Target Audience:
        
        
            Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, urban commuters
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio
        
     
    
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Affordability, fuel efficiency, maneuverability
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Compact and practical design, focused on economy and urban usability
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
             Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Transmission (manual and automatic) operation and basic care, clutch system (manual)
        
     
    
        
            Braking System:
        
        
            Brake system operation, parking brake, ABS (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Steering And Suspension:
        
        
            Power steering operation, basic suspension components overview
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), fuses, battery care, dashboard indicators, horn
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Doors, windows, seats, seat belts, climate control, mirrors, locks, wipers, defrosters
        
     
    
        
            Safety Features:
        
        
            Airbags, seat belt usage, child restraint systems (LATCH), child safety locks
        
     
    
        
            Instrumentation:
        
        
            Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning lights, driver information center (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Convenience Features:
        
        
            Audio system, power outlets, cruise control (if equipped), remote keyless entry (if equipped)
        
     
    
    
        
            Operation:
        
        
            Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, operating climate controls, using wipers and lights
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
        
     
    
        
            Safety:
        
        
            Proper use of seat belts, child seat installation guidance, understanding safety warnings
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic steps for common minor issues (e.g., dead battery, flat tire)
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Owner-level basic operation, fluid checks, tire pressure, basic maintenance, warning light identification. Does not include advanced diagnostics or repair procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            Z14XEP (North American Market, typically)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            1.4 Liters (1399 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            77.4 mm x 75.6 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            10.5:1
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            Approx. 93 hp @ 6000 rpm (for Z14XEP)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            Approx. 90 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (for Z14XEP)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Emission Control:
        
        
            Catalytic converter, Electronic Engine Control (EEC)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            5-speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation (manual transmission)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Control:
        
        
            Electronic control with lock-up torque converter
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 158.1 inches (4016 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 64.4 inches (1636 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 59.3 inches (1506 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 97.2 inches (2469 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Front Track:
        
        
            Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Track:
        
        
            Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
        
        
            Approx. 11.4 cubic feet (sedan)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
        
        
            Approx. 30.7 cubic feet (hatchback, with seats folded)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 2200-2300 lbs (1000-1043 kg), depending on body style and transmission
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
        
        
            Approx. 3400-3500 lbs (1542-1588 kg)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
        
        
            Good (2005 model year, typical for this class)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
        
        
            Good (2005 model year, typical for this class)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
        
        
            Acceptable or Marginal (depends on specific testing and year, generally improved over time)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Available (Anti-lock Braking System), typically optional
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Not typically available on this model year
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags (driver and passenger) standard. Side airbags optional depending on trim.
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts
        
     
    
        
            Child Restraint:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats
        
     
    
        
            Child Safety Locks:
        
        
            Standard on rear doors
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional satellite radio.
        
     
    
        
            Speaker Configuration:
        
        
            Typically 4 speakers
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Optional, often available on higher trim levels
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Not typically standard; may have an optional auxiliary input jack on some units.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not available on this model year
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil recommended by manufacturer)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or 18 months
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (using recommended iridium or platinum plugs)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Replacement:
        
        
            First change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 2.5 years
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30, API Certified (Synthetic or Synthetic Blend recommended for optimal performance)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            GM DEX-COOL (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters)
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or specific power steering fluid as per manual
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            GM Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Wear Item:
        
        
            Clutch wear (manual transmission), particularly in urban driving
        
     
    
        
            Engine Component:
        
        
            Potential for ignition coil failure, leading to misfires
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Component:
        
        
            Occasional issues with power window regulators and door lock actuators
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Component:
        
        
            Front struts and control arm bushings can wear over time
        
     
    
        
            HVAC Component:
        
        
            Blend door actuator issues within the climate control system