Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking affordable transportation, DIY enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, engaging handling, practical interior for its class.
Value Proposition:
Affordable purchase price, low running costs, surprisingly robust chassis for the segment.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Engine Control System (ECM).
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch System, Drive Axles, Differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Power Steering System.
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (or optional Rear Disc Brakes), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Parking Brake System.
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Electrical, Engine Control Module (ECM) Diagnostics.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System, Refrigerant Service.
Body Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Bumpers.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including electrical testing, sensor readings, and actuator tests.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and alignment data.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repair.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
3-Speed Automatic Transmission (TorqueFlite A413 or similar)
Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios for the 5-speed.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved highway efficiency.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil (Verify with manual, specific formulations may vary).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or ATF+4 compatible fluids for later revisions).
Length:
162.1 inches (4117 mm)
Width:
66.9 inches (1700 mm)
Height:
54.2 inches (1377 mm)
Wheelbase:
98.7 inches (2507 mm)
Front Track:
57.4 inches (1458 mm)
Rear Track:
57.3 inches (1455 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500 - 2650 lbs (1134 - 1202 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate.
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 14.1 cu ft (Sedan), Approx. 20.0 cu ft (Hatchback, rear seats up). (Verify specific body style).
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-star (for Coupe models, 1998-1999)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on this generation.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver and passenger pretensioners.
Bcd:
Body-crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Optional CD player on higher trims.
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option or standard on higher trims.
Usb Aux:
Not available on this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (if equipped with original style platinum or iridium plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 7 years (critical component, failure can cause severe engine damage).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter (for 1.8L engine).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or SP, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent OAT coolant (e.g., Mopar 5 Year / 100,000 Mile Coolant, or Zerex G-05 compatible).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters).
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine and transmission mounts leading to vibration and clunking noises.
Rear Main Seal:
Occasional leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.
Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Cooling System:
Potential for thermostat housing leaks and radiator issues.
Interior Trim:
Fading or peeling of dashboard materials and door panel vinyl.
Brand Origin:
Dodge is an American brand, part of Chrysler Corporation (later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis).
Generation Code:
Second Generation (1995-2000).
Design Changes From Previous:
The 1995 redesign brought smoother styling, a revised interior, and improved powertrains compared to the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Production Years:
1995-2000
