Market Segment:
Compact Car, Economy/Affordable segment.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Body Styles:
Coupe (2-door), Sedan (4-door), Convertible (limited production).
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling for its segment, aimed at younger buyers.
Engine:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM), Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Emission Controls.
Transmission:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (ATF type, troubleshooting, overhaul).
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system, axles, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension:
Front Suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), Rear Suspension (torsion beam axle, shock absorbers).
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (or optional Rear Disc Brakes), ABS System (if equipped), brake fluid specifications.
Steering:
Power Steering System, steering column, tie rods, alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories (windows, locks), Fuse and Relay locations, Wiring Diagrams.
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid, Bumpers, Glass, Seals, Body Repair Techniques.
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Air Filter Replacement, Tire Rotation.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, OBD-II diagnostic codes and procedures.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, engine timing, diagnostic parameters.
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, corrosion prevention, glass installation.
Air Conditioning:
System diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator).
Depth Level:
Expert-level diagnostics, complete overhaul procedures, detailed component removal and installation.
Diagnostic Tools:
Detailed information on using scan tools, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic equipment.
Engine Code:
2.0L SOHC I4 (ACR/ES Engine)
Engine Displacement:
1996 cc (121.8 cu in)
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 5600 rpm (standard), 150 hp @ 6000 rpm (ES/ACR)
Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (standard), 135 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (ES/ACR)
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not rated (or specific rating if available in manual)
IIHS Offset Crash Rating:
Marginal/Acceptable (depending on specific tests for the year)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum-tipped plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Problems:
Head gasket failures (especially on early models), oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan, AC system leaks, power steering pump noise, rear axle bushings wear, catalytic converter issues, occasional transmission shift solenoid problems.
