Segment:
        
        
            Compact SUV / Crossover
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Individuals and small families seeking a versatile, fuel-efficient, and capable vehicle for urban and light off-road use.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            
                        
                            • Suzuki Vitara (platform sharing)
                        
                        
                            • Honda CR-V
                        
                        
                            • Toyota RAV4
                        
                        
                            • Ford Escape
                        
                        
                            • Nissan Xterra
                        
 
         
     
    
    
        
            Vehicle Type:
        
        
            Body-on-frame compact SUV
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, often with a choice of engines (though the 2003 model primarily featured a 2.0L or 2.5L).
        
     
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            Typically available as a 4-door SUV, with some markets offering a 2-door convertible or extended-wheelbase versions (less common for 2003 US market).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine operation, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, ignition system basics.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Braking system overview, steering system overview, suspension system overview.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, power outlets, basic accessory operation.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Door locks, power windows, seat adjustments, safety restraint system operation, climate control system, infotainment system basics.
        
     
    
    
        
            Operation:
        
        
            Starting and operating the vehicle, parking, driving techniques, using climate controls, operating lights and wipers.
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, basic cleaning procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Indicator light explanations, basic advice for common issues (e.g., warning lights). Specific diagnostic procedures are typically reserved for service manuals.
        
     
    
        
            Safety:
        
        
            Seat belt usage, child restraint system installation, airbag system information, driving safety tips.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Focuses on everyday operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Likely text-searchable if scanned with OCR.
        
     
    
    
        
            Quality:
        
        
            Varies based on original scan quality. Typically good for understanding diagrams and text.
        
     
    
    
        
            Original Binding:
        
        
            Stapled or perfect bound paperback (typical for original owner's manuals).
        
     
    
    
        
            Original Paper:
        
        
            Standard paper, often with glossy sections for images.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code Usdm:
        
        
            J20A (2.0L)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Displacement Liters:
        
        
            2.0
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configuration:
        
        
            Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Bhp Approx:
        
        
            127
        
     
    
    
    
        
            0 60 Mph Seconds Approx:
        
        
            10-12 (depending on configuration)
        
     
    
    
        
            Induction:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Engine Code Usdm:
        
        
            H25A (2.5L V6 - less common for 2003, more prevalent in earlier/later models or specific trims)
        
     
    
        
            Optional Engine Displacement Liters:
        
        
            2.5
        
     
    
        
            Optional Engine Configuration:
        
        
            V6
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Std:
        
        
            5-speed Manual
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Opt:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic
        
     
    
    
        
            Drive Type:
        
        
            Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD - with low range transfer case for many models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron III or equivalent (confirm with manual for exact spec)
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, confirm with manual)
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, confirm with manual)
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Ground Clearance Inches Approx:
        
        
            7.5-8.0
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat Cu Ft Approx:
        
        
            25.5
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded Cu Ft Approx:
        
        
            65.0
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Lbs Approx:
        
        
            2800-3200 (depending on configuration)
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity Lbs Max:
        
        
            1500-3500 (check specific trim and market for accurate rating)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
        
        
            4 Stars (typical for 2003 models in this class)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
        
        
            4 Stars (typical for 2003 models in this class)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
        
        
            Good (for models tested, variable by year/trim)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Available, often standard on higher trims or 4WD models.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available on 4WD models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, front seat pretensioners.
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children) system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player. Speaker configuration typically 4-6 speakers.
        
     
    
        
            Display:
        
        
            Basic digital display for radio and clock.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Available on most models.
        
     
    
        
            Keyless Entry:
        
        
            Available on some trims.
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions may exist.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not available from factory.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (follow manual's recommendation based on driving conditions).
        
     
    
        
            Oil Filter Change:
        
        
            With every oil change.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (refer to manual for specific type).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (API Service SN or higher, check manual for exact specification and API category)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
        
        
            4.0-4.5 (including filter, confirm with manual)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            GM P/N 10528177 or equivalent, typically a silicate-free, long-life orange/pink coolant (OAT type).
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron III or GM P/N 1050332 or equivalent.
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems Prevalence:
        
        
            Moderate to High (as is common for vehicles of this age).
        
     
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Occasional oil leaks, potential for timing chain issues in higher mileage 2.0L engines, intake manifold gasket leaks.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Automatic transmission shifting issues or failure, clutch wear in manual transmissions.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension And Steering:
        
        
            Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings; steering rack leaks.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, alternator failures, ABS sensor failures.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Rust issues, especially on frame and underbody components; tailgate struts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Parent Company:
        
        
            General Motors (GM)
        
     
    
    
        
            Platform Origin:
        
        
            Based on the Suzuki Vitara/Sidekick platform, signifying a global collaboration within GM's partnerships.
        
     
    
        
            Second Generation Intro:
        
        
            Introduced for the 1999 model year, featuring a redesigned exterior and updated interior.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada (CAMI Automotive Inc.)
        
     
    
        
            Production Years For Generation:
        
        
            1999-2004
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Segment Performance:
        
        
            Often cited for its value proposition and off-road capability within the compact SUV segment for its era.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Typical Rating:
        
        
            Average to Below Average, often citing reliability concerns in specific areas.
        
     
    
    
        
            Emissions Standards:
        
        
            Meets applicable EPA emissions standards for its model year.