Positioning:
Entry-level compact car, popular for affordability and practicality
Competitors:
Ford Escort, Dodge Neon, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla
Vehicle Appeal:
Fuel efficiency, maneuverability, affordable maintenance
Manual Value:
Essential for DIY mechanics and independent repair shops seeking accurate, factory-level information
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing, valve train, lubrication, cooling systems
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, diagnosis
Transmission Automatic:
Disassembly, assembly, hydraulic controls, diagnosis, repair
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, assembly, component replacement, diagnosis
Drivetrain:
Axles, CV joints, drive shafts, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, struts, shocks, control arms, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, linkage, rack and pinion
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, interior trim, glass, bumpers
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, components, diagnosis
Interior Systems:
Seats, seat belts, airbags, dashboard, instrumentation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based diagnosis, component testing
Repair:
Component replacement, system overhaul, adjustment procedures
Diagnostics:
OBD-I scan tool usage, sensor testing, circuit analysis
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Accuracy:
Factory-level accuracy for dealership technicians
Engine Option 1:
2.2L L4 SOHC (VIN G)
Engine Option 2:
2.3L L4 DOHC Quad-4 (VIN 1)
Horsepower 2 2L:
120 HP @ 5200 RPM
Torque 2 2L:
130 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Horsepower 2 3L Quad4:
150 HP @ 6000 RPM (approx.)
Torque 2 3L Quad4:
150 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Delivery 2 2L:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Delivery 2 3L:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission 1:
3-Speed Automatic (TH125-40LE for 2.2L)
Optional Transmission 2:
4-Speed Automatic (4T60-E for Quad-4)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up
Manual Features:
Single plate dry clutch
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (GM P/N 1050074 or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., GM P/N 1052271 or equivalent)
Body Styles:
Coupe, Sedan, Convertible, Wagon
Wheelbase:
101.3 inches (2573 mm)
Length Coupe Sedan:
177.9 inches (4519 mm)
Length Wagon:
180.2 inches (4577 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
2600 - 3000 lbs (approx., depending on body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 3700-3900 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Generally 3-star for driver and passenger (testing varied by year)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some trims
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific engine)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant Type:
GM Delco-Bay, Blue or Green Ethylene Glycol (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Problem 1:
Head gasket failures on Quad-4 engines
Common Problem 2:
Transmission issues (automatic and manual), particularly synchros in manual transmissions
Common Problem 3:
Electrical gremlins, sensor failures (e.g., coolant temp sensor)
Common Problem 4:
Rust and corrosion, especially on wheel wells and rocker panels
Common Problem 5:
Power steering pump leaks or noise
Brand:
Chevrolet, division of General Motors (GM)
Generation:
Third Generation (J-Body platform)
Production Years:
1981-2005 (Globally), 1981-2005 (North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
United States (e.g., Orion Assembly Plant, Michigan)
Consumer Ratings:
Varied consumer satisfaction ratings; often praised for value, criticized for refinement
Iiihs Crash Test Ratings:
Marginal to Acceptable in frontal offset tests
Epa Fuel Economy Estimates:
Provided in manual for various engine/transmission combinations (e.g., 2.2L Auto: ~24 MPG City / 30 MPG Highway)
