Target Audience:
        
        
            Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation with a comfortable ride and decent performance
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima
        
     
    
        
            Differentiating Factors:
        
        
            Available AWD option, distinctive styling, strong V6 engine option, competitive pricing
        
     
    
    
        
            Styling:
        
        
            Aerodynamic and somewhat futuristic design for its era, with a low-slung profile
        
     
    
        
            Interior:
        
        
            Spacious cabin for its class, with comfortable seating and straightforward ergonomics
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Variety of engine and drivetrain configurations catering to different needs
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Full overhaul and repair procedures for all gasoline engines (2.4L SOHC, 3.0L SOHC V6)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            Fuel injection (MPI), ignition system, emission controls, OBD-I/OBD-II diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Automatic (4-speed INVECS-II) and Manual (5-speed) transmission overhaul, diagnostics, and repair
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) system repair, differential maintenance
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension component diagnosis, alignment, and replacement
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front disc (ventilated), rear disc brake system overhaul, ABS diagnostics and repair
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system diagnosis, rack and pinion overhaul, component replacement
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Complete wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, power windows, locks, mirrors
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system service, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, locks, and related systems
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance Tasks:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance (oil change, filter replacement, spark plugs), fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for common and complex repairs, including engine component replacement, transmission overhauls, brake caliper rebuilds
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Guides:
        
        
            Diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues
        
     
    
        
            Technical Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, wiring schematics
        
     
    
        
            Exploded Views:
        
        
            Detailed diagrams showing component assembly and disassembly for accurate part identification and replacement
        
     
    
    
        
            Diagnostic Capabilities:
        
        
            Advanced diagnostics for engine control module (ECM), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and transmission control module (TCM)
        
     
    
        
            Rebuild Procedures:
        
        
            Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and adjustments
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval
        
     
    
        
            Printability:
        
        
            Printable pages for hands-on use in the workshop
        
     
    
    
        
            Image Resolution:
        
        
            High-resolution images and diagrams
        
     
    
    
        
            Physical Binding Type If Applicable:
        
        
            N/A (Digital)
        
     
    
    
        
            Physical Paper Type If Applicable:
        
        
            N/A (Digital)
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type 1:
        
        
            Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 1:
        
        
            2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke 1:
        
        
            86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 1:
        
        
            9.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 1:
        
        
            140-145 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by trim/market)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1:
        
        
            150-155 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (varies by trim/market)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type 2:
        
        
            V6, SOHC, 24-valve
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 2:
        
        
            3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke 2:
        
        
            91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 2:
        
        
            8.5:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2:
        
        
            170-185 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by trim/market)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2:
        
        
            175-190 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (varies by trim/market)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Electronic Ignition System (EIS)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cooling Type:
        
        
            Water-cooled
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Features:
        
        
            INVECS-II (Intelligent and Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control system) with Sportronic manual shifting mode
        
     
    
    
        
            Drivetrain Options:
        
        
            Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-J2 or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Driver Front Impact Rating:
        
        
            N/A (Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Rating:
        
        
            N/A (Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on most trims (4-wheel anti-lock braking system)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags standard
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pre-tensioners
        
     
    
        
            Body Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced impact zones and crumple zones
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (standard spark plugs), 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium)
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Every 60,000-90,000 miles (recommended check based on engine type, consult manual)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type 4 Cyl:
        
        
            API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type V6:
        
        
            API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine 4G64:
        
        
            Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and front crank seal, potential head gasket issues at high mileage
        
     
    
        
            Engine 6G72:
        
        
            Timing belt tensioner failure (can cause catastrophic engine damage if belt breaks), coolant leaks from water pump and thermostat housing
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Automatic transmission can experience harsh shifting or slipping if fluid is not maintained; valve body issues reported
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Worn front struts and rear control arm bushings leading to noise and poor handling
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Corrosion on electrical connectors, failing power window motors, intermittent dashboard warning lights
        
     
    
        
            Rust:
        
        
            Prone to rust in wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels in corrosive climates