Generation:
Fifth Generation (CJ/CK/CM)
Production Years Covered:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Chassis Codes:
CJ2A, CK2A, CK4A, CM2A, CM4A
Segment:
Subcompact car, economy car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Vehicle Attributes:
Fuel efficiency, affordability, compact size, surprisingly spacious interior for its class
Manual Value:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, Clutch, Drive axles, CV joints, Transaxle
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brakes (front and rear disc/drum), Wheel alignment
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system, starting system, power accessories, fuse box locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, body hardware, chassis lubrication
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, common fault diagnosis, wiring schematic interpretation, DTC lookup and resolution
Repairs Overhauls:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Bodywork Refinishing:
Body panel alignment, rust repair basics, paint touch-up guidance
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds; includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Code Gasoline 1.5L:
4G15
Displacement 1.5L:
1468 cc (1.5 Liters)
Configuration 1.5L:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Horsepower 1.5L:
Approx. 92 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Torque 1.5L:
Approx. 93 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm
Engine Code Gasoline 1.8L:
4G93
Displacement 1.8L:
1830 cc (1.8 Liters)
Configuration 1.8L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Cam), GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) on some variants
Horsepower 1.8L:
Approx. 113 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
Approx. 115 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
10-13 seconds (Varies by engine and transmission)
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most models; some 1.8L models may feature GDI.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Transmission Type Base:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate (Manual Transmission)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy
Length:
Approx. 4,196 mm (165.2 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1,690 mm (66.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1,390 mm (54.7 inches) for Sedan, 1,380 mm (54.3 inches) for Coupe/Hatchback
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,499 mm (98.4 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 150 mm (5.9 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 980 - 1100 kg (2160 - 2425 lbs) depending on configuration
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 12.4 cubic feet (Sedan)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) for models equipped with airbags
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models tested with side airbags, which were less common in early production)
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims/later years
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags (standard on later models, optional on early models)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. 4-speaker system typically.
Display:
Analog gauges, basic digital clock or display for radio.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available from factory; aftermarket solutions may exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. iridium/platinum).
Timing Belt:
Inspect every 60,000 miles (96,000 km), replace every 90,000 - 105,000 miles (144,000 - 168,000 km). **CRITICAL MAINTENANCE ITEM due to interference engine design.**
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. Consult manual for precise viscosity based on climate.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar OAT/HOAT coolant is generally not recommended; use a silicate-free Asian vehicle specific coolant if possible.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF
Engine Performance:
Occasional rough idle, carbon buildup on intake valves (especially with GDI variants if present in later model years within this range), potential for oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan.
Transmission Issues:
Manual transmissions can develop worn synchros; automatic transmissions can experience delayed shifting or slipping if fluid is neglected.
Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts leading to clunking noises or poor handling. Power steering pump leaks or whine on some models.
Electrical Issues:
Corroded grounds, failing alternator or starter, dashboard warning light illumination due to sensor issues (e.g., ABS, check engine).
Body Chassis:
Rust formation on wheel arches, rocker panels, and door bottoms, particularly in areas with road salt. Interior trim pieces can become brittle and crack.
Mitsubishi Focus:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, known for its diverse range of vehicles.
Mirage Lineage:
The Mirage was a long-running nameplate for Mitsubishi, evolving through several generations of compact and subcompact vehicles.
Fifth Gen Introduction:
Introduced for the 1992 model year globally, with significant updates and variations for North American markets starting in 1995. This generation was available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 3-door hatchback.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan (Mizushima Plant), with some production for specific markets potentially occurring elsewhere.
North American Market Strategy:
Positioned as an affordable and fuel-efficient entry-level vehicle.
