Segment:
Compact car / Small family car
Competitors 2005:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza
Strengths:
Sporty styling (especially in higher trims), available all-wheel drive (AWD) on some models, enthusiast appeal (especially with 4G63 engine), reliability
Weaknesses:
Interior materials could be perceived as less premium than some rivals, base engine performance modest
Styling:
Aggressive, sporty design language with sharp lines and prominent grille
Performance Options:
Available turbocharged engines (e.g., 4G63 in Lancer Ralliart/Evolution variants) offering significant performance gains
Practicality:
Available as a sedan or sportback (hatchback), offering good passenger space and cargo versatility
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, emission control systems (OBD-II diagnostics)
Engine Management:
ECU operation, sensor inputs/outputs, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fuel control strategies, ignition timing control
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gear shifting mechanisms, internal components, lubrication, removal and installation
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body operation, hydraulic control, transmission fluid, electronic controls, removal and installation
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, drive shafts, CV joints, rear differential (if applicable)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic components, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, ignition system
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, doors, windows, locks, mirrors
Comfort And Convenience:
Air conditioning, heating, power windows, power locks, cruise control
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS operation
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Component removal, overhaul, and reassembly for all major systems
Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls
Installation:
Replacement of major components, accessories, and body parts
Calibration And Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, throttle body cleaning and adjustment, idle speed control
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearance measurements, electrical schematics, diagnostic flowcharts
Engine Displacement Common 1:
1.6 L (1584 cc) 4G18 I4 SOHC
Engine Displacement Common 2:
1.8 L (1834 cc) 4G93/4G94 I4 SOHC/DOHC
Engine Displacement Performance:
2.0 L (1997 cc) 4G63T I4 DOHC Turbocharged (specific variants)
Horsepower Typical Base:
Approx. 103-118 hp (81-88 kW) for 1.6L/1.8L engines
Horsepower Turbocharged:
Approx. 265-290 hp (198-216 kW) for 4G63T engines (depending on specific model/tune)
Torque Typical Base:
Approx. 100-115 lb-ft (136-156 Nm) for 1.6L/1.8L engines
Torque Turbocharged:
Approx. 253-260 lb-ft (343-353 Nm) for 4G63T engines
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with coil-on-plug or distributor (model dependent)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity Engine:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 liters (4.2 - 4.8 US quarts) with filter (consult manual for specific engine)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (F5M42)
Optional Transmission 1:
4-speed automatic transmission (F4A42)
Optional Transmission 2:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - less common, often on specific markets/trims
AWD Availability:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on certain performance-oriented trims (e.g., Lancer Ralliart), typically paired with specific engines and transmissions
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
DIAQueen SPIII (or equivalent ATF SP-III)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Gear oil API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific viscosity)
Length:
Approx. 4525-4570 mm (178.1-179.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1740-1770 mm (68.5-69.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1445-1485 mm (56.9-58.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2635 mm (103.7 in)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Tire Sizes Common:
195/60R15, 205/50R16, 215/45R17 (vary by trim)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200-1350 kg (2645-2976 lbs) (varies by engine, transmission, and trim)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for comparable models/years)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for comparable models/years)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for comparable models/years)
ABS:
Standard or optional depending on trim level
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Electronic Stability Control:
Rarely standard, may be optional on higher trims
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags, optional side-curtain airbags on some models
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used; consult manual for specific recommendation)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) for engines with timing belts. Check specific engine for belt or chain.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (verify based on climate and specific engine, check manual)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT (Green) or equivalent long-life ethylene glycol coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Hesitation Common:
Can occur due to dirty throttle body, failing O2 sensors, or fuel system issues.
Transmission Slipping:
Potential issue with automatic transmissions if fluid is low or dirty, or due to internal wear.
Suspension Noises:
Worn bushings, ball joints, or struts can lead to clunks or rattles, especially over bumps.
Exhaust Leaks:
Common wear item, particularly at manifold gaskets or flex pipes.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
Automotive History:
Mitsubishi has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for innovation and robust engineering, particularly in rally sport heritage.
Lancer Generations:
The 2005 Lancer belongs to the seventh generation (2000-2007), often referred to as the CS/CT generation, which represented a significant design and engineering update over its predecessor.
Design Philosophy:
This generation emphasized a more global design approach, with shared platforms and styling cues across different markets.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, but also assembled in various international plants (e.g., Australia, Thailand, North America depending on market)