Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan and station wagon, targeting families and general transportation needs in the 1980s.
Key Competitors:
Ford Tempo, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Buick Century, Pontiac 6000, Dodge 600
Platform Design:
Front-wheel drive, transverse engine mounting, maximizing interior space.
Powertrain Options:
Offered a range of 4-cylinder and V6 engines known for fuel efficiency.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door sedan and a 4-door station wagon.
Applicable Years:
1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
Models Covered:
All models, engines, trim levels, and transmission types
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (exact page count not specified, but described as 'Complete' and covering 'A-Z')
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Downloadable (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (automatic and manual)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Braking System (front disc, rear drum/disc options), Drivetrain
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Instrument Panel, Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Exterior Trim
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication, inspections
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission service and rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension and steering component repair, electrical system diagnostics and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic data
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all service and repair procedures from basic maintenance to complete overhauls.
Engine 1 Type:
2.5L (151 cu in) Iron Duke inline-4
Engine 1 Hp:
Approx. 94-101 hp (varies by year and tuning)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 126-130 lb-ft (varies by year and tuning)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI)
Engine 2 Type:
3.0L (181 cu in) Buick LW9 V6
Engine 2 Hp:
Approx. 135-140 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 150-160 lb-ft
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI)
Engine 3 Type:
3.8L (231 cu in) Buick L27/LG3 V6
Engine 3 Hp:
Approx. 140-150 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 170-180 lb-ft
Engine 3 Fuel System:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Port Fuel Injection (PFI) later in production.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.9 inches
Length:
Approx. 192.4 inches (sedan), Approx. 194.2 inches (wagon)
Width:
Approx. 69.3 inches
Height:
Approx. 53.5 inches (sedan), Approx. 55.3 inches (wagon)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,700 - 3,100 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not explicitly rated under modern standards, but generally considered average for its era.
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum standard. Optional rear disc brakes available on some models.
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Seat Belts:
Lap and shoulder belts standard
Headrests:
Standard on front seats, often optional on rear
Audio Options:
AM/FM radio, AM/FM cassette player, optional premium sound systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most trim levels.
Power Features:
Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil)
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, filters typically every 20,000-50,000 miles, depending on component type and material.
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 or 10W-40, API SF or SG rated (refer to manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (with filter, varies by engine)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-II or Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (green type), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Engine Reliability:
The Iron Duke 4-cylinder could be prone to overheating and head gasket issues if not maintained. V6 engines generally more robust.
Transmission Issues:
THM-125 automatic transmission can develop torque converter shudder or internal seal failures.
Electrical Problems:
Wiring harness corrosion, alternator issues, and electrical connector problems were common in vehicles of this era.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joint, strut, and bushing wear are common due to age and mileage.
Manufacturer:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM)
Redesign Impact:
Part of GM's FWD downsizing initiative, replacing RWD models like the Chevelle. Introduced the modern mid-size FWD platform.
Production End Year:
1989
Production Location:
Various GM assembly plants in North America.
