Segment Description:
Competed in a highly contested segment against established Japanese and American manufacturers.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Design:
Stylish, aerodynamic design for its era, often praised for interior space and comfort.
Value Proposition:
Offered a compelling blend of features, space, and performance at a competitive price point.
Manual Value:
Essential for DIY repairs, advanced diagnostics, and maintaining resale value.
Engine Mechanical:
Full diagnostics, overhaul, timing belt, lubrication, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel system (injection, pump, injectors), ignition system (coils, plugs, timing), emissions control, EGR, catalytic converter
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox repair, linkage adjustment, fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
Overhaul, torque converter, valve body, solenoids, fluid flush procedures, diagnostic codes
Brakes:
ABS system, hydraulic lines, calipers, rotors, pads, bleeding procedures, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, tie rods, alignment specifications
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay assignments, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery)
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, refrigerant handling
Body And Interior:
Door panel removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, exterior trim, glass replacement
Chassis And Frame:
Frame specifications, rust prevention, subframe components
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, OBD-II diagnostic codes and descriptions
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild, transmission repair, brake system repair, electrical component replacement
Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, throttle body cleaning, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment
Replacements:
Timing belt replacement, water pump replacement, head gasket replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement
Specifications Torque:
Detailed torque specifications for all major fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using scan tools and diagnostic equipment
NHTSA Frontal Driver Crash Test:
Good (for 2001 model year where applicable)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Crash Test:
Good (for 2001 model year where applicable)
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable (for 2001-2002 model years)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Airbags Side:
Optional side-impact airbags available on some trims
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement 1:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical component, failure can cause catastrophic engine damage)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Engine Oil Type Viscosity 1:
5W-30 (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 1:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter
Engine Oil Type Viscosity 2:
5W-30 (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 2:
Approx. 4.2 quarts (4.0 L) with filter
Engine Oil Type Viscosity 3:
5W-30 (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 3:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Asian vehicle formula coolant (Green) or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 L) (V6 may vary slightly)
Common Issue 1:
Timing belt wear and potential failure (requires timely replacement)
Common Issue 2:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or front crankshaft seal
Common Issue 3:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends)
Common Issue 4:
Power steering pump noise or leaks
Common Issue 5:
Automatic transmission shifting issues or solenoid failures
Common Issue 6:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure