Target Demographic:
Families and individuals seeking a comfortable, stylish, and relatively affordable sedan.
Competitors 1997:
Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
Design Inspiration:
Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, with a focus on aerodynamic lines and European design cues.
Standard Features:
Air conditioning, power steering, power windows, power door locks, airbags (driver and passenger).
Optional Features:
Leather upholstery, sunroof, premium audio system, alloy wheels.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair for all available engine variants.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and component testing.
Transmission Manual:
Repair, adjustment, and overhaul procedures for the manual transmission, including clutch system.
Transmission Automatic:
Repair, adjustment, and overhaul procedures for the automatic transmission, including torque converter and hydraulic systems.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle, CV joints, differential, and related components.
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, and control arms.
Steering System:
Power steering system diagnosis, pump, rack and pinion, and steering column.
Brake System:
Disc brake systems (front and rear), parking brake, hydraulic lines, ABS system components and troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor).
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and related circuits.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Dashboard instruments, warning lights, switches, and control modules.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, and hinges.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, and diagnostics.
Body Electrical:
Power windows, power locks, mirrors, sunroof, remote keyless entry (if applicable).
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Complete breakdown and reassembly procedures for engines, transmissions, suspension, brakes, etc.
Adjustments:
Procedures for adjusting brakes, clutch, timing, idle speed, etc.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for any special tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
In-depth, factory-level technical information suitable for professional technicians.
Diagnostic Capability:
Covers diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, and systematic fault finding.
Engine Type 1:
2.0L Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Bore X Stroke 1:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.5:1
Horsepower 1:
131 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, depending on market calibration)
Torque 1:
180 Nm @ 4000 rpm (approximate, depending on market calibration)
Fuel System 1:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Ignition System 1:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS)
Engine Type 2:
2.2L Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Horsepower 2:
142 hp @ 5800 rpm (approximate, depending on market calibration)
Torque 2:
200 Nm @ 4000 rpm (approximate, depending on market calibration)
Fuel System 2:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (for iridium or platinum plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (critical for interference engines).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API classification based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.3 liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Common Problem 1:
Head gasket failures, particularly on early models, due to design or material issues.
Common Problem 2:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan seals.
Common Problem 3:
Wear in suspension components (bushings, ball joints) leading to clunks or uneven tire wear.
Common Problem 4:
Electrical gremlins, such as faulty door lock actuators or intermittent power window operation.
Common Problem 5:
Check engine light illumination due to various sensor failures (e.g., O2 sensors, MAF sensor).