Segment:
        
        
            Full-size Minivan
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 1996-2005:
        
        
            Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Lumina APV/Silhouette, Mercury Villager.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Practicality, spaciousness, family-oriented transport.
        
     
    
        
            Distinctive Attributes:
        
        
            Sliding rear doors, flexible seating configurations, Stow 'n Go (later generations), accessible pricing.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine overhaul, assembly, disassembly, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (carburetor/injection), ignition, exhaust, emissions control.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission And Drivetrain:
        
        
            Automatic Transmission (A604, 41TE, 42LE), manual transmission (if applicable), transaxle, differential, CV joints, driveshafts.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, ABS, front and rear disc/drum brake components, parking brake, hydraulic fluid specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Steering And Suspension:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), wheel alignment specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM).
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system operation, refrigerant R134a, components (compressor, condenser, evaporator), climate control systems.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body construction, panels, doors, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, frame, rust prevention, sound deadening.
        
     
    
        
            Interior:
        
        
            Seats, seat belts, airbags, dashboard, center console, trim panels, door panels, carpeting, headliner.
        
     
    
    
        
            Scheduled Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, brake inspection, tune-up procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes, symptom-based diagnosis for engine, transmission, electrical, and HVAC systems.
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, rebuilding, and replacement across all major vehicle systems.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, using scan tools, testing electrical circuits, pressure testing, and mechanical component testing.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Coverage:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance and inspections to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Option 1:
        
        
            2.4L Inline-4 (4G64, Mitsubishi Eclipse engine)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option 2:
        
        
            3.0L V6 (3.0L 6G72 SOHC, Mitsubishi engine)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option 3:
        
        
            3.3L V6 (3.3L EGE SOHC, Chrysler)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option 4:
        
        
            3.8L V6 (3.8L EGH SOHC, Chrysler)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Range:
        
        
            Approx. 130 hp (2.4L) to 180 hp (3.8L)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Range:
        
        
            Approx. 155 lb-ft (2.4L) to 235 lb-ft (3.8L)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Injection Type:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Required Octane:
        
        
            87 (Octane Rating)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
        
        
            Likely 4-star driver, 5-star passenger (varies by year/test protocol)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Small Overlap Front Crash Rating:
        
        
            Not applicable to models tested by IIHS during this period.
        
     
    
    
        
            Active Safety Features Available:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - standard on most models, Traction Control System (TCS) - optional on some V6 models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Passive Safety Features:
        
        
            Front airbags, optional side airbags (later years), crumple zones, reinforced safety cage, height-adjustable seat belts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Infotainment Options Early:
        
        
            AM/FM radio with cassette, optional CD player, basic climate controls.
        
     
    
        
            Infotainment Options Late:
        
        
            Optional premium audio systems, in-dash CD/DVD players, rear-seat entertainment screens (late GS models).
        
     
    
    
        
            Driver Assistance Features:
        
        
            Cruise control, parking assist sensors (optional on later models).
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Features:
        
        
            Power outlets, optional rear audio controls.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 30,000-60,000 miles (ATF+4 recommended for Chrysler transmissions).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            If equipped with Mitsubishi 4G64 engine (interference engine), recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles. V6 engines use a timing chain.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification:
        
        
            API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Specification:
        
        
            Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Specification:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Chrysler/Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Issue 1:
        
        
            Transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder, shifting problems) in early models, particularly with the A604 transaxle. 41TE/42LE generally more robust.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 2:
        
        
            Cracked dashboard common due to sun exposure.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 3:
        
        
            Power window motor failures, door lock actuator issues.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 4:
        
        
            Erosion of intake manifold gaskets (plastic manifold).
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 5:
        
        
            Water pump leaks and thermostat housing issues.