Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Sedan (Large Car)
Positioning:
Positioned as a comfortable, spacious, and stylish sedan with a focus on American practicality and performance.
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Honda Accord (larger trims), Buick Park Avenue.
Design Philosophy:
Cab-forward design emphasizing interior space and a dynamic stance.
Value Proposition:
Offered a blend of luxury-like features and spaciousness at a competitive price point.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes (Front and Rear), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Airbag System (SRS), Multiplex Communication
Body:
Body Exterior, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing Procedures, Electrical Schematics Interpretation
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Sub-assembly Overhauls, Adjustment Procedures, Sealing and Gasketing
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Pressures, Electrical Values, Fluid Capacities
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body panel repair.
Engine Code:
EGW (ES/ESX/ESX Sport trims)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Engine Type Optional:
V6, SOHC
Displacement Liter Optional:
2.7
Engine Code Optional:
EER (Base model, likely SE trim)
Horsepower Hp Optional:
158
Torque Lb Ft Optional:
170
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5/5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4/5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (Traction Control System - TCS)
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Front Passenger)
Airbags Side:
Optional (Front Seat Side Airbags)
Seatbelts:
Three-point adjustable front and rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) standard
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic blend or synthetic oil). Refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles (typically platinum or iridium type).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles for HOAT coolant.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 may be used in warmer climates, consult manual.
Engine Oil API Rating:
API Service Category SG or higher.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar P/N 05010805AA or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Item:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings) due to vehicle weight and driving conditions.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional solenoid pack failures or torque converter shudder in the 42LE transmission. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Cooling System:
Water pump leaks and radiator failures can occur with age.
Electrical Component:
Power window regulators and motors, BCM (Body Control Module) glitches, and HVAC blower motor resistor failure are reported.
Interior Trim:
Headliner fabric sag and dashboard material degradation due to UV exposure.
Manufacturer:
Dodge (division of Chrysler Corporation, later DaimlerChrysler)
Generation:
Second Generation (1998-2004)
Updates For 2001:
Minor interior trim updates, potentially revised features on some trims, improved engine management for certain powertrains.
Production Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
1998-2004