Segment:
Compact Sport Coupe / Hatchback
Competitors:
Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Nissan 240SX, Mazda MX-6, Ford Probe
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Mitsubishi Galant and Dodge/Plymouth Colt/Eagle Summit
Drivetrain Options:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Performance Variants:
Iconic for its turbocharged performance variants (GS-T and GST)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharger systems (for turbo models)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch system, drive shafts, axles, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems (MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear), steering components, power steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components, parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, audio system, engine control unit (ECU), wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, climate control
Body Chassis:
Body panels, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, glass, bumpers, chassis components, corrosion protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding, common problems and solutions for all major systems
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, diagnostic readings, component specifications
Interior Component Removal Installation:
Dash panel, door panels, seats, headliner, center console
Exterior Component Repair Replacement:
Bumpers, fenders, hoods, trunk lid, doors, mirrors, glass
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
Coverage for basic OBD-I (early models) and OBD-II (later models) diagnostic procedures and tools
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.0L (1997cc) SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (4G63)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
135 hp @ 6000 rpm (non-turbo)
Engine 1 Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (non-turbo)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0L (1997cc) DOHC 16-valve turbocharged 4-cylinder (4G63T)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
190-210 hp @ 6000 rpm (turbocharged, depending on year and spec)
Engine 2 Torque:
203-205 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (turbocharged, depending on year and spec)
Engine Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane recommended for turbo models)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
Likely 3 or 4 stars (based on era and class)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
Likely 3 or 4 stars (based on era and class)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard in later years of this generation
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts, driver and passenger side impact protection
Oil Change Interval Miles:
3,000-5,000 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Engine Coolant Change Interval Miles:
30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Turbo Models:
Turbocharger wear, oil seal leaks, potential for blown head gaskets if overheated or poorly maintained
General Maintenance:
Timing belt replacement is critical on 4G63/4G63T engines; ignition coil failure, O2 sensor issues
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mounts, and tie rod ends
Electrical:
Corroded connectors, alternator issues, fuel pump failures
Brand Focus:
Mitsubishi's history in rally racing and performance vehicles
Design Influence:
Designed by Mitsubishi Motors in Japan, with styling contributions from Chrysler's design studio in California (leading to shared platforms with Dodge/Plymouth)
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Production Years Covered By Manual:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
