Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking versatility and urban maneuverability
Key Competitors 2004:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute
Design Philosophy:
Car-like handling with SUV practicality
Body Styles Offered:
5-door SUV
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Electrical Systems:
Implied through diagrams of dash panel and engine compartment
Mechanical Systems:
Implied through diagrams of engine, transaxle, floor, roof, door, and liftgate
Body And Chassis:
Yes (floor, roof, door, liftgate diagrams)
Powertrain Layout:
Yes (engine and transaxle diagrams)
Component Identification:
Yes (via detailed diagrams)
Wiring Routing:
Likely indicated in dash panel and engine compartment diagrams
Assembly Disassembly Visuals:
Implied through configuration diagrams
Troubleshooting Visual Aid:
Can be used to visually confirm component locations during troubleshooting
Depth:
Visual identification and layout of components, not detailed repair procedures
Focus:
Component placement, integration, and overall vehicle architecture
Engine Code:
4G64 (commonly used in this generation)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2384 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Horsepower:
135-140 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (estimated, varies by region and tuning)
Torque:
140-145 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (R+M)/2
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (INVECS-II)
Transmission Type Opt:
5-speed Manual Transaxle (less common in some markets)
AWD System:
Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system on AWD models
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Diamond ATF SP-III (or equivalent DEXRON-III compatible)
Length:
Approximately 177.0 inches (4496 mm)
Width:
Approximately 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
Approximately 64.2 inches (1631 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.3 inches (2624 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 95-100 cubic feet (varies by configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 20-25 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 60-65 cubic feet
Curb Weight FWD:
Approximately 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approximately 3450-3650 lbs (1565-1656 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 4500-4700 lbs (2041-2132 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Typically not rated for towing significant loads, or around 1500 lbs (680 kg) with proper equipment.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger) - 2004 model year
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
4 Stars (Front), 5 Stars (Rear) - 2004 model year
IIHS Frontal Offset Test:
Good (often achieved by similar vehicles in this class)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) not standard on all 2004 models, may be optional or available on higher trims.
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs (if applicable)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SJ or ILSAC GF-3 certified
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT, ethylene glycol based) - typically pink or red
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
DEXRON-III (or equivalent ATF compatible with power steering systems)
Common Wear Item Failures:
Wheel bearings, front sway bar links, rear brake components
Engine Performance Notes:
Some owners reported occasional rough idle or slight hesitation, often related to sensor issues or carbon buildup.
Transmission Behavior:
Some instances of harsh shifting or delayed engagement, potentially linked to transmission fluid degradation or valve body issues.
Suspension Components:
Early models might exhibit premature wear in suspension bushings and ball joints due to road conditions.
Mitsubishi Motors Legacy:
Long history in automotive manufacturing, known for robust engineering and performance vehicles.
First Generation Outlander:
The 2004 model represents the first generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander, introduced in Japan in 2001 as the Mitsubishi Airtrek and globally as the Outlander in 2003.
Platform Sharing:
Built on Mitsubishi's GS platform, shared with the Mitsubishi Lancer and Airtrek.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Production Years First Gen:
2001-2006 (Japan), 2003-2006 (Global)
Industry Accolades:
While specific awards for the 2004 model are scarce, the Outlander was generally praised for its practical design and value proposition in its segment.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable, often rated average or below average in early years of generation.
Emission Standards:
Meets EPA emission standards for the model year.