In the last week, the service engine soon light came on. I checked the manual and it mentioned the exhaust system and misfires???

I am confused...what is the bottom line?

I am driving a 2000 SE stick and I'm at 76k.

What is wrong and what should I do?

 

take it to Autozone and run the codes.. its free... then bring the codes here and we will tell you what it can be.....

 

Try taking it to Autozone to get the codes pulled. Post here and we'll guide you. But just FYI you are under warranty for it. You fall under 8/80k federal emissions warranty so if you don't want to hassle with it take it to the dealer.