Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact Crossover SUV
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 2003-2006:
        
        
            Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester
        
     
    
    
        
            Vehicle Proposition:
        
        
            Practicality, available all-wheel drive, family-friendly SUV with car-like handling
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
             Powertrain Systems:
        
        
            Engine service/repair, Transmission service/repair, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Cooling System, Engine Control System
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Systems:
        
        
            Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Differential/Drive, Axle, Chassis/Body
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Systems:
        
        
            Electrical System, Wiring Diagram, Restraint System (Airbag, Seatbelts)
        
     
    
        
            Comfort And Convenience:
        
        
            Heater/Air Conditioning, Interior
        
     
    
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step repair procedures, rebuild procedures, refurbishment, restoration
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance Procedures:
        
        
            General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Procedures:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guide, diagnosing and correcting problems
        
     
    
    
        
            Technical Depth:
        
        
            Complete official factory information, suitable for professional technicians and owners alike
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type 2003-2004:
        
        
            2.4L 4-cylinder (4G64)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type 2005-2006:
        
        
            2.4L 4-cylinder (4G69 'MIVEC')
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type Optional:
        
        
            3.0L V6 (6G72) - found in some markets and trims
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 2.4L:
        
        
            Approx. 148-160 hp (depending on year and MIVEC inclusion)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.4L:
        
        
            Approx. 150-162 lb-ft
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 3.0L V6:
        
        
            Approx. 200-205 hp
        
     
    
        
            Torque 3.0L V6:
        
        
            Approx. 215-220 lb-ft
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel System Type:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
        
        
            Generally good for its era, consult NHTSA records for specifics. Typically 4-star or 5-star.
        
     
    
    
        
            Active Safety Features Available:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Active Stability Control (ASC) on some trims
        
     
    
    
        
            Passive Safety Features:
        
        
            Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchor system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Infotainment System Typical:
        
        
            AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio system, 6-disc CD changer (optional)
        
     
    
    
        
            Driver Assistance Features Available:
        
        
            Cruise control, fog lights
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Options Typical:
        
        
            Auxiliary input for audio (later models/trims), power outlets
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service) - consult owner's manual for specific recommendations.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or annually
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
        
        
            Approx. 100,000 miles (iridium-tipped)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 45,000 - 60,000 miles (automatic and manual)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec 2.4L:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec V6:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SJ or higher)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent P-HOAT coolant)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            DIA QUEEN ATF-J2 or equivalent SP-III
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Spec:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems 2.4L Engine:
        
        
            Occasional oil consumption, timing belt inspection (if applicable to specific year/engine configuration - check manual for timing chain vs belt), intake manifold leaks
        
     
    
        
            Common Problems Transmission:
        
        
            Hesitation in automatic transmissions, occasional clutch wear in manual transmissions
        
     
    
        
            Common Problems Suspension:
        
        
            Wear in sway bar links, worn control arm bushings, early strut failure
        
     
    
        
            Common Problems Electrical:
        
        
            Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues, intermittent dashboard warning lights
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mitsubishi Brand Focus:
        
        
            Known for robust engineering, rally heritage, and distinctive styling (e.g., Lancer Evolution)
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation Introduction:
        
        
            Introduced in 2001 (as Mitsubishi Airtrek in Japan), launched as Outlander in North America for the 2003 model year.
        
     
    
        
            Design Inspiration:
        
        
            Based on the Mitsubishi ASX concept, designed as a compact SUV with coupe-like styling elements.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Japan (Okazaki Plant)