2000 Daewoo Nubira: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Daewoo's larger subcompact is modestly restyled for 2000, adding an inch to length and several hundred pounds but losing its hatchback body style. Front-cabin dimensions are claimed to be slightly improved. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder remains the only engine, again teaming with manual or optional automatic transmission.
Uplevel CDX sedan and wagon continue, but last year's base SX sedan gives way to an SE model costing $1260 less, thanks to omission of standard air conditioning, heated power mirrors, power windows and locks, and tilt steering wheel. However, those items are newly standard on CDXs, which also have alloy wheels, fog lights, CD player, and available leather seating. Antilock brakes are standard on CDXs but unavailable on SEs. Daewoo's warranty includes roadside assistance and scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized. Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege. If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.