Generation:
        
        
            Fifth Generation (CJ/CK/CM/CL)
        
     
    
    
        
            Chassis Codes:
        
        
            CJ1A, CK1A, CK2A, CK4A, CL1A, CL2A, CL4A
        
     
    
        
            Engine Codes Primary:
        
        
            4G13, 4G14, 4G15, 4G18
        
     
    
        
            Engine Codes Optional:
        
        
            4G93 (GDI variants), 6A11 (V6 variants in some markets)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Segment:
        
        
            Budget-friendly subcompact car
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            First-time car buyers, young drivers, economy-focused consumers
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier
        
     
    
        
            Distinguishing Factors:
        
        
            Affordability, fuel efficiency, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, reliable powertrain (especially the 1.5L and 1.8L engines).
        
     
    
    
        
            Exterior Styling:
        
        
            Aerodynamic and rounded styling, available in hatchback and sedan body styles.
        
     
    
        
            Interior Design:
        
        
            Simple and functional dashboard layout, comfortable seating, good visibility.
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Range of fuel-efficient inline-four engines, with manual and automatic transmissions.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine (4G13, 4G14, 4G15, 4G18, 4G93 GDI, 6A11 V6), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Engine Control System (ECU/ECM diagnostics), Turbocharging (if applicable in specific markets/trims)
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Manual Transmission (F5M12/F5M22 variants), Automatic Transmission (F4A2x/F4A3x variants), Clutch System, Drive Axles, Differentials (if applicable)
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Torsion Beam/Multi-link), Steering System (Power Steering, Manual Steering), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), ABS System (if equipped), Wheels and Tires
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Gauges, Body Control Modules, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), Audio System, SRS Airbag System, Immobilizer System (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Locks, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, Hood, Trunk/Hatch, HVAC System, Wiper System, Washer System
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Replenishment, Belt Inspections and Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Tire Rotation
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for Engine, Transmission, and ABS, Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Fault Finding Procedures
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine Overhaul Procedures, Transmission Rebuilds, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Steering System Overhaul, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Scan Tool Procedures, Sensor Testing and Calibration, Actuator Testing, Fuel Pressure Testing, Compression Testing
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine 1.5L 4G15:
        
        
            1.5L SOHC 12-valve Inline-4
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1.5L 4G15 Horsepower:
        
        
            92 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1.5L 4G15 Torque:
        
        
            94 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1.8L 4G93:
        
        
            1.8L SOHC 16-valve Inline-4 (GDI in some markets)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1.8L 4G93 Horsepower:
        
        
            111 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1.8L 4G93 Torque:
        
        
            117 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Economy Estimated Mpg City:
        
        
            28-32 MPG
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Economy Estimated Mpg Highway:
        
        
            35-40 MPG
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine 1.3L 4G13:
        
        
            1.3L SOHC 12-valve Inline-4 (approx. 76 hp)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1.6L 4G18:
        
        
            1.6L SOHC 16-valve Inline-4 (approx. 94 hp, common in some Asian markets)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission:
        
        
            5-speed Manual (F5M12/F5M22)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic (F4A2x/F4A3x)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
        
        
            Mitsubishi DiaQueen SPIII or equivalent ATF
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:
        
        
            Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 US quarts (initial fill)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
        
        
            API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 Gear Oil
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:
        
        
            Approx. 1.8 - 2.0 US quarts
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length Hatchback:
        
        
            3810 mm (149.9 inches)
        
     
    
        
            Length Sedan:
        
        
            4225 mm (166.3 inches)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            1665 mm (65.6 inches)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            1390 mm (54.7 inches) - Hatchback, 1380 mm (54.3 inches) - Sedan
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            2450 mm (96.5 inches)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Hatchback:
        
        
            Approx. 9.5 cu ft (rear seats up)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Estimated Min:
        
        
            990 kg (2180 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight Estimated Max:
        
        
            1100 kg (2425 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
        
        
            Varies by model and market (consult vehicle placard)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
        
        
            Not rated or 3-star (Varies by model year and testing procedures)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
        
        
            Not rated or 3-star (Varies by model year and testing procedures)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Side Impact:
        
        
            Acceptable to Good (Varies by model year and specific test)
        
     
    
    
        
            Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
        
        
            Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Brake Force Distribution Ebdf:
        
        
            Often paired with ABS systems
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Optional Side Impact Airbags (on select trims/markets)
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH system (Rear Outboard Seats) on later models
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape, typically 4 speakers. Upgradable to aftermarket units.
        
     
    
        
            Dashboard Instruments:
        
        
            Analogue speedometer, tachometer (optional on some trims), fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, warning lights.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Available on higher trim levels
        
     
    
        
            Air Conditioning HVAC:
        
        
            Manual climate controls, standard on most trims.
        
     
    
    
        
            OBD Ii Port:
        
        
            Located under the dashboard for diagnostic scanning.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
        
     
    
        
            Oil Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles or 6 months
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Standard:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (for standard plugs)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Iridium:
        
        
            Up to 60,000 miles (if equipped with iridium plugs)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (Crucial for interference engines like 4G93)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
        
        
            API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 in warmer climates)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 3.8 US quarts with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant (DIA-COOL) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron III or equivalent ATF
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Mounts:
        
        
            Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration and engine movement.
        
     
    
        
            Oxygen Sensors:
        
        
            Can become fouled or fail, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
        
     
    
        
            Radiator Leaks:
        
        
            Plastic end tanks can crack with age, leading to coolant loss.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Shifts:
        
        
            Slightly hesitant shifts can be common, though significant issues might indicate internal wear.
        
     
    
        
            Rear Wheel Bearings:
        
        
            Can develop a humming or grinding noise with mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Power Window Motors:
        
        
            Can fail, leading to windows not operating.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mitsubishi Motors:
        
        
            Founded in 1870, Mitsubishi Corporation has a long history in various industries, with its automotive division beginning in the early 20th century. Known for innovative technologies and robust vehicles.
        
     
    
    
        
            Mirage Lineage:
        
        
            The Mirage nameplate has been used by Mitsubishi for various compact cars since the 1970s. The 1998-2003 generation represents the fifth iteration of the globally recognized Mirage.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            1998-2003
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Japan, and assembly plants in other countries depending on market (e.g., Thailand, Colombia).
        
     
    
        
            Market Reception:
        
        
            Praised for affordability and fuel efficiency, though often criticized for its basic interior and less refined driving dynamics compared to some rivals.