2000 Daewoo Lanos review from North America

Two tires at 55,000 miles; nail.

Headlamps, after a torrential rain.

Bent valves w/timing belt at 80,000.

Radio antenna at two weeks. My fault.

Darling little thing, everyone wants to borrow it.

Looking at reality (80 mile, 80MPH commute,) it has done great service. I frankly didn't need leather, or 140 MPH, or $400 payments, to get to work. What I think I got, was great. The simple body mass looks better to me than 95% of the cars out there.

Loud, but healthy sounds. Solid. Not cushy; does not imitate luxury. Seems to settle in at about 80, but it will slow down on grades if you let it bog down. A couple long drives, one with 2 seniors, 3 adults and a baby, (!!! borrowed!!!) brought rave reviews. Wonderful, responsive engine with great pep for normal use. You don't get the VW or BMW need to race it for power.

I can fit in it, which is usually true of SUVs and very little else. Visibility, handling / feel and brakes just make it a pleasure to drive. Maximum braking power is astonishing, but for an accomplished driver. (No ABS here.) Breaking traction in the rain in a Porsche or BMW is terrifying. This one's the best driver in the rain ever, if this is a consideration.

Dealer network and service parts are a joke, currently. The manual says to change the timing belt at 120,000 for California, and this is wrong.

Don't expect a quiet, luxurious car, take care of the oil and timing belt changes, and you'll find yourself in a real winner. Once the Chevy Aveo starts up in 2004, parts and service will no longer be an issue.