Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, performance enthusiasts (RT/ACR trims)
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Key Selling Points:
Affordability, sporty handling, spacious interior for its class, wide range of engine options
Design Philosophy:
Aggressive styling, driver-oriented cockpit
Available Body Styles:
2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan
Performance Variants:
R/T (Road and Track), ACR (American Club Racer)
Engine:
All Engine Variants (2.0L SOHC and DOHC)
Engine Management:
Fuel Injection, Ignition System, Emissions Control
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 283) and Automatic (30/31/32RH)
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive System, Axles, CV Joints
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Suspension (Multi-link)
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc (depending on trim), ABS System
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Structural Components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seat Belts
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, system repairs
Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required factory special tools
Depth:
Deep Technical Diagnostics and Repair Procedures
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced electronic diagnostics and mechanical troubleshooting
Repair Scope:
From minor adjustments to major component replacements and overhauls
Base Engine:
2.0L (1996cc) SOHC Inline-4 (Engine Code: A662)
Base Engine Power:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Performance Engine:
2.0L (1996cc) DOHC Inline-4 (Engine Code: A663 - Found in R/T, ACR)
Performance Engine Power:
145 hp @ 6600 rpm
Performance Engine Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs
ECU:
Chrysler's Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Emissions Controls:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR System
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
★★★★ (4-star)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
★★★★ (4-star)
ABS:
Available (Standard on some higher trims and R/T models)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard)
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts
Audio System:
AM/FM Cassette or CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system
Dashboard:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature; warning lights
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models
Auxiliary Input:
Not available (CD player or cassette tape)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic blend oil
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum-tipped)
Spark Plug Replacement DOHc:
Every 60,000 miles (standard)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles or 7 years (critical for SOHC and DOHC engines)
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (2.0L engines)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent (Orange)
Coolant Capacity:
6.9 quarts (6.5 liters)
Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early models), oil cooler leaks, door lock actuators failing, AC system leaks, clutch wear
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent issues with power windows, locks, and dashboard lights due to faulty grounds or wiring harness fatigue
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) can wear prematurely, leading to looseness and noise
Brand Focus:
American manufacturer known for trucks, performance cars, and value-oriented vehicles.
First Generation Introduction:
1995 model year
Facelift:
Second generation introduced for the 2000 model year, featuring significant styling and mechanical updates.
Manufacturing Locations:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Toluca, Mexico
Production Years First Gen:
1995-1999
