Car run a little hotter than usual. but why?

It's summer - a rise in the temperature (especially if you are using the A/C) is normal. 220F is a good temperature range anyway. I know yours is a 2004, but it should be using dexos (well, synthetic) oil anyway which is in heaven at that temperature.

Test the cooling fan circuits....sounds like the fans are not kicking on at the lower operating temp of 195- 212F.

221F is the higher limit at which the fans kick on at higher speeds so possibly the low speed circuit is bad ...check fan motors, fuses, relays, grounds, wiring issues, BCM control, etc...

"Cooling Fan Control 3.8L (L36/L67)

The engine cooling fans are controlled by the body control module (BCM) and the powertrain control module (PCM). The BCM sends a class 2 message to the PCM requesting cooling fan operation. If there is a class 2 communication malfunction between the BCM and the PCM. The PCM will operate the engine cooling fans independently of the BCM.

The engine cooling fan system consists of 2 electrical cooling fans and 3 fan relays. The relays are arranged in a series/parallel configuration that allows the PCM to operate both fans together at low or high speeds. The cooling fans and fan relays receive battery positive voltage from the engine wiring harness junction block. The ground path is provided at G101.

During low speed operation, the PCM supplies the ground path for the low speed fan relay through the low speed cooling fan relay control circuit. This energizes the FAN CONT #1 relay coil, closes the relay contacts, and supplies battery positive voltage from the FAN CONT #1 fuse through the cooling fan motor supply voltage circuit to the right cooling fan. The ground path for the right cooling fan is through the FAN CONT #2 relay and the left cooling fan. The result is a series circuit with both fans running at low speed.

During high speed operation the PCM supplies the ground path for the FAN CONT #1 relay through the low speed cooling fan relay control circuit. After a 3-second delay, the PCM supplies a ground path for the FAN CONT #2 relay and the FAN CONT #3 relay through the high speed cooling fan relay control circuit. This energizes the FAN CONT #2 relay coil, closes the relay contacts, and provides a ground path for the right cooling fan. At the same time the FAN CONT #3 relay coil is energized closing the relay contacts and provides battery positive voltage from the FAN CONT #2 fuse on the cooling fan motor supply voltage circuit to the left cooling fan. During high speed fan operation, both engine cooling fans have there own ground path. The result is a parallel circuit with both fans running at high speed.

The BCM will request low speed cooling fan operation from the PCM under the following conditions:

Engine coolant temperature exceeds approximately 100°C (212°F).

When A/C is requested and the ambient temperature is more than 10°C (50°F).

A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1310 kPa (190 psi).

After the vehicle is shut off if the engine coolant temperature at key-off is more than 117°C (243°F) and system voltage is more than 12 volts. The fans will stay on for approximately 4 minutes.

The BCM will request high speed cooling fan operation from the PCM under the following conditions:

Engine coolant temperature reaches 105°C (221°F).

A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1655 kPa (240 psi).

When certain DTCs set."

http://arrc.ebscohost.com/searches?car_uuid=143179...

Cooling fan circuits...

http://arrc.ebscohost.com/searches?car_uuid=143179...

Many motors have a 195 degree thermostat but run at 225 degrees which is the temperature where the radiator fan should be running.

Do you have to top off the coolant from time to time? If you do, get the system pressure tested. If not, live with it if the temp is just above half. You can see a mechanic and check the fuel trims with a scanner to find out if the car is running a bit lean. Replace the plugs and see if that fixes the issue.

Your engine works harder when driving than it does while sitting at idle, so it's natural for it to be hotter. Also, don't depend on your temp gauge being 100% accurate. As long as your radiator isn't boiling over, you're probably OK.