Segment:
Compact car, economy car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, younger drivers, commuters
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra
Design:
Functional, relatively understated design for its era
Value Proposition:
Affordability, reliability, and decent fuel economy
Performance Variants:
Availability of sportier trims like the OZ Rally
Trim Levels Covered:
ES, LS, OZ Rally, GTS (varies by market)
Geographic Markets:
North America, Europe, Asia (specific market variations may exist)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for full service manuals)
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Source:
Likely derived from official factory service information
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical:
Starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, audio system, wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components, frame
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures
Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step instructions
Engine 1 Name:
1.5L Inline-4 (4G15)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1468 cc
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 92 hp @ 5500 rpm (may vary)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 91 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (may vary)
Engine 2 Name:
1.8L Inline-4 (4G93)
Engine 2 Displacement:
1830 cc
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 116-120 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (may vary)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 118-122 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (may vary)
Engine 3 Name:
1.3L Inline-4 (4G13)
Engine 3 Displacement:
1298 cc
Engine 3 Power:
Approx. 75 hp @ 5500 rpm (may vary)
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 80 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (may vary)
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated
Valvetrain:
SOHC 16-valve (4G1 series), DOHC 16-valve (4G93)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Oil Type Viscosity 1:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-30 (consult manual for specific climate recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based, phosphate-free)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (F4A23, F4A41, F4A42 variants)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or consult manual for specific recommendation)
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
DIA QUEEN ATF SP-III (or equivalent SP-III compatible ATF)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2600 mm (102.4 in)
Length:
Approx. 4435 mm (174.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1425 mm (56.1 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1150 - 1250 kg (2535 - 2756 lbs) (varies by engine and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult owner's manual or VIN plate
Towing Capacity:
Not officially specified for most markets, generally not recommended for significant towing
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 370-400 liters (13.1-14.1 cu ft) (varies by model)
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
4/5 Stars (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
4/5 Stars (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for models tested)
ABS:
Optional or standard on higher trims
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped, optional on some high-end variants
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard on most trims
Airbags Side:
Optional side curtain or side airbags on select higher trims
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioners with load limiters, rear three-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Base models typically featured a basic AM/FM radio with a single-disc CD player or cassette player. Higher trims might offer a more advanced Mitsubishi or aftermarket-style head unit with more speakers.
Display:
Minimal, usually a simple digital clock and radio display.
Cruise Control:
Optional or standard on LS and higher trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; requires aftermarket installation.
Power Windows Locks:
Standard on LS and higher trims, optional on ES.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional on some trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (verify with manual)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
If equipped with a timing belt (4G1 series), typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Check for interference engine design; failure can cause severe damage.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Automatic:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), or more frequently if towing or under severe use
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 50,000 - 70,000 miles (80,000 - 112,000 km)
Ignition Coil Failure:
Premature failure of ignition coils is a common complaint, leading to misfires and rough running.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some automatic transmissions can develop issues with harsh shifting or slipping, often related to fluid degradation or solenoid issues.
Suspension Wear:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can lead to steering looseness and uneven tire wear.
Rust Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this era, rust can be an issue, particularly in areas with harsh winters and road salt usage, affecting wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion of the exhaust system components (muffler, pipes) is common over time.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional reports of power steering pump leaks or noise.
Mitsubishi History:
Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a long history in various industries, including shipbuilding and heavy industry, established its automotive division in the early 20th century.
Lancer Generations Prior:
The 2001 Lancer belongs to the seventh generation (CS/CT chassis) of the Lancer, which debuted globally in 1995/1996, evolving into various iterations over its production run.
Seventh Gen Characteristics:
This generation saw Mitsubishi adopt a more global platform approach, offering a range of engine sizes and body styles (sedan, coupe, wagon in some markets).
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, with significant production also occurring in other countries through joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Seventh Gen Production Years:
1995/1996 - 2000/2001 (depending on market and specific model cycle)
Model Reputation:
The Mitsubishi Lancer of this era generally received moderate reviews, often praised for its value and reliability in its class, though not typically for groundbreaking design or class-leading performance against some competitors.
Oz Rally Edition:
The OZ Rally edition was a marketing tie-in with the racing organization, offering unique visual styling and often firmer suspension for a sportier feel.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and specific powertrain, with some years showing average to above-average reliability for the class.