I disageree - the build and materials quality is near 0, the original upholstery wasn't a far cry from oilcloth. That said, they really ARE pretty reliable, it's old GM technology underneath (T-body platform, old GM Family 1 engines) and, due to its relative simplicity, Daewoo managed to build it right. It is also in its 10th year of production at the FSO, so you may bet most of the possible glitches were offset by now.
Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't want one, but people in Russia, only some of who can even afford a new car, have a lot less to spend on those, and they want a reasonable car at a low price. The Lanos is a sensible choice for a small family car with a relatively powerful engine (with the 1.6, it really does well for what it is) - and the domestic competition is that:
Other competitors include the Dacia Logan, Kia Spectra, old Hyundai Accent and the fantastically horrible Chery Amulet. I hope this gives you an idea of how the Russian market works.