Target Audience:
Families, daily commuters, value-conscious buyers.
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.
Body Styles:
4-door sedan
Design Philosophy:
American-style comfortable, practical, and value-oriented sedan.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L SOHC I4, 2.4L DOHC I4, 2.7L DOHC V6), Transmission (4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual), Drivetrain (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear independent multi-link), Steering (power rack-and-pinion), Brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc depending on trim), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Starting system, Charging system, Ignition system, Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), Gauges and instruments, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), Wiper/washer system, Horn
Body And Interior:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Seats, Interior trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), Restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), Brake pad/rotor replacement, Spark plug replacement, Air filter replacement, Coolant flush, Drive belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Circuit diagrams, Component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission removal/installation and repair, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repairs, Electrical component replacement, HVAC system repair, Body panel repair
Component Removal/Installation:
Detailed steps for removing and installing virtually every mechanical and electrical component.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic DIY maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls).
Transmission Type 1:
4-speed Automatic (41TE)
Transmission Type 2:
5-speed Manual (Getrag F23)
Drivetrain Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), consult manual for specific type (e.g., GL-4)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
Four-star (2000 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
Four-star (2000 model year)
Brakes:
Front ventilated disc, Rear solid disc/drum (depending on trim), Optional ABS
Traction Control:
Optional
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point with pretensioners, Rear 3-point
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 3-5 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
70,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific engine recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-5.0 quarts (with filter, depending on engine)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF
Common Problems 1:
Transmission issues (especially torque converter shudder and solenoid failures in the 41TE automatic).
Common Problems 2:
Engine oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, rear main seal).
Common Problems 3:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, AC system leaks.
Common Problems 4:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, control arm bushings).
Common Problems 5:
Door lock actuator failures, power window motor issues.
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Corporation (Dodge division)
Generation:
First Generation (1995-2005)
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Chrysler Cirrus, Plymouth Breeze, and Sebring Coupe.
Production Period:
1995-2005
Manufacturing Plant:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
