Segment:
Mid-size SUV / Off-road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, families needing utility, owners seeking durable and capable SUVs
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Vehicle Strengths:
Body-on-frame construction, excellent off-road capability (optional Super Select II 4WD), spacious interior, reliable engines (for the era)
Engine:
Engine Mechanical (3.0L 6G72 SOHC/DOHC, 3.5L 6G74 SOHC/DOHC), Engine Control System (MPI), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (R5M21/R5F51), Automatic Transmission (V4A51), Transfer Case, Drivetrain (Front/Rear Axles, Driveshafts)
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (Independent Torsion Bar), Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Power Steering System, Steering Gearbox
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Parking Brake, Brake System Hydraulics
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System (Starter), Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Electrical, Fuse/Relay Identification, Wiring Diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System (Air Conditioning, Heating), Body Sealing
Safety Security:
Airbag System (SRS), Seat Belts, Anti-theft System
Maintenance:
Fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, transfer case, differential), Filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Tire rotation, Lubrication points
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission repair/rebuild, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repair, Electrical component diagnosis/replacement, Body panel repair/replacement, HVAC system repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, Component testing procedures
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, Accessory installation guidelines (where applicable within factory scope)
Depth:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, step-by-step repair instructions, detailed exploded views and diagrams, torque specifications, electrical schematics, component specifications
Configuration:
3.0L V6 SOHC / DOHC
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower Approx Sohc:
173-182 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on specific engine variant and market)
Torque Approx Sohc:
180-188 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on specific engine variant and market)
Horsepower Approx DOHc:
200-220 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (GDI variants may differ)
Torque Approx DOHc:
205-230 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (GDI variants may differ)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) on some DOHC variants
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for DOHC performance variants)
Optional Engine Code:
6G74
Optional Engine Configuration:
3.5L V6 SOHC / DOHC
Optional Displacement Liters:
3.5
Optional Horsepower Approx:
215-240 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on DOHC/SOHC and market)
Optional Torque Approx:
228-250 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on DOHC/SOHC and market)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Good (for the era, based on available data)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Good (for the era, based on available data)
ABS:
Standard on most models
Traction Control:
Optional on select models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags (SRS)
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first, depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Engine Oil Filter Change:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or 12-24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type: copper, platinum, iridium)
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (initially), then potentially longer intervals with modern coolant
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 24-36 months
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 45,000 - 90,000 miles or 36-48 months
Transfer Case Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 24-36 months
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 24-36 months
Engine Oil Recommendation:
API SG, SH, or SJ certified, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Asian vehicle specific coolant recommended (e.g., Mitsubishi Dia Queen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi Dia Queen ATF-SPII or SP-III (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (GL-3 may be specified for older models, check manual)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II/III compatible fluid
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components (rust), radiator, heater core, front suspension bushings
Engine Specific Concerns:
Valve stem seals (oil consumption on higher mileage engines), timing belt (critical replacement interval), occasional head gasket issues (especially on higher mileage DOHC variants)
Transmission Specific Concerns:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues (late model V4A51), clutch wear (manual)
Electrical Specific Concerns:
Alternator failures, power window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor, fuel pump relay failures
Body Specific Concerns:
Sunroof drain tube blockages (leading to interior water leaks), tailgate strut failure, rust in wheel wells and rocker panels
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Brand Focus:
Known for robust engineering, innovative powertrains, and strong off-road heritage (Pajero lineage)
Generation:
Second Generation (1991-1999)
Major Redesign Year:
1991 (Introduction of Second Generation)
Facelift Year:
1997 (Mid-cycle refresh for Second Generation)
Manufacturing Plant:
Japan (Okazaki Plant)
Production Years:
1991-1999 (Second Generation)