Segment:
        
        
            Compact/Retro Hatchback
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Retro-futuristic styling inspired by classic hot rods and custom cars.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Volkswagen Beetle, Mini Cooper (though PT Cruiser offered more practicality)
        
     
    
    
        
            Unique Selling Points:
        
        
            Distinctive styling, spacious interior for its size, comfortable ride, versatile cargo space (especially with 'Mopar uconnect' or similar accessory packages).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Covered Systems:
        
        
            Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System, HVAC, Body and Chassis, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Accessories
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Page Count:
        
        
            Approximately 500-800 pages (typical for a comprehensive parts catalog)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Type:
        
        
            Parts Catalog
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain Components:
        
        
            Engine assemblies, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, valves, fuel injectors, intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, turbochargers (if applicable), transmissions (manual/automatic), clutch components, driveshafts, differentials, axles
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Components:
        
        
            Front/rear suspension, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, steering rack, power steering pump, brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, ABS components, exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Components:
        
        
            Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system components, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), sensors (oxygen, crank, cam, speed), ECUs
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid), bumpers, grilles, mirrors, windows, door handles, weatherstripping, seats, dashboard, interior trim panels, upholstery, carpeting, climate control components (evaporator, condenser, blower motor)
        
     
    
    
        
            Parts Identification:
        
        
            Detailed diagrams and exploded views for precise part identification, OEM part numbers for all components
        
     
    
        
            Component Assembly:
        
        
            Information on how various sub-assemblies are put together, crucial for ordering correct related parts
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Highly detailed, focusing on OEM part numbers, quantities, and relationships between components. Not a repair manual, but essential for parts sourcing and ordering.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Standard Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmission Type:
        
        
            5-speed Manual
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec:
        
        
            ATF+4 (Mopar)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:
        
        
            Approximately 7.5 - 8.5 liters (for automatic, including torque converter)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Driver Crash Test:
        
        
            5 Stars
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Passenger Crash Test:
        
        
            5 Stars
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Driver Crash Test:
        
        
            4 Stars
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Passenger Crash Test:
        
        
            4 Stars
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional (often with GT models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Boston Acoustics premium sound system
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Not typically available from factory in 2003 models, aftermarket options common
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Tire Pressure Monitoring:
        
        
            Not standard on most 2003 models
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Not standard on most 2003 models, aftermarket solutions available
        
     
    
    
        
            Air Conditioning:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Door Locks:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval Miles:
        
        
            3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (conventional oil) / 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil), check owner's manual for specifics.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 3 years
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Approximately 100,000 miles (for platinum or iridium plugs)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            5W-30 (recommended for most conditions)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
        
        
            4.5
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            ATF+4 (Mopar)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problem 1:
        
        
            Headliner sagging (due to adhesive failure)
        
     
    
        
            Common Problem 2:
        
        
            Front suspension/steering issues (e.g., worn ball joints, tie rods)
        
     
    
        
            Common Problem 3:
        
        
            Oil leaks (e.g., from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket)
        
     
    
        
            Common Problem 4:
        
        
            Transmission issues (occasional hard shifts or slipping)
        
     
    
        
            Common Problem 5:
        
        
            Check Engine Light illumination (often related to O2 sensors, EVAP system)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Parent Company:
        
        
            DaimlerChrysler (at the time of production)
        
     
    
    
        
            Original Concept:
        
        
            Conceived as a modern interpretation of the 1930s Chrysler Airflow, aiming for a unique, retro-inspired compact car.
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Belvidere, Illinois, USA
        
     
    
        
            Global Availability:
        
        
            North America, Europe, Japan, Australia
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Automotive Journal Award 1:
        
        
            Car and Driver's Ten Best Trucks (2001, 2002, 2003 - as a compact SUV/car)
        
     
    
        
            Automotive Journal Award 2:
        
        
            MotorTrend's Car of the Year (nominee, not winner)