The Leganza was available as a front engine, front-wheel drive, four door, five passenger limousine[5][8][9] in South Korea over a single generation for model years 1997-2002 and internally designated as the V100.

[15] The Leganza (V100), along with Lanos (T100) and Nubira (J100) were central to Daewoo's effort to develop a proprietary range to replace vehicles previously licensed from GM.

Under design direction of ex-Porsche and ex BMW engineering chief Dr. Ulrich Bez, the Leganza was developed in just 30 months, using Daewoo's growing in-house R&D network in Korea, Worthing and Munich along with other global consultants.

After initial research of the Leganza leading to development of a mid-size executive car, further work on the V100 (prototype name) began.

[17] Daewoo rapidly expanded their distribution network with the inception of new models, offering the Leganza globally.

In various markets, the base Leganza was offered with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual, hubcaps, cloth trim and all the standard power options.

The Leganza also gained standard 15-inch alloy wheels, anti-theft alarm, and remote central locking.

In 2002 offered the trim level again, adding an anti-theft alarm, alloy wheels and remote locking.

[23] Trim levels were the SX and CDX with the following equipment: SX - ABS, twin airbags, air-con, keyless entry, power steering, electric sunroof and electric heated mirrors CDX - (equipment over SX) alloy wheels, traction control, speed-sensitive power steering, full climate control, outside temperature display, front foglamps, ultrasonic alarm, upgraded seat coverings, wood effect and chrome trim and a leather covered steering wheel.

The difference was that it featured the Philips CARiN satellite navigation system with full in-car entertainment, 10-Disc CD autochanger, leather upholstery, new 15-inch (38 cm) alloy wheels and luxury mats.

Daewoo ceased North American sales by then, and the V200 was released as the Suzuki Verona in the United States and the Chevrolet Epica in Canada.

[citation needed] There was no successor in the United Kingdom or Ireland until the launch of the Daewoo Tosca under the nameplate of Chevrolet Epica in 2007.