2002 Daewoo Nubira: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

ABS is no longer available on the larger of Daewoo's two subcompact cars. Nubira comes as the SE sedan and CDX wagon. Both have a 4-cyl engine and manual or optional automatic transmission. The CDX's base price is cut $1200 for 2002 with the removal of such standard features as ABS, cruise control, CD player, remote keyless entry, fog lights, theft-deterrent system, and alloy wheels. All but ABS return in the new $800 Premium Package option. General Motors now owns a controlling interest in Daewoo, but at the time of this report, the future of the South Korean manufacturer's U.S. operations was uncertain.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is as good as ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. We also love almost everything about the Ford Focus, but were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.