Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, compact sedan segment.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, driver-focused interior, accessible pricing.
Drivetrain Options:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) only.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L SOHC/DOHC), transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (front disc/rear drum or disc), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, wiring diagrams.
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, engine rebuild, transmission overhaul.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, diagnostic data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code:
Various, commonly EDZ (2.0L SOHC) and ACH (2.0L DOHC). Exact code depends on trim.
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc).
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 5600 rpm (approximate).
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate).
Horsepower DOHc:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, for ACR/Viper trims).
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approximate, for ACR/Viper trims).
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline.
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) 16-valve or DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) 16-valve.
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with distributorless ignition system (DIS) or distributor-based.
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission.
Clutch:
Hydraulic actuation for manual transmission.
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control for automatic transmission.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (refer to manual for exact specs/part numbers).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent). Refer to manual for exact fluid type and capacity.
Body Styles:
2-door coupe, 4-door sedan.
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm).
Length:
Approx. 174.6 inches (4435 mm) for sedan, 172.5 inches (4382 mm) for coupe.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700 - 2900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg), depending on configuration.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1999 model year sedan).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (depending on trim). Optional ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configuration.
Features:
Limited. Primarily reliant on driver skill and basic active safety features like ABS (optional).
Features:
None (no integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration typical of modern vehicles).
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, using synthetic oil recommended for best results.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years for SOHC/DOHC engines. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API certified, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended. Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter.
Coolant:
Chrysler specific OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 L).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 automotive brake fluid. Capacity approx. 0.5 - 1 quart (0.5 - 1 L).
Engine Performance:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), exhaust manifold cracks (especially on DOHC), piston slap (on early models).
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, dashboard illumination issues, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures.
Suspension And Steering:
Sway bar end link wear, ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, power steering pump noise/leaks.
HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures, AC system leaks (compressor, condenser).
Body:
Rust formation (wheel wells, rocker panels), door hinge wear, trunk seal degradation.
Manufacturer Origin:
USA (Chrysler Corporation).
Generation:
Second generation (1999-2006).
Redesign Notes:
The 1999 model marked a significant redesign with more rounded styling, improved interior quality, and enhanced safety features compared to the first generation.
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA.
