Target Audience:
Value-conscious consumers, families, individuals seeking a reliable and comfortable sedan.
Key Competitors:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu.
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive front grille and refined interior.
Powertrain Options:
Available in economical 4-cylinder and powerful V6 engine options.
Value Proposition:
Offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (4G64, 6G72), fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Automatic Transaxle (4-speed F4A42/W4A42), clutch (if applicable for manual transmission variants, though less common for 2003 NA models), driveline, axles, CV joints.
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering system, brake system (ABS, front disc, rear drum/disc).
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, infotainment, engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), ABS control module, airbags.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, interior trim, seats, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid), filter replacements, inspections.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring harness troubleshooting, component-specific diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic strategies.
Engine Name:
4G64 Inline-4
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
Configuration:
SOHC 16-valve
Bore X Stroke:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Horsepower:
140-147 hp @ 5750 rpm (depending on specific trim and calibration)
Torque:
155-160 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (depending on specific trim and calibration)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Configuration:
SOHC 24-valve
Horsepower:
190-195 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
205-210 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Model Code:
F4A42 / W4A42 (depending on drivetrain and engine)
Transmission Fluid Type:
DIAMOND ATF SP-III
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Less common in North American market for 2003)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent specified by Mitsubishi)
Overdrive:
Yes (4th gear)
Traction Control:
Optional on some V6 models (TCL)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (GM 2003 testing protocols)
ABS:
Standard on LS, optional on ES
Traction Control:
Optional on V6 models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (under severe driving conditions); 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 4G64:
Iridium-tipped plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 6G72:
Iridium-tipped plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement 4G64:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years.
Timing Belt Replacement 6G72:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Coolant Flush And Replace:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Flush And Replace:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Engine Oil Capacity 4G64:
4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 6G72:
4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (API Service SG or higher)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.1 U.S. quarts (6.7 liters) for drain and refill
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts leading to vibration and noise.
Transmission Shifting Issues:
Erratic shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions, often related to solenoids or fluid degradation.
Cv Axle Boots:
Tearing of front CV axle boots leading to joint damage and noise.
Alternator:
Early failure of the alternator, especially on V6 models.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking or failure of the power steering pump, causing loss of assist.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan)
Generation:
Sixth Generation (1999-2003)
Design Language:
Introduced a more European-influenced styling compared to previous generations, moving away from the 'jet-fighter' aesthetic of the 1990s.
Production Location:
North American models assembled in Normal, Illinois, USA.
Production Years For Generation:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003