1999-2002 Daewoo Leganza: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Quietness
- Ride
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
Vehicle Highlights
Largest and most costly of the three Daewoo models that entered the U.S. market in 1999, the Leganza was priced and sized as a front-drive compact sedan, but billed as a "luxury midsize" model. Leganza served as the "flagship" for the South Korean automaker's foray into the U.S. sales race. Rivals included the Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Subaru Outback/Legacy, Ford Contour, and perhaps the Volkswagen Passat. SE, SX, and top-of-the-line CDX editions all had standard all-disc antilock braking, air conditioning, a cassette stereo system, heated power mirrors, and other features that would ordinarily be optional on cars in this league. A Daewoo-built 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine powered all Leganza models, SE models came with a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The automatic unit was standard in SX and CDX sedans. Standard equipment included a tilt steering wheel, split folding rear seat, power locks and windows, remote keyless entry, a theft-deterrent system, rear defogger, and foglights. Tires were 205/60R15 size, and a full-size spare was included. The SX sedan added variable-assist power steering, cruise control, leather upholstery, a six-way power driver's seat, and cassette/CD player. Topping the line, the CDX sedan had automatic climate control, a power sunroof, alloy wheels, and traction control. Daewoo was the third South Korean company to market passenger cars in the U.S., following the lead of Hyundai and Kia. Initially, 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 Leganza CDX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 1 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1999-2002 Daewoo Leganza includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2002 Daewoo Leganza and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2002 Daewoo Leganza is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Low resale value might make the Leganza tempting on a strictly dollar basis, but one of the reasons for rapid depreciation has been the unstable state of the company. Even before the financial concerns mounted, Daewoo ranked as a "dark horse," with no track record in the U.S. for quality and service. Kia and Hyundai competitors, also from South Korea, have come with much longer and more comprehensive warranties, as well as better reputations. As of mid-2002, the future is uncertain both for Daewoo dealers and all the car owners in the U.S.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Daewoo Leganza CDX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 1 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $410 |
| Alternator | $485 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $795 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $430 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $330 |
| Exhaust System | $180 |
| Radiator | $355 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $430 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $210 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2002 | |||
| Leganza CDX | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Leganza SE | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| 2001 | |||
| Leganza CDX | $2,200-2,700 | $1,600-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Leganza SE, SX | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 2000 | |||
| Leganza CDX | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Leganza SE, SX | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1999 | |||
| Leganza CDX | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Leganza SE, SX | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3086 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.8 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.2 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 134 | 131 | 148 | 5-speed manual: 20/29 4-speed automatic: 20/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%.
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