1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Price
Cons
- Rear-seat entry/exit (hatchback)
- Acceleration
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Lanos is the smallest member of the trio of passenger cars that emerged in 1999 from Daewoo, the third South Korean automaker to enter the U.S. market. The front-drive subcompact came as a two-door hatchback or four-door sedan, in S, SE, and top-of-the-line SX trim. Main rival was the similar-sized Hyundai Accent, also produced in Korea, but Lanos models also competed against the Dodge/Plymouth Neon, Ford Focus, Ford Escort/ZX2, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Echo. All versions used a 1.6-liter, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine, offered with five-speed manual shift or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Antilock braking was optional, except on base S models. Standard equipment included cloth front bucket seats, a split folding rear seat, cassette stereo system, rear defogger, tachometer, intermittent wipers, and 185/60R14 tires. Hatchbacks had a rear wiper/washer. The midrange SE edition added a power right-hand mirror, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and a theft-deterrent system. Topping the trio, the SX came with air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cassette/CD stereo, foglights, alloy wheels, and the option of a power sunroof. At first, Daewoo recruited teams of students to promote the car on college campuses. Before long, though, conventional dealerships began to spring up around the country, Buyers got a roadside assistance program as part of the purchase.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Daewoo Lanos S sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 1 | |
| Total Score: | 32 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Daewoo Lanos:
Little was changed in the Lanos's second season on the U.S. market, except that more dealerships were appearing. At the same time, the South Korean company was starting to face serious financial woes, prompting consideration of a possible takeover by one of the Big Three automakers. By now, the Lanos had another competitor in the U.S., in the form of the comparably-sized Kia Rio.
2001 Daewoo Lanos:
The increasingly embattled Daewoo company continued to send cars to the U.S. market, but financial troubles were mounting rapidly. Prospective suitors emerged, then backed away, and Daewoo's fate was increasingly uncertain. Minor rear-end styling changes were evident. The Lanos SE hatchback and SX four-door sedan were dropped (including the option of antilock braking). That left only mainstream S models, available with a new Premium Package that roughly duplicated formerly standard top-of-the-line equipment. A new Sport hatchback got body-colored side skirts, bumpers and mirrors--plus a rear spoiler, black/red leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, power mirrors, and a CD/cassette stereo.
2002 Daewoo Lanos:
In spring 2002, General Motors bought a sizable share of the assets of the Daewoo organization--but not its sales arm in the U.S. That move left dealers hanging, selling only leftover cars, and owners unsure how their vehicles would be repaired under warranty. The Lanos came as a two-door hatchback in S or Sport trim, and as an S four-door sedan. Power steering was now an option on the S edition, and alloy wheels no longer were available on the Lanos Sport.
Our road test for the 1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Crude, loud, and coarse, the little Lanos is something of a throwback to imported cars of an earlier era. In comparison, the Korean-built Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio come across as civilized and refined. So do a host of Japanese- and American-brand small cars that cost more, but deliver a far greater level of quality and confidence. Falling well short of the competition in acceleration and quietness, the Lanos can nevertheless be almost fun to drive--but in the older-import sense, not the modern mode. Performance is at least passable with manual shift, and it gets around town well enough, but this is not a great choice for long highway drives. The automatic transmission can behave in a jumpy manner at times. Lack of available antilock braking in 2001-02 models is another drawback. Rear-seat room is more limited than in some competitors, true, but it's actually rather spacious when you consider the Lanos's exterior dimensions. Interior details are on the bargain-basement level. Still, the biggest disadvantage of buying a Daewoo is the highly uncertain future for the remaining dealerships. As of mid-2002, no one is sure where, or how, the existing cars will be serviced.
Value for the Money
Though seemingly quite affordable, the Lanos isn't really all that cheap for a car that ranks only average in most respects--and disappointing in several major areas. It's definitely not a wise entry-level buy, especially since Kia and Hyundai rivals are better developed and more appealing, and came with much longer, more comprehensive warranties. We'd opt for one of those, or for a Japanese or American alternative that offers superior refinement and customer support, for a little more money. A Ford Escort or Dodge Neon, for instance, offers superior refinement and customer support.
Though seemingly quite affordable, the Lanos isn't really all that cheap for a car that ranks only average in most respects--and disappointing in several major areas. It's definitely not a wise entry-level buy, especially since Kia and Hyundai rivals are better developed and more appealing, and came with much longer, more comprehensive warranties. We'd opt for one of those, or for a Japanese or American alternative that offers superior refinement and customer support, for a little more money. A Ford Escort or Dodge Neon, for instance, offers superior refinement and customer support.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Daewoo Lanos S sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 1 | |
| Total Score: | 32 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Daewoo Lanos includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Daewoo Lanos .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brakes:
Various brakes complaints ranging from partial hydraulic failures, short pad life to inoperative ABS. (1999-00)
Fuel gauge:
Incorrect fuel gauge readings are caused by a defective resistor card in the fuel sender. (2001-02)
Headlights:
The headlight wiring connector may be damaged by heat causing low light output. (1999)
Steering problems:
Imprecise steering feel, wandering and loss of power assist. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $385 |
| Alternator | $520 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $680 |
| Brakes | $275 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $425 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $950 |
| Exhaust System | $250 |
| Radiator | $465 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,040 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $285 |
Our price chart for this generation Daewoo Lanos details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Lanos S | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Lanos Sport | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Lanos S | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Lanos Sport | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 2000 | |||
| Lanos S, SE | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Lanos SX | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1999 | |||
| Lanos S, SE | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Lanos SX | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Daewoo Lanos include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.2 | 99.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 160.4 | 166.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.1 | 66.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.4 | 56.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2447 | 2522 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 31.3 | 8.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 12.7 | 12.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | 38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 | 42.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.6 | 34.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Throughout its life on the U.S. market, the Lanos used a single powertrain: a dual-cam four-cylinder engine making 105 horsepower, coupled with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 98 | 105 | 106 | 5-speed manual: 26/36 4-speed automatic: 23/34 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Daewoo Lanos include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998-02:
Camshaft position sensor on some engines may melt, resulting in burning smell and visible smoke that could lead to melting of camshaft cover and wire harness, possibly causing underhood fire.
1999:
In a side impact collision, pelvic protection for the front seat occupants will be reduced due to an incorrectly positioned side impact pad.
1999:
Steering will feel loose if the steering wheel center bushing that connects the wheel hub to the steering column slips.
1999-00:
Some alloy wheels were manufactured without steel bushing inserts around the wheel bolt openings. The wheels could detach from the vehicle, causing a crash.
1999-02:
In a crash in which airbags do not deploy, there is increased risk of head injury to the front seat passenger due to lack of energy absorbing mounting brackets on the airbag cover.
2000-01:
A wiring harness beneath the carpet could be damaged by passenger traffic, affecting engine drivability; engine could stall.
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