Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking a comfortable, reliable, and practical daily driver.
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Dodge Stratus.
Interior Comfort:
Known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride quality, making it a good choice for longer journeys.
Value Proposition:
Offered a good balance of features, comfort, and affordability within its class.
Styling:
Featured a distinctive styling that set it apart from some of its more conservative competitors.
Engine Operation:
Detailed explanation of engine controls, starting and stopping procedures, and engine break-in recommendations.
Instrument Panel:
Identification and function of all gauges, warning lights, and indicator symbols.
Lighting Systems:
Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lights, fog lamps (if equipped), and turn signals.
Climate Control:
Instructions for using the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including manual and automatic climate control features.
Audio System:
Operation of the factory-installed radio/CD player, speaker system, and any associated controls.
Power Windows And Locks:
Operation and features of power windows, power door locks, and remote keyless entry.
Seating And Restraints:
Adjustment of seats, seat belt usage, operation of airbags and pretensioners.
Storage Compartments:
Location and usage of glove box, center console storage, door pockets, and trunk storage.
Fuel And Refueling:
Fuel recommendations, refueling procedures, and fuel tank capacity.
Tires And Wheels:
Tire pressure information, changing a flat tire, and information on wheel covers/alloy wheels.
Brakes:
Basic information on brake system operation and warning indicators.
Steering:
Information on steering system operation.
Cruise Control:
Operation of the cruise control system.
Wipers And Washers:
Operation of windshield wipers and washers, including intermittent settings.
Maintenance Schedule:
Recommended maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspections.
Fluid Checking And Refilling:
Instructions on how to check and add engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Tire Pressure Adjustment:
Guidance on checking and adjusting tire pressure to recommended levels.
Changing A Flat Tire:
Step-by-step instructions for safely changing a flat tire, including jack placement and lug nut torque.
Jump Starting The Battery:
Detailed procedures for safely jump-starting a dead battery using jumper cables.
Replacing Wiper Blades:
Instructions on how to replace worn windshield wiper blades.
Fuse Replacement:
Location of fuse boxes and guidance on replacing blown fuses.
Bulb Replacement:
Information on replacing common exterior and interior light bulbs.
Interior Care And Cleaning:
Recommendations for cleaning and maintaining the vehicle's interior surfaces.
Exterior Care And Cleaning:
Guidance on washing, waxing, and cleaning the vehicle's exterior.
Depth:
Comprehensive operational and basic maintenance guidance for the average owner. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or diagnostics typically found in service manuals.
Engine Type:
3.8L V6 (L36)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Type:
2.2L Ecotec 4-cylinder (L61)
Displacement:
2.2 Liters (134 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
144 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV) for 3.8L V6; Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves for 2.2L Ecotec
Bore X Stroke:
3.8L V6: 3.74 in x 3.40 in; 2.2L Ecotec: 3.51 in x 3.39 in
Compression Ratio:
3.8L V6: 9.4:1; 2.2L Ecotec: 9.5:1
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Gear Ratios:
Typical for 4T65-E: 2.92:1 (1st), 1.57:1 (2nd), 1.00:1 (3rd), 0.70:1 (4th), 2.34:1 (Reverse)
Transmission Type:
Not Applicable for 2004 model year. Only automatic was offered.
Transmission Control:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., 'D' for Drive, '3' for 3rd gear hold, '2' for 2nd gear hold)
Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), though Dexron-III was common at the time of manufacture. Always check the owner's manual for the most accurate recommendation.
Length:
Approximately 191.8 inches (4872 mm)
Width:
Approximately 69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
Approximately 57.7 inches (1466 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 110.5 inches (2807 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 102.6 cubic feet (2905 L)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 15.7 cubic feet (445 L)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3250-3450 lbs (1474-1565 kg), depending on engine and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 4400 lbs (1996 kg)
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
5 Stars (for 2004 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
5 Stars (for 2004 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Occupant:
4 Stars (for 2004 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Occupant:
4 Stars (for 2004 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (for 2004 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, with available side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point seat belts for rear occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect and replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.2L Ecotec: Approximately 100,000 miles; 3.8L V6: Approximately 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type specified).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial fill is typically long-life. Consult manual for specific interval, often around 100,000 miles for initial change.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SJ or SL)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.8L V6: 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter; 2.2L Ecotec: 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 10529049 (Orange), Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM P/N 89021180 (Dexron-VI ATF) or equivalent
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear or failure of engine mounts, leading to increased vibration and noise.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets can cause coolant leaks and misfires, particularly on the 3.8L V6.
Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators, causing windows to become inoperable.
Wheel Bearings:
Premature wear of front wheel bearings, resulting in humming or grinding noises.