Target Audience:
Families, commuters seeking a reliable and comfortable sedan.
Competitors:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus.
Design:
Distinctive styling, spacious interior, comfortable ride.
Powertrain Options:
Responsive V6 engine, efficient inline-4 option.
Value Proposition:
Offering a balance of performance, comfort, and reliability at a competitive price point.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable).
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission: disassembly, assembly, gear ratios, clutch operation, synchronizers.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission: valve body, torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls, electronic control unit.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, ABS system, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, ignition switch, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, seats, dashboard, trim components, weatherstripping.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system: compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, controls.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) systems, trouble codes, scan tool usage, diagnostic procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem identification.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views, component locations.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars (2002 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5 Stars (2002 Model Year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (for similar vehicles of the era)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some V6 models
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags on higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) using synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (platinum or iridium type recommended).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 90,000 miles or 7 years (V6 engine).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher, or ILSAC GF-2 or higher)
Engine Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with distilled water)
Engine Mounts:
Degradation of engine and transmission mounts leading to vibration.
Oxygen Sensors:
Premature failure of oxygen sensors, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
Automatic Transmission:
Occasional hard shifts or slippage, often related to fluid condition or valve body issues.
Power Steering:
Leaks from power steering hoses or pump failure.