Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV (C-segment)
Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, young families, individuals seeking practical and versatile transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5.
Distinguishing Features:
Distinctive exterior styling, versatile interior options (e.g., fold-flat front passenger seat for long cargo), available all-wheel drive, fuel-efficient engine options, competitive pricing.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication, intake and exhaust systems for all applicable engine variants.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (Getrag NV3500), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT - Jatco JF010E/RE0F10A), automatic transmission (41TE/42LE), clutch systems, driveline components, axle shafts, and transfer case (if applicable).
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement.
Steering And Suspension:
Power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering column, rack and pinion, front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, stabilizer bars), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Vehicle electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, circuit protection, grounding.
Body And Interior:
Body construction, exterior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, interior trim panels, seating systems, airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical diagnostic procedures, component testing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Systematic approaches to diagnose and resolve common and uncommon vehicle problems, including electrical, mechanical, and performance issues.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Tightening torque specifications for fasteners, component clearances, alignment angles, fluid capacities, and other critical performance-related data.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance and fluid changes to advanced diagnostics, component rebuilding, and detailed electrical system troubleshooting.
Base Engine:
2.0L 4-cylinder (GEMA engine family)
Base Engine Horsepower:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
137 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Optional Engine 1:
2.4L 4-cylinder (4B12)
Optional Engine 1 Horsepower:
172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Optional Engine 1 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Optional Engine 2:
2.4L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (2.4L SRT-4)
Optional Engine 2 Horsepower:
285 hp @ 5200 rpm
Optional Engine 2 Torque:
265 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane for non-turbo, 91 octane for SRT-4)
Engine Technology:
Aluminum block and cylinder head, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on 4B11 and 4B12.
Length:
Approximately 168.1 - 170.1 inches (depending on specific model/trim)
Width:
Approximately 69.3 inches
Height:
Approximately 63.7 - 64.1 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.7 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 97.7 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 14.1 - 23.4 cu ft (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 48.0 - 53.1 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3000 - 3400 lbs (depending on engine, transmission, and drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, typically around 4300 - 4500 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2007 models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2007 models tested)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable (2007 models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control System TCS:
Available on select trims
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Available on select trims
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags, optional front seat-mounted side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum-tipped plugs typically last 60,000 to 100,000 miles, check manual for specific type and interval.
Transmission Fluid Change Cvt:
Recommended every 60,000 miles for CVT fluid (refer to specific CVT fluid type).
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 to 3 years, or as needed.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API certified (refer to manual for specific viscosity and specification based on engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 - 4.5 quarts (with filter, depending on engine).
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual).
Cvt Fluid Type:
Mopar CVTF+4 or equivalent (NS-2/NS-3 specification for Jatco CVT).
Common Issues Interior:
Rattles and squeaks from interior trim panels, premature wear on driver's seat bolster, issues with HVAC blend door actuators.
Common Issues Engine Transmission:
CVT transmission issues (hesitation, slipping, or failure), oil leaks from valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket leaks, potential issues with throttle body.
Common Issues Suspension Brakes:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, control arms), noisy rear suspension, brake wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, issues with power locks and mirrors, occasional ABS/ESP warning lights.
Dodge Brand Focus:
Known for performance-oriented vehicles, trucks, and SUVs, often with bold styling and value-driven pricing.
First Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year.
Platform:
Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) platform.
Facelifts And Updates:
Minor updates to styling and features throughout its lifecycle, including revised front fascia and interior trim for some model years.
Production Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Production End Year:
Production ended in 2011 for the 2012 model year.
