Segment:
Compact MPV / Retro-styled Compact Car
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a distinctive, stylish, and practical vehicle with a retro aesthetic.
Key Competitors 2001-2005:
Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla (though positioned as a more niche product)
Design Philosophy:
Retro-futuristic styling inspired by hot rod culture and 1930s-1950s American cars.
Interior Versatility:
Configurable seating (including folding and removable rear seats) for flexible cargo and passenger carrying.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Distinctive styling that set it apart from mainstream competitors, offering a high degree of personalization.
Engine Coverage:
2.0L I4, 2.4L I4 (Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged)
Transmission Coverage:
4-Speed Automatic (40TE/41TE), 5-Speed Manual (NVT550)
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical Coverage:
Body Electrical, Powertrain Control, Lighting, HVAC, Safety Systems
Body Coverage:
Exterior & Interior Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC Components
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 2500+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch service, drive axles, differential service
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension repair, shock absorber and strut replacement, power steering system diagnosis and repair, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Disc brake system overhaul (front and rear), ABS system diagnosis, parking brake service
Electrical HVAC:
Starting and charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, HVAC system diagnosis and repair, climate control module
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and service, seatbelt mechanisms
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) explanations and repair strategies
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components (e.g., alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, brake pads, CV joints)
Engine Rebuild:
Engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures, including torque specifications and clearances
Transmission Repair:
Transmission disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly for both manual and automatic transmissions
Body Work:
Panel removal and installation, door mechanism repair, glass replacement, interior trim removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full mechanical and electrical overhauls, including troubleshooting and diagnostics
Engine Displacement 2.0L:
2.0 Liters (1995 cc)
Engine Configuration 2.0L:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Horsepower 2.0L:
132 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Code 2.4L:
ED1, EDZ (NA), SRT-4 variants may use High Output Turbo EDR
Engine Displacement 2.4L:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Engine Configuration 2.4L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 2.4L Na:
145 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque 2.4L Na:
155 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Horsepower 2.4L Turbo (Gt):
160 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2.4L Turbo (Gt):
180 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (NVT550)
Optional Transmission Na:
4-Speed Automatic (40TE/41TE)
Optional Transmission Turbo:
4-Speed Automatic (40TE/41TE) (later models may have performance-tuned versions)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up
Manual Transmission Features:
Single dry plate clutch, standard gear ratios
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
5-Star (2001-2005 models)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
5-Star (2001-2005 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (Varies by year and specific equipment)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Front airbags standard, optional side curtain airbags on later models
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems with amplifier and subwoofer available.
Display:
Center stack mounted audio and climate controls, optional navigation system (rare on early models).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (or 6-12 months), depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, e.g., platinum or iridium)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, fluid check at 15,000 miles. Manual transmission fluid check.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher) for most 2.0L and 2.4L engines. Check owner's manual for specific variants.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, orange color (e.g., Mopar 05010866AA or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific spec, often SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration and noise.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional transmission harshness or slipping with the automatic transmission, particularly in earlier models.
Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links, especially with higher mileage.
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug (COP) systems can sometimes be prone to failure.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (part of DaimlerChrysler from 1998-2007)
First Generation Years:
2001-2010
Significant Updates:
Minor styling tweaks and feature updates throughout its lifecycle. The SRT-4 variant introduced a significant performance upgrade.
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production End Year:
2010
