Target Audience:
Family sedan buyers seeking reliability and value
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion
Design Philosophy:
Stylish, aerodynamic design with a focus on passenger comfort and a refined driving experience
Drivetrain Options:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Engine Variants Covered:
2.0L 4G63 SOHC, 2.4L 4G64 DOHC, 3.0L 6G72 SOHC V6
Transmission Variants Covered:
4-speed Automatic F4A42, 5-speed Manual F5M43
Trim Levels Covered:
ES, LS, GTS (USA Market)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (4G63, 4G64, 6G72), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveline (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering system (power assisted rack and pinion), brakes (front disc, rear disc/drum), wheels and tires
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, HVAC controls, body control module (BCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), HVAC system airflow and components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, inspections
Repair:
Engine component replacement (head gasket, pistons, bearings), transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring schematics, diagnostic data
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4
Engine 1 Valvetrain:
SOHC, 16 valves
Engine 1 Horsepower Approx:
135 hp @ 6000 RPM
Engine 1 Torque Approx:
137 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2351cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline-4
Engine 2 Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves
Engine 2 Horsepower Approx:
145 hp @ 5500 RPM
Engine 2 Torque Approx:
153 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
Engine 3 Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972cc)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V6
Engine 3 Valvetrain:
SOHC, 24 valves
Engine 3 Horsepower Approx:
200 hp @ 6000 RPM
Engine 3 Torque Approx:
207 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (89 Octane for 3.0L V6 recommended for optimal performance)
Length:
187.0 inches (4750 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches (2670 mm)
Front Track:
60.2 inches (1530 mm)
Rear Track:
60.4 inches (1535 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 95.5 cubic feet (2704 L)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.5 inches (978 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 36.9 inches (937 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 43.2 inches (1097 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 33.4 inches (848 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13.7 cubic feet (388 L)
Curb Weight Approx Min:
3085 lbs (1399 kg)
Curb Weight Approx Max:
3330 lbs (1510 kg)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact Rating:
5-star (for models equipped with airbags)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact Rating:
5-star (for models equipped with airbags)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Rating:
Acceptable (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard on LS and GTS, optional on ES
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, front pretensioners
Audio System Features:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, optional premium audio system (Infinity)
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning standard, optional automatic climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard on LS and GTS
Auxiliary Inputs:
Typically none for this era; aftermarket solutions available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Platinum tipped)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (4-cylinder engines)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ certified, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 for higher ambient temperatures)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L/2.4L:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L V6:
Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron II or III ATF (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
DiaQueen ATF-SP II M or DiaQueen J2 (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 rated SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil
Common Issues Engine Mounts:
Degradation of engine and transmission mounts leading to vibration
Common Issues Suspension:
Wear in front control arm bushings and rear shock absorbers
Common Issues Ignition:
Premature failure of ignition coils, particularly on the 4-cylinder engines
Common Issues Ac System:
Leaking AC compressor seals and evaporator issues
Common Issues Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Generation Designation:
Sixth Generation (CJ/CK/CM/CN)
Production Years:
1999-2003 (for this generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, United States (for North American market)