Vehicle Class:
Mid-size sedan
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking reliable transportation with a touch of sportiness (especially VR-4 variants)
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626, Ford Taurus
Design Philosophy:
A blend of aerodynamic styling, comfortable interior, and for certain trims, performance-oriented engineering
Drivetrain Options:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) available on specific models (e.g., VR-4)
Distinguishing Features:
The optional 2.5L V6 engine and the high-performance turbocharged 4G63 engine in the VR-4 model were significant draws, offering potent acceleration and handling
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Regions Covered:
All regions (North America, Japan, Europe, etc., depending on specific engine/trim variants)
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type:
Comprehensive Service & Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging, engine performance diagnostics
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (G5M/W5M series), Automatic transmission (F4A/W4A series), Clutch system, driveline components (axles, driveshafts)
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc, drum), ABS system, parking brake
Steering Suspension:
Power steering, steering rack, suspension components (struts, springs, control arms), wheel alignment
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition system, power windows, mirrors, locks, wipers, horn, instrumentation, ECU, wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention and undercoating
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (head gasket, pistons, rings), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and replacement
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical circuit analysis
Diagnostic Procedures:
Engine performance testing, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, emission system testing, ABS system diagnostics
Special Tools Required:
Identification of specialized tools needed for specific repairs (e.g., torque wrenches, engine timing tools, diagnostic scanners)
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures
Base Engine:
2.4L DOHC I4 (4G64)
Optional Engine 1:
2.0L DOHC I4 Turbocharged (4G63)
Optional Engine 2:
2.5L DOHC V6 MIVEC (6A13)
2.4L Horsepower:
Approx. 145-150 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by market and year)
2.4L Torque:
Approx. 150-155 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (varies by market and year)
2.0L Turbo Horsepower:
Approx. 240-250 hp @ 6000 rpm (VR-4/GSR models)
2.0L Turbo Torque:
Approx. 255-260 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm (VR-4/GSR models)
2.5L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 190-200 hp @ 6000-6500 rpm
2.5L V6 Torque:
Approx. 185-190 lb-ft @ 4500-5000 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual, premium recommended for turbo models)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with electronic control and sport mode on some variants)
AWD System:
Advanced All-Wheel Drive system with Active YAW Control (AYC) available on VR-4 models
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., DiaQueen SP-III or equivalent for automatic) and manual transmission gear oil specification (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5)
Length:
Approx. 185.0 - 188.0 inches (4700 - 4775 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.3 inches (1785 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 - 56.3 inches (1415 - 1430 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.7 inches (2660 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100 - 3500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg), depending on engine and drivetrain
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 14.1 - 15.0 cu ft (399 - 425 L)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for specific testing year, consult NHTSA)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for specific testing year, consult IIHS)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims
Traction Control:
Available on certain higher trims, especially AWD models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for exact recommendation)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, refer to manual for manual transmission service
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium)
Engine Oil Spec:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Coolant Spec:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant with deionized water, typically a 50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Issues:
Head gasket failures (especially on earlier 4G63/4G64 engines), oil leaks, potential for seized piston rings on high-mileage engines.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, potential for clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Suspension Issues:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, premature strut wear.
Electrical Issues:
Power window motor failures, alternator issues, interior light malfunctions.
Mitsubishi Motors History:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to the early 20th century, known for innovation and diverse product lines
Galant 8Th Gen Introduction:
The 8th generation Galant represented a significant redesign, moving towards a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile. It was available in various trims catering to different market segments, from economy-focused to performance-oriented (VR-4).
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some assembly in other global locations depending on the market.
