Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, enthusiast DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, affordable performance, practical compact size
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their vehicle effectively, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Engine Options Covered:
2.0L SOHC (16-valve) I4, 2.0L DOHC (16-valve) I4 (SRT-4 variants, though not explicitly named, the DOHC engine is the performance variant relevant to this generation's performance aspirations)
Transmission Options Covered:
All automatic and manual transmissions
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels (e.g., ES, SE, R/T - for the purpose of this manual's comprehensive nature, it covers all variants utilizing the specified engines and transmissions)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (Axles, CV Joints)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear, ABS if equipped)
Electrical:
Body Control Modules, Engine Control Modules (ECM/PCM), Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System Components, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical diagnostic trees, engine performance diagnostics
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor service, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring diagrams analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive - covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Code DOHc:
420A (DOHC variant)
Displacement Sohc:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Displacement DOHc:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm (non-SRT-4)
Torque DOHc:
133 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (non-SRT-4)
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91 octane for DOHC performance variants)
Manual Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag or similar)
Automatic Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (Chrysler A577 or similar)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic actuation
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant
Body Styles:
2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Length:
174.0 inches (4420 mm) (Sedan) / 167.7 inches (4260 mm) (Coupe)
Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
54.1 inches (1374 mm) (Sedan) / 53.2 inches (1351 mm) (Coupe)
Curb Weight Approx:
2700 - 2900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
4/5 Stars (for models equipped with airbags)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
4/5 Stars (for models equipped with airbags)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (variable by year/equipment)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims
Traction Control:
Not commonly available for this model year
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models by 1999
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver-side pretensioner
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type)
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs
Spark Plug Replacement DOHc:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with standard plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Non-interference engine for SOHC, interference engine for DOHC. Check manual for specific intervals, typically around 90,000 - 105,000 miles (145,000 - 170,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended.
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Type A or Type B (Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Engine Common Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), ignition coil failures, coolant leaks (heater core, thermostat housing), intake manifold gasket leaks.
Transmission Common Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, clutch wear (manual), synchro wear (manual).
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, strut mounts.
Electrical Common Issues:
Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, dashboard warning lights (ABS, Check Engine), radio static/failure.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Nominated or considered for inclusion in some years of Car and Driver's 10Best lists for its class, highlighting its value and performance for the price.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable, generally rated as average to below average for its class, making a comprehensive repair manual essential.
