Daewoo Espero 2.0

Liked it from the start; was bigger inside than it was outside, comfortable seating, firm suspension, sporty performance, not enormously economical (26 mpg), bit noisy v-a-v the radio/CD player; but a pleasure to drive long distances (many country trips of 400km+). Had to share it with my wife for the first 10 years, but it developed a habit of stopping in really hot weather (37 deg +), so she gave it up and bought a newish Hyundai. Meanwhile I tackled the problem and with the advice of our local GM branch managed to improve performance by serially replacing ignition components centring on the distributor. A fortnight ago my wife had to use it because her battery was flat (leaving bootlid open overnight); she brought it home with the back bashed in (foot slipped off the brake pedal onto the accelerator on right lock leaving the parking position, reversed at speed into another car across the road, totalling both). I had just renewed all components in both rear brake drums, so resolved to nix the insurance (current-value some $2K, repair would have been 5K+), bought another 2.0 CD 1996; am about to transfer rear brake contents into new car, have found a couple of grease-monkey short-cuts in the aspiration layout which lead to PCV fumes in the cab. What more, I don't know yet; but speaking as an ex-Jaguar owner (2 x Mk Vs, one Mk VIIM, Sunbeam-Talbot)I can't see how I could expect better for $2.5K. Will let you know if I need to recant.

Bad Points:

Back power windows ceased to work after 2 years, front ones after 3.

Central Locking went about same time as windows, can now only enter car from doors on the drivers side that means no passengers unless they like sitting in the back.

Numerous mechanical problems ranging from the ball bearings and drive shaft needing to be replaced to completely new gearbox.

Air conditioning compressor failed now just spits hot air from motor or not quite as hot air from outside, and since Daewoo have ceased making cars new working parts for this vehicle are extremely hard to come by.

Back brakes (which are drum brakes) constantly lock up in wet weather.

The vinyl lining of the doors is falling apart and the window tinting is peeling off.

Good points:

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I own this 1997 Daewoo Espero LE, i dont know what LE stands for, but maybe its "Limited Edition". It came with leather seats in it, wood panels, and 15" wheel (195/60/15). It's fast, but not fast enough :P hit 180 km/h but i know she trying for it :) in the manual book, it's say 119HP and 17,8 Kgm. i dont know its the truth because i found out on the internet that C20LE just made 105HP.

In my country (Indonesia), it's hard to find the aftermarket kits for daewoo espero. even the aftermarket spring.

I use this Espero after her 6th birthday, before that, this car just playing around the garage. so that I've had these problems like, sensor problems (TPS,ISC,MAP), break problems (too weak) i've converted the rear brake, from drum to disc, its cost me USD400 (converted it to dollar), and suspension problems (the shock absorber just kinda weak).

but now, I've repaired almost all the problems and my espero runs just perfect.

My friend of mine once asked me about the price of Daewoo Espero, and It's really really cheap here, maybe you can bring this car to your garage for about USD2000. Really cheap, ain't it?

thanks, greeting from Indonesia, sorry for my bad English. :)

The Daewoo Espero 2.0 is the best mid-size car built in 1990. I bought it brand new and have reached decent speeds and it reaches about 150 km/h with third gear. It's a very good car and still no problems with it.

The Daewoo Espero can be quick to accelerate in no time at all provided the exhaust muffler is always clean. So if you have one, periodicaly clean the exhaust muffler and use only unleaded gasoline.

I own a daewoo espero and this is my first car and it will be the car i drive till the day it dies which by the way its driving now is a long time to wait its a fantastic car.

A great car, after owning a Deawoo Nexia previously, I knew what to expect roughly. This car has exceeded all my expectations and still makes me smile while I drive it. It could do with a little more power, but overall I am extremely happy with this car.

The Daewoo Espero can handle rough gravel roads better than most cars of similar type. It is a car I would recommend a friend to own.

On the whole the Espero is a waste of money I personally will not buy a Daewoo Espero again or any Daewoo for that matter.

The Daewoo Espero 2.0 is a great car, would buy other Daewoos/Chevrolets like this no question.

Very reliable and practical. All the mod cons you need.

I have chipped mine and added a decent air filter just to make a great car even better.

Will keep for many years yet I hope.