Positioning:
        
        
            Mid-size, body-on-frame SUV positioned as a capable off-roader and family vehicle, often seen as a more affordable alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or Nissan Pathfinder of the era.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota 4Runner/Land Cruiser Prado, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Cherokee (XJ/WJ), Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer.
        
     
    
    
        
            Platform Sharing:
        
        
            Based on the Mitsubishi Triton (L200) pickup truck platform, offering robust construction and off-road capability.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Options:
        
        
            Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, with the highly regarded Super Select 4WD system in many markets.
        
     
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            Primarily offered as a 5-door SUV, with some markets receiving a 3-door variant.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Control System Efi:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Getrag:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Invvecs:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case Super Select:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Front Axle And Suspension:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Rear Axle And Suspension:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Interior And Exterior Trim:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Electrical System Lighting:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Instruments Gauges:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Audio Visual:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Power Accessories:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems Airbags:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Component Repair And Overhaul:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Name Gas 1:
        
        
            3.0L V6 SOHC (12-valve)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Gas 1:
        
        
            2972 cc
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Gas 1:
        
        
            Approx. 177 hp @ 5200 rpm (specific output varied by market and emissions regulations)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Gas 1:
        
        
            Approx. 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (specific output varied by market and emissions regulations)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code Diesel 1:
        
        
            4D56
        
     
    
        
            Engine Name Diesel 1:
        
        
            2.5L 4-Cylinder SOHC Turbo Diesel
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Diesel 1:
        
        
            2477 cc
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Diesel 1:
        
        
            Approx. 109 hp @ 4000 rpm (specific output varied by market)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Diesel 1:
        
        
            Approx. 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 2000 rpm (specific output varied by market)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery Gas:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type Gas:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Common:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            5-speed Manual (Getrag)
        
     
    
    
        
            4Wd System Name:
        
        
            Super Select 4WD
        
     
    
        
            4Wd Modes:
        
        
            2H, 4H, 4HLC (with locked center differential), 4LLC (with locked center differential and low range gearing).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 4,520 mm (178.0 in)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 1,775 mm (69.9 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 in) (varies slightly with roof rails)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 2,725 mm (107.3 in)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            Approx. 205 mm (8.1 in)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 1,700 - 1,900 kg (3,748 - 4,189 lbs) (varies by configuration)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Safety Rating Organizations:
        
        
            NHTSA, Euro NCAP (ratings vary by market and testing year)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Available (typically standard on higher trims)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags standard on many models.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory-installed AM/FM cassette or CD players, often with 4-6 speakers. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Available on most models.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Less common on this generation, not a widespread feature.
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Options:
        
        
            Primarily limited to audio connectivity. No factory Bluetooth or USB ports.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Gas:
        
        
            Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Gas:
        
        
            API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity Gas:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 liters (4.8 - 5.3 US quarts) with filter change (6G72 V6).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
        
        
            Diamond ATF SP-II M or equivalent.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
        
        
            Approx. 7.5 - 9.0 liters (7.9 - 9.5 US quarts) for full refill (INVECS-II).
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case Fluid Type:
        
        
            API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil.
        
     
    
        
            Differential Fluid Type Front Rear:
        
        
            API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant).
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Issue Power Steering Leaks:
        
        
            Leaking power steering hoses or pumps can be a concern, particularly with age and mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Automatic Transmission Harshness:
        
        
            Some models may experience rough shifting or delayed engagement in the automatic transmission, often related to fluid condition or valve body issues.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Radiator Corrosion:
        
        
            Radiator tank corrosion and leaks can occur, especially if the coolant is not maintained properly.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            The 6G72 V6 uses a timing belt that requires replacement at recommended intervals (typically 60,000-90,000 miles) to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Super Select 4Wd Actuator:
        
        
            The vacuum actuator for the front hub lockout or the electronic components controlling the 4WD system can sometimes fail, preventing proper engagement.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mitsubishi Offroad History:
        
        
            Mitsubishi has a long and distinguished history in off-road motorsport, notably the Paris-Dakar Rally, which informed the design and engineering of vehicles like the Pajero lineage, including the Pajero Sport.
        
     
    
    
        
            Pajero Sport Origin:
        
        
            Developed as a more affordable, sport-utility variant of the Pajero (Montero) platform, sharing its robust ladder frame and powertrain options but with distinct styling and often a shorter wheelbase.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Primarily produced in Japan, with assembly also occurring in various international plants for local markets.
        
     
    
        
            Production Start Year:
        
        
            1996
        
     
    
        
            Production End Year For Gen1:
        
        
            2008 (though sales continued in some markets)