60,000 km for gearbox and transfer case
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Typically 20,000-40,000 km
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Specifications:
        
        
            Refer to manual; commonly 10W-40 or 15W-40 API SG/SH/SJ or higher for gasoline engines. Later EFI engines may require specific API specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Mechanical Issues:
        
        
            Rusting body panels, gearbox synchromesh wear, differential whine, carburetor issues (early models), cooling system leaks, electrical gremlins, universal joint wear.
        
     
    
        
            Common Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Faulty alternator, starter motor problems, intermittent dashboard lights, wiring harness degradation.
        
     
    
        
        Common Upgrades Modifications
    
 
    
        
            Popular Owner Modifications:
        
        
            Upgraded suspension, off-road tires, snorkel, improved lighting, engine swaps, sound deadening.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer Origin:
        
        
            Soviet Union / Russia (AvtoVAZ)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Key Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Inspired by compact SUVs like the International Harvester Scout and Fiat Campagnola, designed for robust off-road capability and simplicity.
        
     
    
        
            Major Updates:
        
        
            Introduction of 5-speed gearbox, fuel injection, revised interiors, longer wheelbase versions (Niva 5-door, pickup), cosmetic facelifts, and engine options (including some Opel engines).
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Locations:
        
        
            Tolyatti, Russia
        
     
    
        
            Production Status:
        
        
            Continuous production since 1977, making it one of the longest-produced single-generation vehicles.
        
     
    
        
            Sales Volume Global:
        
        
            Millions of units sold worldwide.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Notable Achievements:
        
        
            Recognized for its extreme off-road capability and reliability in harsh conditions. Participated in numerous rallies and expeditions.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Satisfaction General:
        
        
            Polarizing: owners often love its ruggedness and capability, while acknowledging its utilitarian nature and lack of modern refinement.
        
     
    
    
        
            Off Road Certifications:
        
        
            Widely regarded as a highly capable off-road vehicle, though formal 'certifications' are not applicable.