Segment Description:
        
        
            Competed in a highly contested segment against established Japanese and American manufacturers.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
        
     
    
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Stylish, aerodynamic design for its era, often praised for interior space and comfort.
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Offered a compelling blend of features, space, and performance at a competitive price point.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Value:
        
        
            Essential for DIY repairs, advanced diagnostics, and maintaining resale value.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Full diagnostics, overhaul, timing belt, lubrication, cooling system
        
     
    
        
            Engine Performance:
        
        
            Fuel system (injection, pump, injectors), ignition system (coils, plugs, timing), emissions control, EGR, catalytic converter
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Clutch, gearbox repair, linkage adjustment, fluid specifications
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Overhaul, torque converter, valve body, solenoids, fluid flush procedures, diagnostic codes
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            ABS system, hydraulic lines, calipers, rotors, pads, bleeding procedures, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, rack and pinion, tie rods, alignment specifications
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay assignments, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery)
        
     
    
        
            Lighting:
        
        
            Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, refrigerant handling
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Door panel removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, exterior trim, glass replacement
        
     
    
        
            Chassis And Frame:
        
        
            Frame specifications, rust prevention, subframe components
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, OBD-II diagnostic codes and descriptions
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Component removal and installation, engine rebuild, transmission repair, brake system repair, electrical component replacement
        
     
    
        
            Adjustments:
        
        
            Valve clearance adjustment, throttle body cleaning, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment
        
     
    
        
            Replacements:
        
        
            Timing belt replacement, water pump replacement, head gasket replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement
        
     
    
        
            Specifications Torque:
        
        
            Detailed torque specifications for all major fasteners
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools:
        
        
            Information on using scan tools and diagnostic equipment
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Driver Crash Test:
        
        
            Good (for 2001 model year where applicable)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Passenger Crash Test:
        
        
            Good (for 2001 model year where applicable)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test:
        
        
            Acceptable (for 2001-2002 model years)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on most trims
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional on some trims
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags standard
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Optional side-impact airbags available on some trims
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 1:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium plugs
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical component, failure can cause catastrophic engine damage)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Viscosity 1:
        
        
            5W-30 (API SM or higher)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 1:
        
        
            Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Viscosity 2:
        
        
            5W-30 (API SM or higher)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 2:
        
        
            Approx. 4.2 quarts (4.0 L) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Viscosity 3:
        
        
            5W-30 (API SM or higher)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 3:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Asian vehicle formula coolant (Green) or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 L) (V6 may vary slightly)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Issue 1:
        
        
            Timing belt wear and potential failure (requires timely replacement)
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 2:
        
        
            Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or front crankshaft seal
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 3:
        
        
            Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends)
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 4:
        
        
            Power steering pump noise or leaks
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 5:
        
        
            Automatic transmission shifting issues or solenoid failures
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 6:
        
        
            HVAC blower motor resistor failure