The first generation Daewoo LeMans was available as a three-door hatchback and a four-door sedan when introduced in 1986. Sales of the LeMans began in 1988 in North America where it was sold as the Pontiac LeMans.
In 1989 more models were released including a sportier Pontiac LeMans GSE based on the Opel Kadett GSi, with a 96hp (72kW) 2.0litre four-cylinder engine. The GSE was available in a monochromatic paint scheme in red, white or silver with 14inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a rear spoiler. The GSE also had the Recaro-style seats of the Kadett. A Pontiac LeMans SE sedan with upgraded equipment from the base and LE models also had the 96hp (72kW) 2.0litre four-cylinder engine, also used in the Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird. In North America, poor quality tarnished sales and the Pontiac LeMans and Asüna SE/GT were discontinued after 1993 with no replacement. Later that year, the Asüna brand was discontinued altogether.
The five-door hatchback body style was known as the Daewoo LeMans Penta5 in South Korea.
The second generation LeMans launched in 1994, available as a three- and five-door hatchback and four-door sedan with a 1.5litre eight-valve or a 1.5litre 16-valve engine. These new models were still based on the Opel Kadett E, underpinned by the "T-car" platform. There were various trim levels available; in the United Kingdom these were GLi (eight-valve) and GLXi (16-valve) for the general public, with a "base" model available for large contracts, one notable buyer being the Scottish NHS. Unlike the Kadett, there was never a station wagon version available. European markets got the "Lifestyle" trim level; Spain and Portugal badged their GLi/GLXi equivalents "Chess"; the Benelux countries kept the GLi/GLXi trim levels. The GLi has an average performance with a 0-100km/h time of 11.3seconds and 85hp (63kW). However, the GLXi upped the power to 90hp (67kW) and the 0-100km/h time was reduced to 10.5seconds. UzDaewooAuto still manufactures the Nexia(Cielo).