The lady's car is dead.

[JHarris1385]

The 04's seem to be about an average of $2,000 more than the 02's.
I have forgotten what are the noticeable differences between them?

[Joe_Black]

The '04 is the only year with the 3.5L Direct Injection engine which gives you additional HP, torque and better mileage plus a super-beefy Aisin transmission. We stayed low 20's around town and mid 20's highway. The previous years essentially have the same drivetrain as the VX.

[JHarris1385]

Humm, for some reason I thought all of the axioms had the DI, and that was why they averaged about 3-4 better mpg, and that the 04's were just tweaked to gain some better HP. I had no idea bout the Aisin though. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

[Cobrajet]

After my '82 Stang killed it's second battery in three years, I took the car to an auto electric shop in town. I asked for an alternator upgrade, but he discovered that the Autozone alternator had the wrong pulley on it, so it was not turning fast enough at idle to charge the battery. Since I rarely drove it, and usually only around town and/or at night, idling with headlights, brake lights, radio, etc. killed the battery. Since he installed the correct pulley I have had no problems.

[Joe_Black]

Humm, for some reason I thought all of the axioms had the DI, and that was why they averaged about 3-4 better mpg, and that the 04's were just tweaked to gain some better HP. I had no idea bout the Aisin though. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

Yup, just the '04 model but interestingly enough you can also find '04 Rodeos with the DI drivetrain as well.