Positioning:
Reliable and comfortable mid-size sedan, often competing with Japanese and American counterparts
Key Competitors:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus
Engine Options:
Known for its robust 4-cylinder (4G63/4G64) and smooth V6 (6A12/6A13) engines, including the performance-oriented 4G63 in some variants.
Chassis Platform:
Shared platforms with other Mitsubishi models, offering a balanced ride and handling characteristic of the era.
Design Era:
Represents Mitsubishi's design language of the late 1990s, evolving from the earlier angular designs to more aerodynamic forms.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul procedures, timing belt/chain replacement, piston/ring/bearing specifications, cylinder head assembly, valve train
Engine Management:
EFI system diagnosis and repair, sensor testing, ECU pinouts, ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control systems (EGR, EVAP)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage adjustment, internal component specifications
Transmission Automatic:
ATF service, torque converter removal, valve body diagnosis, transmission control unit (TCU) diagnosis, overhaul procedures
Drivetrain:
CV joint and drive shaft replacement, differential service, AWD system (if applicable) diagnosis and repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, rack and pinion overhaul, steering column service
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, disc and drum brake overhaul, ABS system diagnosis and repair, hydraulic component specifications
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all circuits, starter, alternator, battery service, lighting system, power windows, central locking
Body And Chassis:
Body panel replacement, door and lock service, interior trim removal and installation, structural repair guidelines
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service and repair, heater core replacement, climate control system diagnosis
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, timing belt intervals
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic trees, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, OBD-II (OBD-I for earlier models) code interpretation
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine, transmission, and suspension rebuilds
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing specific parts like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, brake calipers, etc.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, wear limits, and other critical measurements for all repair procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, easy-to-read wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Full mechanical and electrical overhaul, advanced diagnostics, component-level repair
Engine Code Common:
4G63 SOHC/DOHC
Displacement 4G63:
2.0L (1997cc)
Configuration 4G63:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC (Turbocharged in some variants)
Power 4G63 Na:
Approx. 140-150 hp
Torque 4G63 Na:
Approx. 130-140 lb-ft
Power 4G63 Turbo:
Approx. 200-240 hp (depending on specific model/tuning)
Torque 4G63 Turbo:
Approx. 200-260 lb-ft (depending on specific model/tuning)
Engine Code Common:
4G64 SOHC
Displacement 4G64:
2.4L (2351cc)
Configuration 4G64:
Inline 4-Cylinder, SOHC
Power 4G64:
Approx. 140-150 hp
Torque 4G64:
Approx. 150-160 lb-ft
Engine Code V6:
6A12/6A13
Displacement V6:
2.0L (1998cc) / 2.5L (2498cc)
Configuration V6:
V6, SOHC/DOHC
Power V6:
Approx. 150-170 hp (2.0L), 170-200 hp (2.5L)
Torque V6:
Approx. 140-155 lb-ft (2.0L), 160-180 lb-ft (2.5L)
Acceleration 0 60 Typical:
7.5 - 10 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)
Induction Type:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI-EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 AKI or higher recommended)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4AT) with Electronic Control
Sport Mode Auto:
Available on some automatic transmissions
AWD Availability:
Available on select models (often with V6 engines)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (refer to manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen J2 or ATF SP-II (refer to manual for exact spec)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Good (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Good (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard on many models, optional on others
Traction Control:
Available on select higher-trim or performance models
Airbags Driver:
Standard on most models from mid-90s onwards
Airbags Passenger:
Available on later models
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or 2-3 years
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles or 7-10 years (CRITICAL for 4G6x engines)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum/iridium)
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-30 (refer to manual for ambient temperature chart)
Engine Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, green color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or III, or specific Mitsubishi power steering fluid
Timing Belt Failure:
Critical failure if not replaced on schedule, causing severe engine damage (interference engine)
Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Can occur due to worn solenoids or low/degraded fluid
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings leading to clunking noises and alignment issues
Oxygen Sensor Failure:
Can lead to poor fuel economy and check engine light illumination
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Common on some 4-cylinder models due to heat cycles, causing exhaust leaks
HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure:
Can result in inability to control temperature or airflow direction
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Generation Covered:
Fifth Generation (1992-1996) and Sixth Generation (1997-2001)
Design Direction:
Transitioned from a more angular design in the early 90s to a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile with the introduction of the 1997 model.
Performance Variants:
Notable for the inclusion of the 4G63 turbocharged engine in certain sport-oriented trims (e.g., GT, VR-4 in some markets), offering competitive performance.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly in other global locations
Key Production Years:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
