Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile and capable compact SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
Design:
Distinctive styling, available third-row seating (optional on some trims), spacious interior
Powertrain:
Reliable 4-cylinder engines, optional AWD system for enhanced traction
Utility:
Practical cargo space, comfortable ride, suitable for daily commuting and light off-road excursions
Engine:
2.4L 4G64 SOHC/DOHC, 2.4L 4G69 MIVEC SOHC
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (F4A42), 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - electronically controlled viscous coupling
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson Strut, Rear: Multi-link
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Disc (ABS optional)
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Body Control Modules (BCM), Power Windows, Locks, Mirrors, Wiper/Washer System, HVAC Controls
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Unibody Structure
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Blower Motor, Evaporator, Condenser, Refrigerant System
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement
Engine Repair:
Timing belt replacement, cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, valve adjustment, component diagnostics and repair
Transmission Service:
Fluid changes, filter replacement, torque converter service, transmission overhaul (major/minor repairs)
Brake Service:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedure, ABS component testing
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for starting, charging, ignition, lighting, and accessories
Suspension And Steering:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), alignment procedures, power steering system repair
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant system diagnostics, component replacement, blower motor service, heater core service
Bodywork:
Panel alignment, door/tailgate adjustment, trim removal/installation
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Depth:
Comprehensive; from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics and troubleshooting
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (F4A42)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
AWD Coupling:
Electronically controlled viscous coupling (AWC - All Wheel Control system)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA Queen ATF-SP-II M or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.4 Liters (Pan Drop)
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Length:
Approx. 4555 mm (179.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1775 mm (69.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1650 mm (65.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2670 mm (105.1 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1515 mm (59.6 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1650 kg (3300-3640 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2050-2150 kg (4520-4740 lbs)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 850 Liters (30 cu ft)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
Approx. 1700 Liters (60 cu ft)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2005 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2005 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2005 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars (2005 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (2005 model year)
IIHS Side Impact Score:
Good (2005 model year)
ABS:
Standard or Optional depending on trim and year
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags standard, side curtain airbags optional on some models
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal service)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace with every oil change
Spark Plugs:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Iridium type)
Timing Belt:
Crucial: Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5, SAE 5W-30 (or 5W-20 if specified for specific climates/models)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) - Blue (or equivalent HOAT)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.4 Liters (7.8 US Quarts)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
MITSUBISHI PSF or equivalent ATF Dexron II/III
Timing Belt Wear:
Crucial to follow replacement schedule; premature wear or breakage can occur if neglected.
Rear Suspension Noise:
Squeaks or rattles from rear multi-link suspension components can occur with age and mileage.
Cv Joint Boots:
Tearing of front CV joint boots can lead to premature joint failure.
Oxygen Sensor:
Failure of O2 sensors can impact fuel economy and emissions.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Notable Models:
Lancer Evolution, Pajero/Montero, Eclipse
First Generation Launch:
Introduced for the 2001 model year in Japan, North American debut for 2003 model year
Major Refresh:
Facelift for the 2004 model year with updated styling and features
Production End First Gen:
Concluded with the 2006 model year in some markets, continued to 2008 for North America
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
