Target Audience:
Economy-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, urban commuters
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Strengths:
Fuel efficiency, affordability, maneuverability, reliability (for its class and era)
Weaknesses:
Modest performance, basic interior appointments, limited standard safety features on early models
Year Range Coverage:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Regional Coverage:
North America (implied by product name, but may include global variations)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Workshop Service Manual (WSM)
Content Focus:
Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Overhaul
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, though physical versions existed)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, inspection), engine management (ignition, fuel injection, emissions), cooling system, lubrication system, starting system, charging system
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (operation, overhaul, diagnostics), Automatic transmission (operation, overhaul, diagnostics), clutch system
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, constant velocity (CV) joints
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), rear suspension (torsion beam, trailing arms), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), wheel alignment
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear disc), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS system (if equipped)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, body control modules, fuse box diagrams, diagnostic connectors
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Body Systems:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, glass, bumpers, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, valves), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for various systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, circuit testing
Recalibration Procedures:
Wheel alignment procedures, potentially ECU relearn procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls and in-depth electrical diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, component identification.
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1490 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4, SOHC, 12 valves
Engine 1 Horsepower:
92 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate, may vary by market/year)
Engine 1 Torque:
92 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate, may vary by market/year)
Engine 2 Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1830 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline-4, SOHC or DOHC, 16 valves
Engine 2 Horsepower:
113 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate, may vary by market/year)
Engine 2 Torque:
122 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate, may vary by market/year)
Performance Variants:
GTI (for some markets), RS (for some markets), or special editions with tuned engines
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane typically recommended)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or specified viscosity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIAQUEEN ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for all years/configurations, early models likely received lower ratings.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not extensively rated by IIHS for all years/configurations.
ABS:
Optional on many trims, standard on later models/higher trims
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models/higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners (may vary by year)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,750-7,500 miles (6,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific intervals).
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4G15/4G93 engines, typically 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact specification and viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, green color, 50/50 mix with distilled water (or specified Mitsubishi coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation).
Common Wear Items:
CV boots, wheel bearings, engine mounts, exhaust system components, brake pads/rotors.
Engine Performance:
Occasional issues with idle control valve, fuel injectors, and crankshaft/camshaft position sensors.
Electrical Issues:
Alternator failures, power window motor failures, electrical connector corrosion.
Body Corrosion:
Rusting can be an issue, particularly in areas with road salt, affecting wheel wells, rocker panels, and suspension components.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
Generation Introduction:
This generation (CJ/CK/CL/CM) was introduced globally around 1991/1992, with significant updates and facelifts through the specified model years.
Facelifts Updates:
Received styling updates (front and rear fascia, lighting) and potential interior enhancements over its lifespan (e.g., 1996/1997 facelift).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, also assembled in other global locations (e.g., Thailand, Colombia for certain markets).
End Of Production For Model Line:
The Mirage nameplate was phased out in many markets around the mid-2000s, with some regions continuing or reintroducing it later.
