Segment:
Compact family car, often positioned as an affordable and practical option in its segment.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Focus, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf, and Honda Civic during its production run.
Features:
Offered a balance of passenger space, fuel efficiency, and a generally comfortable ride. Available in sedan, hatchback, and wagon body styles.
Practicality:
Known for its spacious interior for its class, particularly the wagon variant, making it a practical choice for families.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (disassembly, assembly, torque specs), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection, delivery), ignition system, emissions control, starting and charging system.
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, and shift linkage.
Drivetrain And Suspension:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, drive shafts, differential, suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering).
Braking System:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, power windows, locks, mirrors, horn, wipers, washers.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, seat adjustments, dashboard removal, HVAC system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., starting problems, poor performance, unusual noises), electrical fault finding, emission control diagnostics.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and suspension repairs.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine specifications (bore, stroke, compression ratio), fluid capacities and types, electrical system resistance values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Diagnostics:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and specific test procedures for electrical components and engine management systems.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting steps for common electrical faults.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Rebuild:
Full engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing inspection, valve guide servicing, and timing belt replacement.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for automatic transmission internal component replacement (clutches, bands, seals) and manual gearbox rebuilds (gears, synchros, bearings).
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement Liters:
1.6L and 2.0L variants were common for the 2000 model year.
Engine Code Example:
Ecotec Family (GM shared engines used)
Engine Layout:
Inline 4-cylinder, transversely mounted.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 105-125 hp depending on engine variant.
Torque Range:
Approximately 105-120 lb-ft depending on engine variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating to be specified in manual, typically 87 or 89).
Body Styles:
Sedan, 5-door Hatchback, 5-door Station Wagon
Wheelbase Inches:
Approximately 100.4 inches (varies slightly by body style).
Track Width Inches:
Front: approx. 58.5 inches, Rear: approx. 58.1 inches (typical for the era).
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approximately 2,700 - 3,000 lbs depending on body style and equipment.
Passenger Volume Cu Ft:
Approx. 95-100 cu ft for sedan/hatchback, higher for wagon, reflecting typical compact car dimensions of the era.
Oil Change Miles:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or 6 months, whichever comes first. Manual will specify exact interval and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement Miles:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions. Manual will provide precise interval.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Around 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (standard vs. platinum). Manual will specify.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 is common for this era. Manual will confirm viscosity and specification.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Green or orange coolant types may be specified. Manual is definitive.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Potential for minor electrical gremlins, wear on suspension bushings and control arms, occasional issues with radiator or cooling fan. Clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Reliability Perception:
Generally considered a budget-friendly option with average reliability for its class. Proper maintenance is key.