Market Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking detailed repair information
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Mazda MX-3
Styling:
Sleek, aerodynamic design with pop-up headlights (on some models)
Performance Options:
Available turbocharged engines and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on certain trims for enhanced performance.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Mitsubishi Eclipse and Galant VR-4, benefiting from their engineering. Notably, the AWD system is derived from the Galant VR-4.
Engine:
1.8L SOHC, 2.0L DOHC, 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC
Engine Management:
Fuel Injection, Ignition System, Emissions Control
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Viscous Coupling Unit
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-Link Independent Suspension
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Brakes:
Front Disc (Vented on Turbo/AWD), Rear Disc, ABS (Optional)
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heater, Ventilation
Safety Systems:
Seat Belts, Airbags (Driver-side on some trims)
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics
Engine Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Piston/Ring Replacement, Valve Train Service, Gasket Replacement
Transmission Service:
Clutch Replacement, Transmission Disassembly and Reassembly, Fluid Service
Brake Service:
Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Rotor/Drum Machining/Replacement, Caliper Overhaul, Bleeding
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Sensor Diagnosis
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component Replacement (Struts, Ball Joints, Tie Rods), Alignment Procedures
Body And Trim Repair:
Panel Replacement, Door Adjustment, Interior Component Installation
HVAC Repair:
Component Replacement, Refrigerant Servicing, System Diagnosis
Emission Control Systems:
Catalytic Converter, EGR, O2 Sensor Service
Depth:
Comprehensive; Covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine 1 Name:
4G63 (Non-Turbo)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 135-145 hp (Varies slightly by application)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 125-130 lb-ft
Engine 2 Name:
4G63T (Turbocharged)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 195-200 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 203-205 lb-ft
Engine 3 Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1830 cc)
Engine 3 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, 8-valve
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 92-100 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 100-105 lb-ft
Acceleration 0 60 Turbo AWD:
Approx. 6.5-7.0 seconds
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended for Turbo)
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings for this era are often limited or not readily available for all trims/configurations. Focus on passive safety features.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims and Turbo models.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear seat belts
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on some later 1991 models or specific trims; not universally standard across the entire range.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure, though not rated as a specific 'rollover protection system' in the modern sense.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or 12-24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (platinum recommended for longer life).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (Crucial for 4G63/4G63T engines as they are interference engines).
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check manual for climate-specific viscosity grades).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or Dexron III compatible automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or Dexron III compatible ATF or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual).
Turbo Charger:
Oil leaks, bearing wear, and wastegate actuator issues on turbocharged models if maintenance is neglected. Regular oil changes are critical.
Suspension:
Worn bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts due to age and mileage.
Electrical:
Faulty O2 sensors, intermittent power window/lock issues, and corroded grounds can occur.
Engine Mounts:
Degradation of engine and transmission mounts leading to vibration and clunking noises.
Rust:
Susceptible to rust on body panels, wheel wells, and frame components, especially in regions with road salt.
Dodge Performance History:
Dodge's history in performance coupes includes models like the Challenger and Daytona, with the Laser/Talon/Eclipse continuing this lineage.
First Generation:
This refers to the first generation of the DSM (Diamond-Star Motors) platform vehicles, which debuted for the 1989 model year in Japan as the Mitsubishi Eclipse and debuted in North America for the 1990 model year.
Rebranding Strategy:
The vehicle was rebadged and sold by Dodge (Laser), Plymouth (Colt), and Eagle (Summit/Talon) to leverage dealer networks and capture different market segments.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant, a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi)
Production Years First Gen:
1990-1994 (for North American market)
