Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Unique Selling Points:
Sporty handling (especially DOHC models), affordable price, distinctive styling
Design:
Aerodynamic styling, available in sedan and coupe body styles
Performance Variants:
AGR (Auto-Group-Racing) and R/T trims offered sportier suspension and DOHC engines
Engine Mechanical:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold
Engine Performance:
Engine diagnosis, emissions control, ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), throttle body
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, transmission assembly, gearshift linkage, removal/installation
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission removal/installation, internal components, hydraulic system, torque converter, diagnosis
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on some trims), hydraulic system, power assist, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion, alignment specifications
Suspension:
Front struts and springs, rear suspension design, control arms, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, alignment
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, bumpers, underbody components, frame structure
HVAC:
Heating system, air conditioning system, blower motor, refrigerant system diagnosis
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system components and diagnosis (SRS), seat belts
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, circuit diagrams, wiring schematics
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, inspection points
Routine Repairs:
Brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, filter changes, bulb replacement
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, clutch replacement, starter/alternator replacement
Diagnostics:
Component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting, DTC interpretation, electrical system diagnosis
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners across various systems
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including symptom-based troubleshooting and wiring schematic interpretation
Engine Code Sohc:
420A (SOHC)
Engine Displacement Sohc:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Engine Configuration Sohc:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain Sohc:
16-valve SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 RPM
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM
Engine Code DOHc:
DOHC (Chrysler/Mitsubishi design)
Engine Displacement DOHc:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Engine Configuration DOHc:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain DOHc:
16-valve DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam)
Horsepower DOHc:
150 hp @ 6200 RPM (standard DOHC), 175 hp @ 7200 RPM (ACR/Sport Package)
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM (standard DOHC), 140 lb-ft @ 5600 RPM (ACR/Sport Package)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 octane recommended for SOHC), Unleaded Premium (91 octane recommended for DOHC)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) on DOHC, Distributor type on SOHC
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (based on similar vehicles of the era; official ratings can vary by configuration)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (based on similar vehicles of the era)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not Tested or Poor (as this test was not prevalent for this model year)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on R/T and ACR
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts
Side Impact Beams:
Reinforced door beams
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:
Every 60,000 miles (single platinum)
Spark Plug Replacement DOHc:
Every 100,000 miles (long-life platinum or iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles or 3 years
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 75,000 miles or 5 years
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A, SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity Sohc:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity DOHc:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)
Common Problems:
Head gasket failure (especially early models), A/C compressor issues, power steering pump leaks, rear main seal leaks, interior trim durability, minor electrical gremlins
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check coolant levels, address oil leaks promptly, maintain the cooling system proactively to mitigate head gasket risks.