Positioning:
Sporty compact coupe/convertible known for performance variants (GT, GTS, Spyder GT) and affordable tuning potential.
Competitors:
Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 240SX, Mazda MX-6
Design Philosophy:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling, driver-focused cockpit, available all-wheel-drive and potent V6 engines.
Tuning Potential:
Highly regarded for aftermarket support, especially the 4G63 turbocharged engine in performance models.
Powertrain:
Engine (4G63, 6G72, 4G64), Transmission (Manual, Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD, AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc/Rear Disc, ABS)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, Body Electrical, ECUs
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, HVAC, Doors, Windows, Convertible Top (Spyder)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Schematics for Fault Finding
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Tolerances, Alignment Data
Depth:
Comprehensive: From routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code 1:
4G63 (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged I4)
Engine Code 2:
4G64 (2.4L SOHC I4)
Engine Code 3:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Engine Code 4:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6 with MIVEC)
Horsepower 4G63 Turbo:
205-210 hp (varies by year/market)
Torque 4G63 Turbo:
205-214 lb-ft (varies by year/market)
Horsepower 6G72 V6:
164-205 hp (varies by year/market/MIVEC)
Torque 6G72 V6:
180-214 lb-ft (varies by year/market/MIVEC)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - MPI (Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium for Turbo models)
ECU Type:
ECI-Multi (Electronic Controlled Ignition - Multi Point)
Transmission Type FWD 4Cyl:
5-Speed Manual FWD
Transmission Type AWD 4Cyl:
5-Speed Manual AWD (with viscous coupling center diff)
Transmission Type FWD 4Cyl Auto:
4-Speed Automatic FWD
Transmission Type FWD V6 Auto:
4-Speed Automatic FWD (INVECS-II)
Traction Control:
Optional (on certain V6 models)
Length Coupe:
177.7 inches (4513 mm)
Length Spyder:
177.6 inches (4511 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height Coupe:
51.3 inches (1303 mm)
Height Spyder:
51.7 inches (1313 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.7 inches (2634 mm)
Seating Capacity:
4 (2+2 configuration)
Cargo Volume Coupe:
Approx. 7.7 cu ft
Cargo Volume Spyder:
Approx. 4.4 cu ft (with top up)
Curb Weight Est Base:
2800 - 3000 lbs (1270 - 1360 kg)
Curb Weight Est Turbo AWD:
3200 - 3400 lbs (1450 - 1540 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size Base:
15 inch (Optional 16 inch)
Wheel Size Turbo Gts:
17 inch
Tire Size Base:
P205/60R15
Tire Size Turbo Gts:
215/45R17
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4 Stars (1997 model, driver)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4 Stars (1997 model, passenger)
IIHS Crash Test:
Acceptable (1997 model, frontal offset)
ABS:
Standard on AWD and V6 models, Optional on others
Traction Control:
Optional on certain V6 models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 2-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Cassette player with optional CD player. Premium Monsoon audio system available on some trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (depending on trim level)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory
Usb:
Not available from factory
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal) - refer to manual for specific details.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
60,000 miles or 5 years (for 4G63 and 4G64 engines) - CRITICAL maintenance item.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SF or SH certified; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 4G63/4G64; Approx. 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) for V6
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check specific manual for detailed requirements)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
DiaQueen ATF-SP II M or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent power steering fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Timing Belt Failure:
Critical failure if not replaced on schedule; can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).
Oil Leaks:
Common oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals.
Alternator Failure:
Alternators can fail prematurely, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.
Ignition System:
Distributor issues, coil pack failure, and spark plug wire degradation can cause misfires.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and struts are common on higher mileage examples.
Power Window Motors:
Power window regulators and motors can fail, especially on the Spyder model.
Mitsubishi Performance Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a strong motorsports heritage, particularly with rally racing, influencing performance models like the Eclipse.
Eclipse Concept:
Developed in collaboration with Chrysler (DSM - Diamond-Star Motors), succeeding the Mitsubishi Starion/Chrysler Conquest.
Second Gen Launch:
Introduced for the 1995 model year, featuring a completely new chassis and styling.
Spyder Introduction:
The convertible Spyder variant was introduced in 1996.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (DSM facility)
Production Years:
1995-1999 (Second Generation)
Car And Driver 10Best:
V6 models were frequently featured on Car and Driver's 10 Best lists in the mid-to-late 1990s.
Motor Trend Import Car Year:
Competed strongly for Import Car of the Year awards.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model years.
