Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan, coupe, and convertible
Positioning Strategy:
Affordable and stylish option in its segment, often appealing to younger buyers or those seeking convertible options.
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant
Competitive Advantage:
Unique convertible body style offered, distinctive styling for its era.
Vehicle Key Features:
Available in Coupe, Convertible, and Sedan body styles; comfortable ride; expressive styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge for accurate diagnosis and repair, saving time and money on maintenance.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine, fuel, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, ignition, starter, charging
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (automatic and manual), clutch, drive axles, differentials
Chassis Systems:
Brakes (front, rear, ABS, parking brake), suspension (front and rear), steering
Electrical Systems:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments, body controls, power accessories, infotainment, body control module (BCM)
Body And Trim:
Interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, locks, security, HVAC, seats, airbags
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, fault code interpretation, component testing, circuit diagrams, wiring schematics
Special Tools And Equipment:
Identification of necessary special tools and procedures for their use
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including pinpoint tests and component-level diagnostics
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed instructions for major component rebuilds (engine, transmission)
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise measurements, torques, clearances, and electrical specifications for all components
Engine 1 Name:
2.7L V6 (EER)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2736 cc
Engine 1 Configuration:
V6
Engine 1 Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
174 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 68.3 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.4:1
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 12 valves
Engine 2 Name:
3.0L V6 (High Output)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2987 cc
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
218 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves
Estimated 0 60 Mph 2.7L:
8.5 - 9.5 seconds
Estimated 0 60 Mph 3.0L:
7.5 - 8.5 seconds
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual Transaxle (Limited availability, primarily on base models/coupes)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (or equivalent Mopar specification)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:
Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for a complete flush
Wheelbase Coupe Sedan:
106.0 inches (2692 mm)
Wheelbase Convertible:
106.0 inches (2692 mm)
Length Coupe:
193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Length Sedan:
193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Length Convertible:
193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Width Coupe Sedan:
70.8 inches (1798 mm)
Width Convertible:
70.8 inches (1798 mm)
Height Coupe:
55.0 inches (1397 mm)
Height Sedan:
57.6 inches (1463 mm)
Height Convertible:
55.2 inches (1402 mm)
Front Headroom Sedan:
39.3 inches (998 mm)
Rear Legroom Sedan:
36.5 inches (927 mm)
Trunk Capacity Coupe:
13.2 cu ft (374 liters)
Trunk Capacity Sedan:
15.7 cu ft (445 liters)
Trunk Capacity Convertible:
8.0 cu ft (227 liters) with top up
Curb Weight 2.7L Coupe:
3,375 lbs (1531 kg)
Curb Weight 3.0L Convertible:
3,750 lbs (1701 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model and configuration
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (1998 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (1998 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (1998-2000 model years)
ABS Availability:
Optional on most trims, standard on higher trims and 3.0L models
Traction Control Availability:
Optional on some models
Airbag Count:
Dual front airbags standard
Side Airbags Availability:
Optional on some models
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Standard on front seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Spark Plug Replacement 2.7L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (consult manual for specific type, e.g., platinum)
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (All engines for these years use a timing chain)
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based, with appropriate corrosion inhibitors)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Common Issue Transmission Shifts:
Harsh shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions, often related to solenoid issues or fluid degradation.
Common Issue Engine Misfires:
Misfires can occur due to faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors, especially on the V6 engines.
Common Issue HVAC Problems:
HVAC system blower motor resistor failures, AC compressor clutch issues, or blend door actuator problems.
Common Issue Suspension Wear:
Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings, leading to clunks and poor handling.
Common Issue Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors, particularly in convertibles.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (part of DaimlerChrysler during this period)
Previous Generation:
First Generation Chrysler Sebring (1995-1997)
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with the Dodge Stratus and Mitsubishi Eclipse (Chrysler's platform development with Mitsubishi).
Design Philosophy:
European-influenced styling, designed by Chrysler's design studio.
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1995-2000 (JR41 generation)
Popular Mechanics Editor Choice Award:
Mentioned as a good value and stylish option in its segment by automotive publications of the era.
Consumer Reports Reliability History:
Varied reliability ratings across different model years and engine options, often below average for its class.
Manual Certification:
None explicitly stated, but based on factory service information.
