DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, professional technicians.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege
Key Features
Distinction:
Known for its affordable price point, sporty handling (especially in ACR trims), and available performance engines. The second generation offered improved styling and refinement over the first.
Comprehensive; covers from basic adjustments and inspections to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and schematics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Quality:
N/A (Printed)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Professional factory printing, often with diagrams and illustrations on high-quality paper.
Binding Type
Binding:
Stapled or bound (typical for factory manuals)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss for diagrams and schematics.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
ECC/ECA (16-valve SOHC)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Performance
Horsepower Sohc:
118 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque Sohc:
122 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Horsepower DOHc Turbo:
150 hp @ 5500 rpm (ACR/ES models)
Torque DOHc Turbo:
170 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (ACR/ES models)
Engine Variants
Performance Engine Code:
DPT (16-valve DOHC Turbocharged)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Management
ECU:
Specific PCM (Powertrain Control Module) dependent on engine and transmission
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual (NVT550)
Optional
Type:
3-speed Automatic (A500)
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate (manual transmission)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent spec)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Length Sedan:
174.4 inches (4430 mm)
Length Coupe:
171.2 inches (4348 mm)
Width:
67.2 inches (1707 mm)
Height Sedan:
55.5 inches (1410 mm)
Height Coupe:
53.0 inches (1346 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 2600-2750 lbs (1179-1247 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 2700-2850 lbs (1225-1293 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 3600-3750 lbs (1633-1701 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver Passengers:
4 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver Passengers:
3 Stars
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on ACR models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard), optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning lights.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on SE/ES trims, standard on some higher trims.
Connectivity
No Advanced Connectivity:
No factory Bluetooth, USB, or advanced telematics available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) (critical for preventing engine damage)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) for 2.0L engines
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (preferred), 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature (refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue or Green)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Complaints:
Timing belt failure leading to catastrophic engine damage, interior trim degradation, door lock actuator failures, minor electrical gremlins, occasional transmission hard shifts (automatic).
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings and ball joints are common, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (until 2009), later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation (1995-2000)
Design Focus:
Revised exterior styling, improved interior ergonomics, and enhanced chassis dynamics from the original PL Neon.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Toluca, Mexico
Production Years Overall:
1994-2005
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1997 and 1998.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to below average reliability ratings for this generation, often cited for minor issues and powertrain concerns.
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