The brand was short-lived. In 2002, financial trouble forced the company to dissolve, ending sales in America.

Did Daewoo go out of business?

Yes, and no.

The company was a conglomerate, making everything from ships to small electronics. In 1982 they bought car manufacturer Saehan Motors, who had a partnership with GM. Despite becoming independent in 1992, they still had strong connections to the American automaker.

In 1999, Daewoo faced significant financial problems in all of its sectors, forcing them to sell off manufacturing divisions. GM bought part of Daewoo Motors, eventually taking a controlling share of the company in 2002, forming GM Daewoo. This purchase did not include Daewoo Motors America, the U.S. arm of the company. Without support from its parent corporation, the distributor folded, leaving owners without warranty support. Eventually the company was reformed as a separate entity to provide parts and support to current owners.

Daewoos are still sold in America, but under different brand names. Suzuki’s Verona, Forenza, and Reno as well as Chevy’s Aveo and Cruize are GM Daewoo products. British cars show Top Gear’s “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment uses a Chevrolet Lacetti, the European market version of the Verona.

Are parts still available for Daewoos?

Daewoo Motor America still distributes parts and provides support through former Daewoo dealers. Common wear items like belts and hoses are available from major aftermarket companies and can be ordered from local parts stores.

While the Leganza ended production when GM took over the company, the Nubira continued production until 2008, and the Lanos was built under license for several years by Poland’s FSO, ensuring that replacement parts should be available for these models for quite a while.

The Mercedes E-Class is led by the E350 and E550. The E coupe also now replaces the CLK-Class but the coupe has too much of the old to be mentioned here. The E350 has standard 17-inch wheels, sunroof, automatic climate control, and the COMAND electronic control system. The E550 adds upgraded brakes and an air suspension with 18-inch wheels.

The interior of the E-Class features nice-looking angles with dark wood trim for a very serious look. The seriousness goes well with the overall comfort and firm seating. The back is spacious and will fit anyone, large or small. In this car, no one really minds sitting in the back seat. The COMAND electronic interface has a large display screen that looks great but takes a little getting used to.

The new 2010 E-Class engines are some of the best Mercedes has to offer. The E350 Engine comes standard with a 3.5L V6 producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb/ft of torque. The transmission on the E350 is a 7-speed automatic and the car is rear-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The real prizes are in the E550 and the E63 AMG.

The E550 has a 5.5L V8 that revs out 382 horsepower and 391 ft/lb of torque. The E550 goes 0-60 mph in only 5.3 seconds and fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

The E63 AMG really puts it out the power, sporting a 6.2L V8 with 518 horsepower and 465 lb/ft of torque. The 7-speed automatic transmission has a paddle-shift mode and accelerates 0-60 mph in an unbelievable 4.4 seconds.

The body of the 2010 Acura TL has been criticized for being “odd.” A beveled nose and giant rear-end gave the TL an unusual shape to be sure but this style also improved interior space. The cabin is not only quiet of also one of the most comfortable out there. The TL goes with an engaging aluminum trim unlike the glossy wood of some of the other cars in its class. The front seating is completely adjustable and the rear seats have enough leg room for even the tallest of passengers. Flip-up headrests round out the cabin, providing comfort and safety for those sitting in the back.

To be honest, Acura hasn’t come out with a new engine in years, although their base engines fluctuate a few points here and there in horsepower and torque. The standard engine for the TL is a 3.5L V6. The 3.5L can produce 280 horsepower and 254 lb/ft of torque. For improved performance the SH-AWD style offers Acura’s most powerful engine, the 3.7L V6. This is the same engine featured in the popular Acura MDX SUV. The 3.7L rates at 305 horsepower and 273 lb/ft of torque. Acceleration for the two engines is identical with a 0 -60 mph time of 6.7 seconds. The 3.5L gets 18 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway while the 3.7L is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. These fuel economy ratings are the same whether using the 6-speed manual transmission or the automatic.

If the Senate approves the CFC program, the measure will go to President Barack Obama for his signature.  The President has already said that he would sign the bill.  Then the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will have 30 days to put regulations in place for the program.