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.