Segment:
Subcompact car, economy car.
Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, commuters.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Fuel efficiency, affordability, maneuverability in urban environments.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with official, detailed repair information, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
Manual Licensing:
Officially licensed, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, adjustment, and repair
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, driveshafts
Suspension:
Front struts, rear torsion beam, shock absorbers, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS system (if equipped)
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter), brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, minor bodywork
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon issues
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams
Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, MPI (Multi-Point Fuel Injection).
Engine Displacement Liters:
1.5L (1498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
75.5 mm x 82.0 mm
Horsepower Hp At Rpm:
92 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque Lb Ft At Rpm:
93 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity Gallons:
11.7
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios provided in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.583, 2nd: 1.947, 3rd: 1.379, 4th: 0.916, 5th: 0.760, Reverse: 3.333)
Automatic Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios provided in manual.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., Diamond SP-III for automatic).
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4 stars (driver) / 4 stars (passenger) for models with dual airbags.
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, though uncommon in this year).
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in front and rear.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard, typically relies on seatbelt routing.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 speakers (front door, rear deck/pillar).
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Traction Control:
Rarely available on this model year.
Bluetooth:
Not available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using specified oil.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (severe service).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable for this engine; it uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 if temperature above 0°F/-18°C)
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.2 (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron II/III ATF or equivalent.
Common Problem 1:
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve clogging, leading to rough idle and check engine light.
Common Problem 2:
Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
Common Problem 3:
Front suspension bushings wear, causing knocking noises over bumps.
Common Problem 4:
Radiator hose deterioration and potential leaks.
Common Problem 5:
Catalytic converter failure due to age or engine misfires.
Mitsubishi History:
Mitsubishi Motors is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, part of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, known for innovation and durable vehicles.
Mirage Generations:
The 2000 model year belongs to the fourth generation (1995-2002) of the Mitsubishi Mirage, known for its economical and practical nature.
Body Styles:
Available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 5-door hatchback.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily built in Japan and North America (Illinois, USA).
Production Period:
1978–2002 (globally), with North American production continuing for this generation.
