I have not seen them before on any of my other cars, hence the question.

The only thing I could think if was a "catchcan" but I need some answers on that. This is the best 4G site IMO on the web!!

Also, should I be replacing it anytime soon??

 

If you are refering to the canister on the firewall behind the front right wheel, it'a a fuel vapor recovery canister. It is filled with charcoal granuals that absorb fuel vapors from the fuel system. When the engine is running, a purge solenoid activates at certain times and allows the engine vacuum to pull the stored vapor out and burn it. The only maintenance on it would be to remove and shake it. You should hear a slight noise from the granuals shifting. If not, carefully bang and shake it to loosen up the granuals. They tend to clump together too much sometimes over time.

 

where is this canister located?? could be a number of things?