Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, those seeking economical transportation
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege
Design Philosophy:
Affordable, sporty styling with front-wheel drive, emphasizing value and practicality
Unique Selling Points:
Distinctive styling, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, agile handling
Primary Focus:
Workshop Service and Repair
Scope:
Comprehensive A-Z for all models and all repairs
Estimated Page Count:
Varies (Typical workshop manuals for this era range from 1500-2500+ pages for comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Driv axles, Clutch
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear, ABS if equipped)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition System, Starting & Charging System, Power Accessories, Instrument Cluster, ECU/PCM Diagnostics
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC System, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, testing procedures
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly
Overhaul:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, component rebuild procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Expert Level (suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers)
Detail Level:
Detailed component diagrams, exploded views, schematics, and diagnostic flowcharts
Diagnostic Tools:
Information pertaining to diagnostic tools and procedures of the era (e.g., OBD-I, basic scan tools)
Engine Code Base:
SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) and DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) variants of Chrysler's 'ECA/ECB' engine family
Displacement Base:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Horsepower Base:
Approximately 118 hp (SOHC), 140-150 hp (DOHC) depending on model year and tune
Torque Base:
Approximately 124 lb-ft (SOHC), 130-135 lb-ft (DOHC) depending on model year and tune
Performance Variants:
R/T, ACR (American Club Racer) models featured higher-output DOHC engines and sport-tuned suspensions
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane), Premium recommended for DOHC variants for optimal performance
Transmission Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (for manual transmission)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent)
Body Styles:
2-Door Coupe, 4-Door Sedan
Wheelbase:
Approximately 101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
Coupe: ~161.7 in (4107 mm), Sedan: ~171.5 in (4356 mm)
Width:
Approximately 66.9 inches (1699 mm)
Height:
Coupe: ~52.6 in (1336 mm), Sedan: ~54.4 in (1382 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 2600-2900 lbs (1180-1315 kg) depending on body style and equipment
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 stars (1995-1996 models, some variability)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 stars (1995-1996 models, some variability)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims/later years
Traction Control:
Rarely available, typically not a standard or common option
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from 1995 onwards
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available on higher trims or as an aftermarket upgrade.
Display:
Basic analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. No central infotainment screen.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on most trims
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.). Basic power accessories (windows, locks) if equipped.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or 6 months), depending on driving conditions and oil used
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, platinum plugs extended life)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (critical for interference engines)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (for 2.0L engines)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 recommended for most conditions, check manual for specific range
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent meeting MS-9769
Common Problems:
Head gasket failures (especially on early models), starter motor issues, power window regulator failures, cooling system leaks, exhaust manifold cracks, interior trim wear and tear, clutch wear (manual transmissions)
Diagnostic Tips:
Pay attention to coolant loss, oil in coolant, or misfires which often indicate head gasket issues. Check starter for clicking noise or no crank. Inspect door mechanisms for smooth operation.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation
Major Updates:
Minor styling tweaks and feature additions throughout its run. DOHC engines became more prevalent in performance trims. 1995 saw the addition of standard airbags.
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Toluca, Mexico
Production End Year:
2005 (globally, with the second generation ending in North America in 2000)
