Era:
Late 1980s to early 1990s
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina
Distinguishing Features:
Often featured advanced styling for its era, front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on certain performance variants. Known for comfortable ride and reliable powertrains.
Target Audience:
Families, commuters, and those seeking a practical and stylish sedan with optional performance enhancements.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), manual transmission, automatic transmission, drivetrain (FWD, AWD options)
Chassis:
Brakes (ABS optional), steering, suspension (front and rear), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrumentation, power accessories, audio system, charging system, starting system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), interior trim, safety restraints
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic codes (OBD-I), electrical circuit testing, component testing
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification and use of specialized tools for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code Example:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC), 6G71 (3.0L V6 SOHC)
Displacement Range:
1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L, 3.0L
Cylinder Configuration Range:
Inline 4-cylinder, V6
Valve Train Range:
SOHC, DOHC
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 95-150 hp (4-cyl), 130-200 hp (V6, non-turbo)
Torque Range:
Approx. 110-130 lb-ft (4-cyl), 170-185 lb-ft (V6)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating Recommendation:
87 AKI (Regular Unleaded) for most variants, higher for performance models.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (F4A51 or similar)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - typically on performance trims (e.g., Galant VR-4)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4)
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen SPII or equivalent ATF (e.g., Dexron II/III compatible)
NHTSA Ratings Era Context:
Ratings from this era are less standardized than modern tests; consult era-specific safety publications for detailed comparisons. Generally considered average for its class.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped, typically only on very high-performance AWD variants if at all.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on later models (post-1990/1991). Passenger airbag optional or unavailable on earlier versions.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners (on later models), 3-point rear seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage construction typical for the era.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. CD player optional on higher trims or later models. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls standard. Automatic climate control optional on luxury-oriented trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most higher trims, optional on base models.
Connectivity Options:
No factory integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are common for modern audio integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles or 4-5 years for 4-cylinder engines (e.g., 4G63). V6 engines may have chains or different interval belts. Consult manual for specific engine.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (standard copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended for most climates. Consult manual for specific engine variant.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) with filter for 4-cyl, higher for V6.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II/III ATF or specific Mitsubishi power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Ignition components (spark plugs, wires, coil packs), exhaust system components (rust), suspension bushings and control arm components, automatic transmission behavior (slipping/harsh shifting on high mileage units), and potential for oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gaskets.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally reliable, age-related issues can affect power window motors, door locks, and interior lighting due to degraded wiring or switches.
Mitsubishi Motors History:
Mitsubishi Motors, a division of the Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Group, has a long history in automotive manufacturing dating back to the early 20th century. Known for reliable engineering and innovative technologies.
Galant Generations:
The E30/E40 generation (1989-1993) was the seventh generation of the Galant, succeeding the E10 series and preceding the eighth generation (E80/E90). It marked a significant redesign with a focus on aerodynamic styling and enhanced performance options.
Production Locations:
Primarily Japan (Mizushima Plant).
Key Variants:
LS, GS, ES, ESi, GT, VR-4 (performance AWD model)
Contemporary Reviews:
Often praised for its styling and handling, particularly the performance-oriented VR-4 model. Criticisms sometimes focused on interior material quality compared to top Japanese rivals.
Consumer Reports Context:
Consumer Reports data for this era would reflect reliability trends typical of Japanese vehicles, though specific model year ratings should be consulted for nuances.
Emisiones Standards:
Designed to meet U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards applicable for model years 1989-1993.
