Segment:
Compact car segment
Reputation:
Affordable and economical commuter car
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design:
Distinctive cab-forward design, available in sedan and coupe body styles
Engine Options:
Emphasis on fuel efficiency and responsive performance for its class
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, powertrain control modules (PCM), anti-lock braking system (ABS) diagnostics
Body And Frame:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, HVAC system, seating systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, circuit diagrams, wiring schematics
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, component measurements, alignment procedures
Depth:
In-depth diagnostic procedures, detailed repair instructions, component-level troubleshooting, factory specifications
Engine Code:
420A (SOHC) and 420B (DOHC)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
150 hp @ 6200 rpm (ES/SE trim)
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm (ES/SE trim)
Horsepower Acr:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm (ACR - unofficial rating, often underestimated)
Torque Acr:
130 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (ACR)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECU Type:
Proprietary Chrysler Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (41TE)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and trim, detailed in manual
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronic control
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (check specific manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent for 1998 models - likely ATF+3 or Type 7176)
Length:
Approx. 170.5 inches (4331 mm) Sedan / 168.7 inches (4285 mm) Coupe
Width:
Approx. 66.9 inches (1699 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.4 inches (1356 mm) Sedan / 52.3 inches (1328 mm) Coupe
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1179-1270 kg), varies by trim and options
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1998 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1998 models)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on certain trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe duty)
Oil Change Normal:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic blend/full synthetic)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (standard copper plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years (critical replacement interval)
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Orange (Mopar P/N 05010805AA or equivalent)
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts, particularly the torque strut mount.
Timing Belt:
Interference engine design; timing belt failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is paramount.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items.
Rear Drum Brakes:
Automatic adjusters in rear drum brakes can seize, leading to uneven braking or parking brake issues.
HVAC Blower Motor:
Blower motor resistor failure or blower motor itself can fail, impacting cabin climate control.
Power Windows:
Window regulator and motor failures are relatively common.
Rust:
Susceptible to rust, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and strut towers in certain climates.
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Corporation (Dodge brand)
Generation:
First Generation (1995-2000)
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on affordability, European-inspired styling (designed with Chrysler's ownership of AMC, which had Mitsubishi engineering input), and sporty driving dynamics
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
