Target Audience:
        
        
            Families and individuals seeking reliable and comfortable transportation with a sporty driving experience.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626, Ford Taurus.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Aerodynamic styling, spacious interior, available all-wheel drive (AWD) on some variants.
        
     
    
        
            Performance:
        
        
            Responsive engines, including a potent V6 and an available twin-turbo V6 (VR-4 model), balanced handling.
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Good balance of performance, comfort, and reliability for its class.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing belt/chain, valve train.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Electrical:
        
        
            Ignition system, starter motor, alternator, battery, charging system, engine control unit (ECU), sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, MAP, TPS, O2), fuel injection system.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Clutch, gearbox assembly, gear shifting mechanisms, removal and installation.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Torque converter, transmission control unit (TCU), valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic circuits, removal and installation.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, front and rear axles.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), control arms, springs, shock absorbers, stabilizers.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Steering column, steering rack, power steering pump, hydraulic lines, steering wheel.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brakes (disc/drum configurations), ABS system, brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, climate control blower motor.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, refrigerant recharge.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Frame:
        
        
            Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, interior trim.
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System:
        
        
            Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes.
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, cooling fan.
        
     
    
    
        
            Scheduled Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, timing belt replacement intervals.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.
        
     
    
        
            Component Repair:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for removing, inspecting, repairing, and reinstalling major components and sub-assemblies.
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul:
        
        
            Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications Data:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, timing specifications, etc.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians but accessible to experienced DIY enthusiasts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
        
        
            Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for 1996 model year publicly available data, but generally considered safe for its era.
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Crash Test Performance:
        
        
            Information not readily available for specific 1996 IIHS ratings.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models, standard on some higher trims.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (TCS) available on higher performance models (e.g., VR-4).
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and passenger front airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seatbelts.
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Reinforced body structure for side impact protection.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
        
        
            At every oil change.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first (critical for interference engines).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG, SJ, or ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Dexron II or equivalent.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Issues:
        
        
            Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), head gasket leaks on some V6 engines, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and front crankshaft seal.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Issues:
        
        
            Automatic transmission failure or harsh shifting (often due to fluid degradation or solenoid issues), clutch wear on manual transmissions.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Issues:
        
        
            Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends; premature wear of struts/shocks.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Corroded ground points, failing power window motors, HVAC blower resistor failure, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
        
     
    
        
            Rust:
        
        
            Susceptible to rust in areas with road salt, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and subframes.