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Go to a local autoparts store, such as Advance Auto Parts, and get an OBD II code reader - which should work for all 1996 through 2004 vehicles sold in the United States. The cheapest ones will just read the codes (such as for $35 from JC Whitney), and then they will only read and delete for about $75. Even more fancy ones will see if there are any "pending" codes, that is a trigger of a code on one or two instances, but not the three required to set a code and light up you service engine soon light. It is better to get one that tells you whether the systems are "ready" for emissions diagnostics as many states are now simply checking the OBD II instead of sticking a sensor up your exaust pipe. If there are no codes and the system is "ready" (meaning it has been driven through some diagnostic cycles) then it passes. If you delete any codes, the systems will not be "ready" for emissions testing and you must drive it for about a week until sufficient systems have been analyzed again. My code reader was about $150, but I saw the exact same one on E-bay for $99 buy it now.
Best yet - Some auto parts stores will come out to your car and read your codes for free. If you were in the area I'd do it for nothing, but I hardly think the drive across the country would cost less than just buying a tester yourself.
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