Chevrolet Rezzo (Daewoo Tacuma) How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Model History

The Chevrolet Rezzo is a compact minivan produced from 2000 to 2008. Interestingly, this model was originally developed by the South Korean company Daewoo under the name Daewoo Rezzo (also known as Daewoo Tacuma in Europe). After Daewoo's bankruptcy in 2001 and the brand's acquisition by General Motors, the car was renamed the Chevrolet Rezzo.

Production took place in South Korea, as well as in factories in Uzbekistan (from 2002) and Vietnam. In Russia, the model was sold from 2004 to 2008 but did not gain popularity due to its unconventional design and competition with more practical cars.

 

Model Description

Design and Construction

The Chevrolet Rezzo stood out with its unusual design for its time—a tall body with a short hood and a sloping roof resembled a minivan, though its dimensions (about 4.3 meters in length) were closer to those of compact MPVs.

The car was based on the Daewoo J100 platform, which was also used in the Nubira and Lacetti models. The suspension was typical for budget cars of that era: MacPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam at the rear.

Engines and Transmission

Depending on the market, the Rezzo was equipped with different engines:

• 1.6L (F16D3) – 94 HP, gasoline;
• 1.8L (F18D1) – 116 HP, gasoline;
• 2.0L (D20SFD) – 89 HP, diesel (for the European market).

Transmission options included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Performance was mediocre: acceleration to 100 km/h took 12–14 seconds, and the top speed did not exceed 170–180 km/h.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking >PP+EPDM-T10<

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, unscrew the bolts, release the clips, and remove the radiator grille.
3. Unscrew the nuts and remove the trim pieces under the headlights.
4. Move to the underside. From under the car, unscrew four bolts and remove four clips.
5. Turn the wheels outward and unscrew three bolts on each side that secure the fender liners to the bumper.
6. Unscrew four bolts (two screwed from top to bottom and two from bottom to top) that secure the sides of the front bumper to the fenders.
7. Next, there are two options:
   • Remove four clips under the radiator grille (inserted from top to bottom) and four clips through the bumper grille (inserted from bottom to top). These clips secure the bumper to the reinforcement bar.
   • From the engine compartment side, unscrew four nuts that secure the bumper reinforcement bar to the body.
8. With the help of an assistant, remove the bumper by pulling it forward.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Release the lower part of the rubber seal.
3. Under the seal, unscrew six bolts that secure the upper side of the rear bumper.
4. From under the car, unscrew two bolts and remove four clips that secure the lower side.
5. Move to the sides. Here, unscrew four bolts on each side that secure the fender liners (splash guards) to the bumper.
6. Push the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side (screwed from bottom to top) that secures the corners to the fenders.
7. Now the most challenging part. Remove the side trunk trim panels and, from inside the fenders, unscrew two bolts on each side (screwed from top to down). Access will be extremely inconvenient.
8. Now, pull the bumper back as much as possible, and you will see two nuts securing the metal brackets to the reinforcement bar—unscrew them.
9. The bumper is removed. Don’t forget to disconnect the wiring harnesses from the taillights.

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Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Rezzo offered a spacious cabin with a high seating position and good visibility. Base versions were quite austere: fabric upholstery, manual window controls, and a minimalist dashboard. Top trims included air conditioning, power accessories, and airbags.

The trunk (about 300 liters) could be expanded by folding the rear seats, but it lacked the fully transformable space found in modern minivans.

 

Interesting Facts

• In Latin America, the Rezzo was sold as the Chevrolet Vivant.
• In Uzbekistan, the model was assembled at the GM Uzbekistan plant and offered with a 1.8L engine.
• In some countries, the Rezzo was marketed as the "family car of the future," but due to its unconventional design, it was often purchased as a budget option.
• In Russia, the model quickly disappeared from the market due to weak marketing support and the arrival of more modern competitors.

 

Advantages of the Chevrolet Rezzo

• Spaciousness – The high roof and wide doors made passenger entry and exit easier.
• Easy Maintenance – The design relied on proven Daewoo components, making repairs straightforward.
• Decent Fuel Efficiency – Gasoline versions consumed about 8–9 L/100 km.
• Affordable Price – On the used market, the Rezzo can still be found for very little money.

 

Disadvantages of the Model

• Weak Performance – Even the 1.8L engine struggled to accelerate the heavy body.
• Build Quality – Interior plastics creaked quickly, and body corrosion was common.
• Stiff Suspension – Ride comfort on rough roads left much to be desired.
• Automatic Transmission Issues – The 4-speed automatic was unreliable and prone to overheating.

 

Conclusion: Is the Chevrolet Rezzo Worth Buying Today?

Today, the Rezzo is a typical budget option for those in need of an inexpensive family car. If you find a well-maintained example with low mileage, it could serve as a decent temporary solution. However, due to its age and the scarcity of spare parts, ownership may turn into a challenge.