Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Hyundai Elantra
Platform Sharing:
Chrysler JA/J platform (shared with Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze in later years/generations for powertrain/suspension elements)
Design Philosophy:
Affordable, sporty compact with distinctive styling (especially the first generation)
Engine Options:
Primarily Inline-4 engines with a focus on fuel efficiency and decent performance for its class
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system, lubrication, cooling
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, diagnosis and testing
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gears, synchronizers, bearings, overhaul, repair
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gears, valve body, hydraulic controls, overhaul, repair
Drivetrain:
Axles, CV joints, differential, drive shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, springs, alignment specifications
Steering:
Steering gear, power steering system, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Disc brakes, drum brakes, ABS system, parking brake, hydraulic components, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, horn, wipers, power accessories
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, rust repair, sheet metal replacement
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS component testing and replacement
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, component testing, fault code interpretation
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for all major components
Rebuild Procedures:
Engine, transmission, and other major component overhauls
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems
Depth Level:
Expert; Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complete vehicle restoration and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Codes And Displacements:
2.0L SOHC (16 valves) I4 (Engine Code: A668 / FCC), 2.0L DOHC (16 valves) I4 (Engine Code: DCC / ECE), 2.4L DOHC (16 valves) I4 (Engine Code: EDC) - Primarily for ACR and later models
Horsepower Range:
114 hp to 150 hp (depending on engine and trim)
Torque Range:
120 lb-ft to 145 lb-ft (depending on engine and trim)
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for base engines)
ECU Type:
Chrysler's proprietary engine control units (ECU) / Powertrain Control Modules (PCM)
Emission Systems:
Catalytic converter, EGR valve, O2 sensors, EVAP system
Type 1997-2000:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 283/288 variants)
Type 2000-2005:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag, later revisions)
Type 1997-2000:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler A500 / 41TE variants)
Type 2000-2005:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE variants)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (or equivalent Chrysler spec fluid, e.g., ATF-2/3 for earlier models, check manual for exact spec)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.4 inches (4429 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.0 inches (1372 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3700-3900 lbs (1678-1769 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 12.4 cubic feet (sedan), 20.8 cubic feet (hatchback)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (1997-2000 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (1997-2000 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for some models/years, particularly later ones with structural improvements)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some performance variants or later models
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped, typically not standard
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard (SRS system)
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic oil recommended for optimal performance).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (for Platinum or Iridium plugs); 30,000 miles for conventional
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 50,000 miles or 5 years
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years
Manual Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 100,000 miles or 6 years
Engine Oil Type And Capacity:
API SN/SP, SAE 5W-30; 4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter for 2.0L engines
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) - check manual for exact spec. Typically a 50/50 mix.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration and noise.
Evaporative Emissions System:
Faulty purge solenoid or vent control valve often triggers Check Engine Light (P0442, P0455 codes).
Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can lead to alignment issues and poor handling.
Rear Axle Bushings:
Specific to the second generation, the rear axle trailing arm bushings are a common failure point causing steering wheel shimmy and instability.
Automatic Transmission:
Solenoid failures, internal seal leaks leading to slipping or harsh shifting.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Chrysler Group LLC)
Generation 1:
1995-2000 (PL platform). Known for its distinctive styling and sporty handling, but also some early quality concerns.
Generation 2:
2000-2005 (PL/PR platform, redesigned). Smoother styling, improved interior quality, and better safety features. Offered as sedan and hatchback.
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Period:
1994 (for 1995 model year) - 2005
