Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car
Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, younger drivers
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege
Design Philosophy:
Bold 'cab-forward' design, spacious interior for its class, affordable pricing
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level repair information, enabling cost savings on maintenance and repairs
Engine:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, operation, diagnosis, and repair
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, wheel alignment
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules, infotainment system
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seat mechanisms
Chassis:
Frame and unibody construction, jacking points, towing information
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all covered systems
Diagnostics:
In-depth diagnostic procedures, using specialized tools and equipment
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and tolerances for all components
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
User Level:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
3-Speed Automatic (A500/40TE)
Transmission Type Optional 2:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE - later models/higher trims)
FWD Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 or equivalent (check specific model/year)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 (check specific model/year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (1995-1996 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (1995-1996 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for some models/years)
ABS:
Optional on many trims, standard on some higher performance variants
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, front seatbelt pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (critical due to interference engine design)
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific temperature ranges)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Dodge Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF
Engine Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks, oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), intake manifold gasket leaks, crankshaft position sensor failures, starter motor issues
Transmission Common Problems:
Automatic transmission solenoids, torque converter shudder, manual clutch wear
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, sagging springs
Electrical Common Problems:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, dashboard illumination issues, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures
Body Common Problems:
Rust in wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms; interior trim deterioration
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of initial production)
Design Era:
Chrysler's 'cab-forward' design era
Production Plant:
Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA; Toluca, Mexico
Major Facelifts Or Updates:
Minor styling updates and feature additions throughout the generation, most notably around 1997.
