Segment:
Subcompact sedan and hatchback, positioned as an affordable and fuel-efficient option.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, commuters prioritizing economy.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Selling Points:
Affordability, good fuel economy, maneuverability in urban environments, reliability for its class.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables DIY maintenance and repairs, reduces reliance on expensive dealership service, aids in understanding vehicle systems for informed decision-making.
Geography:
Primarily North America, but likely covers global variants with common components.
Market Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Car
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2000+ (typical for a complete factory service manual of this era).
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF expected, given typical online offerings).
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system, emission control systems.
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, driveline components (CV joints, driveshafts).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear disc/drum), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks), wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, charging system, starting system.
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnosis Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-II, symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, resistance values.
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to major engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if it's a well-produced PDF.
Printable:
Printable pages for on-the-go reference.
Image Clarity:
High-resolution, clear diagrams, schematics, and photographs (typical of factory manuals).
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Code:
4G92 (most common), potentially 4G93 variants.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) or DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) depending on variant.
Displacement Liters:
1.5L (1490 cc) and 1.8L (1830 cc) were common.
Bore X Stroke Mm:
Typically around 75.5 x 82.5 mm for 1.5L.
Compression Ratio:
Around 9.4:1 to 10.0:1.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection.
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated.
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 92-113 hp for 1.5L, 110-125 hp for 1.8L, depending on market and specific engine tune.
Torque Lb-Ft:
Approx. 97-105 lb-ft for 1.5L, 110-115 lb-ft for 1.8L.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline.
Recommended Octane:
87-89 AKI (Anti-Knock Index).
Fuel Tank Capacity Gallons:
Approx. 12.1 US gallons.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT).
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4AT).
Driveline:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MITSUBISHI DIA QUEEN SUPER ATF-J2 or equivalent (check manual for exact specification).
Length Inches:
Approx. 165.4 - 167.5 inches (sedan/hatchback variations).
Width Inches:
Approx. 65.4 - 66.1 inches.
Height Inches:
Approx. 54.7 - 55.1 inches.
Wheelbase Inches:
Approx. 98.0 inches.
Front Track Inches:
Approx. 56.5 inches.
Rear Track Inches:
Approx. 56.3 inches.
Ground Clearance Inches:
Approx. 5.9 - 6.1 inches.
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 2100 - 2300 lbs (depending on body style and equipment).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Approx. 3200 - 3400 lbs.
Towing Capacity Lbs:
Typically not recommended or rated for towing.
Cargo Volume Cubic Feet:
Approx. 12.4 - 14.0 cubic feet for sedan trunk, more for hatchback with seats folded.
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not widely available for this specific generation and model year, but typical for vehicles of its era.
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option.
Traction Control:
Rarely standard, potentially available on specific higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags were rare to non-existent in this segment for this period.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system typically not standard, may have optional provisions or require older ISOFIX types depending on market.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Optional upgraded sound systems might exist.
Display:
Simple digital or analog displays for radio and clock. No complex infotainment screens.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Anti Lock Brakes:
As noted in safety section, an optional or trim-dependent feature.
Auxiliary Input:
Highly unlikely to be standard. Aftermarket integration is common.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory for this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (typical for conventional oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Typically 60,000-90,000 miles. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine design).
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (consult manual for exact viscosity grade and specification).
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 3.7 - 4.2 quarts (with filter change).
Coolant Type:
MITSUBISHI SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT (Z9) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, glycol-based.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MITSUBISHI PSF or ATF equivalent (consult manual).
Common Problems:
Premature wear of engine mounts, potential for transmission issues (especially automatic), minor electrical gremlins, corrosion on older vehicles, catalytic converter issues, timing belt integrity is crucial.
Susceptible Components:
CV boots, oxygen sensors, water pump, alternator.
Mitsubishi Motors Origin:
Founded in 1870 as a shipping firm, diversified into automobiles in the early 20th century. Known for robustness and rally heritage (Lancer Evolution).
Mirage Lineage:
The Mirage nameplate has been used by Mitsubishi since the 1970s for various global compact cars. This 1998-2003 generation replaced the previous Mirage/Colt and was also sold as the Mitsubishi Space Star in some markets.
Platform:
Based on Mitsubishi's compact car platform, shared with other vehicles like the Lancer in certain configurations.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and also in various international plants depending on market demand (e.g., North America).
Model Year Range:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003.
Historical Awards:
While not a recipient of major 'Car of the Year' awards globally, the Mirage was consistently recognized for its value proposition and fuel efficiency in budget car segments.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Historically mixed, often rating average to below average for reliability in its class for this generation.
Emissions Certification:
Certified to meet US EPA emissions standards for its model years, documented within the manual's emission control sections.
