1999-2002 Daewoo Leganza: Overview

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.