Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, sporty compact enthusiasts (ACR)
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design:
Distinctive 'cab-forward' styling, spacious interior for its class
Performance Variant:
ACR (American Club Racer) models offered enhanced suspension and performance tuning
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, fuel efficiency, and surprisingly engaging handling (especially ACR)
Engine:
1.8L SOHC, 2.0L SOHC, 2.0L DOHC (ACR)
Engine Management:
Ignition, Fuel Injection, Emissions Control (OBD-II)
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 285), Automatic (41TE)
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive, Axles, Differentials
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Multilink
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum; ABS System
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Body Controls
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Body And Chassis:
Exterior/Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Body Repair
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Belt Inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuild, Transmission Service, Brake Service
Diagnostics:
Scan Tool Procedures, Live Data Analysis, Component Testing
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Data
Depth:
Complete factory-level repair and diagnostic information
Diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams, exploded views, and repair diagrams
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific Chrysler/Mopar specialty tools
Engine 1:
2.0L SOHC (EJ6) I4
Engine 1 Power:
116 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
123 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine 2:
2.0L DOHC (EN7/EJ8) I4 (ACR)
Engine 2 Power:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
129 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine Layout:
Inline 4-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
3.43 x 3.46 inches (87.0 mm x 87.9 mm)
Compression Ratio:
9.8:1 (SOHC), 10.0:1 (DOHC)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
13.0 US gallons (49.2 Liters)
Transmission Std:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 285)
Transmission Opt:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE)
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronic control
Manual Features:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (or equivalent Mopar SP-III)
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Lubricant
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not Rated
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not Rated
ABS:
Available (Front Disc/Rear Drum)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point pretensioners, rear 3-point belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (Long Life Platinum/Iridium plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SL/SJ (Synthetic blend recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) - Ethylene Glycol based
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, intake manifold gasket failure, piston slap (early models)
Common Problems Transmission:
Torque converter shudder (automatic), synchronizer wear (manual)
Common Problems Electrical:
Ignition switch failure, power window regulator failure, instrument cluster issues
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn front control arm bushings, tie rod end wear, wheel bearing noise
Common Problems HVAC:
Blend door actuator failure, evaporator leaks
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
First Generation:
1995-1998
Second Generation:
1999-2005
Generation Changes:
Revised exterior styling, improved interior, upgraded engines, more refined chassis
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
1995-2005 (all generations)