Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, young drivers, performance enthusiasts (especially ACR models)
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra
Strengths:
Affordable price, sporty handling (particularly ACR), spacious interior for its class, distinctive styling
Weaknesses:
Perceived quality issues, sometimes rough ride, engine refinement, early automatic transmission issues
Benefit For Owner:
Enables DIY repairs and maintenance, understanding of vehicle systems, cost savings on service
Benefit For Mechanic:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, ensuring accurate and efficient service
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer, Power Accessories, Audio System, Anti-theft
Body:
Body Construction, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Windows, Locks, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, system repairs
Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission diagnostics and repair
Engine Code:
A5 (420A) - Chrysler/Mitsubishi design
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.44 x 3.27 inches (87.4 x 83.0 mm)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves (4 per cylinder)
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 5500 rpm (standard)
Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (standard)
High Output Engine Option:
Yes (e.g., for ACR, often with intake/exhaust tuning or different engine control mapping)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel and ignition management
Cooling Type:
Liquid Cooled
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (typically Mopar part number 04661078 or equivalent)
Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 282/283)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler A575)
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulic Actuation
Automatic Shift Modes:
Possible 'Power' or 'Economy' modes depending on trim/options
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or Chrysler spec equivalent for the era, e.g., ATF+3)
Length:
Approximately 164.4 inches (4176 mm)
Width:
Approximately 67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
Approximately 52.9 inches (1344 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Front Track:
Approximately 58.1 inches (1476 mm)
Rear Track:
Approximately 57.7 inches (1466 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2650 - 2850 lbs (1202 - 1293 kg), varies by trim and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Consult vehicle VIN plate or manual
Towing Capacity:
Not recommended/rated for towing
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 13.0 cu ft
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1998 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1998 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (Good-Excellent ratings emerged later)
ABS Availability:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims or later in the model year
Traction Control:
Rarely available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not present; uses seatbelt tethering for child seats
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player standard. Optional CD player. 4-speaker or 6-speaker systems.
Display:
Basic dashboard cluster with analog gauges and indicator lights.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional, as noted in safety section.
Bluetooth:
Not available in this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or 3-6 months, consult manual based on driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., copper vs. platinum)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Manual: Every 60,000-100,000 miles; Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (especially important for early A575)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (refer to manual for specific type and condition)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or equivalent power steering fluid
Engine Reliability:
Head gasket issues on some early models, potential for oil leaks, PCV system clogging
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission (A575) can be prone to overheating or failure if not maintained; clutch wear is normal for manual transmissions.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts/shocks are common wear items due to design and driving style.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded grounds, faulty window regulators, instrument cluster issues can occur.
HVAC System:
Blend door actuator failures, refrigerant leaks, blower motor resistor issues
Oil Filter Example:
Wix 51500, Fram PH3500, Mopar MO-090
Air Filter Example:
Wix 42404, Fram CA3550, Mopar 5013132AA
Spark Plug Example:
NGK BKR5EGP (Platinum), Champion RC12LYC (Copper)
Manufacturer Origin:
USA (Dodge is a division of Chrysler)
Generation:
First Generation (1995-1999)
Design Era:
Introduced as a 1995 model, replacing the Dodge Colt. Known for its distinctive 'cab-forward' design and sporty aspirations.
Mid Cycle Refresh:
Minor updates occurred in 1997, but the 1998 model is largely consistent with the early first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years For This Generation:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999