Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt
Platform:
GM T-body platform shared with Chevrolet/Holden models
Design Philosophy:
Focus on practicality, affordability, and a balance of features
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Management (ECU)
Transmission:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (AT), Clutch System
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Axles, Driveshafts
Suspension:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Springs
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Gear
Brakes:
Front Brakes (Disc/Drum), Rear Brakes (Disc/Drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Parking Brake
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System (Starter), Lighting System, Fuses and Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Convertible Top (if applicable), Paint and Corrosion Protection
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Safety Systems:
Airbag System, Seatbelts
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections and Replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Fault Finding Procedures
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Testing and Replacement
Adjustment:
Valve Clearance Adjustment, Clutch Adjustment, Parking Brake Adjustment
Installation:
Component Installation and Removal, Accessory Installation
Special Tools:
Identification and Usage of Specific Tools Required for Repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine 1 Code:
E-TEC II (Family II)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.6L (1598cc)
Engine 1 Cylinders:
4-cylinder
Engine 1 Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16-valve
Engine 1 Horsepower:
107-113 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
105-110 lb-ft @ 3200-4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Code:
E-TEC II (Family II)
Engine 2 Displacement:
1.8L (1796cc)
Engine 2 Cylinders:
4-cylinder
Engine 2 Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16-valve
Engine 2 Horsepower:
120-126 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
122-127 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Code:
E-TEC II (Family II)
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.0L (1998cc)
Engine 3 Cylinders:
4-cylinder
Engine 3 Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16-valve
Engine 3 Horsepower:
122 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic Control, Torque Converter Lock-up
NHTSA Ratings General:
Varies by model year and test region, generally mixed reviews.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) (optional)
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Side Airbags (optional), Seatbelt Pretensioners
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM Radio with CD Player, Optional Cassette Player, Speakers (4-6 depending on trim)
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited, primarily ABS (optional)
Connectivity Features:
No advanced connectivity options typical of modern vehicles (e.g., Bluetooth, USB ports are rare/aftermarket)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (whichever comes first), refer to manual for specific grade.
Engine Coolant Interval:
Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (standard vs. iridium)
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, ACEA A3/B4, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron-III or equivalent Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant Type:
GM 6043-M (Orange) or equivalent Extended Life Coolant (OAT)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Problems:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan, premature wear of front suspension components (bushings, ball joints), electrical gremlins (e.g., interior lights, power windows), radiator fan failure, occasional transmission shifting issues in automatics.
Brand Origin:
South Korea
First Generation Codenamed:
J100 (Launched 1997)
Second Generation Codenamed:
J200 (Launched 2003), also known as Chevrolet Lacetti/Optra
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (GM Daewoo Auto & Technology), also assembled in other countries under various brands.
Production Years Range:
1997-2011 (approx. depending on market and model)
