Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation with a comfortable ride and decent performance
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima
Differentiating Factors:
Available AWD option, distinctive styling, strong V6 engine option, competitive pricing
Styling:
Aerodynamic and somewhat futuristic design for its era, with a low-slung profile
Interior:
Spacious cabin for its class, with comfortable seating and straightforward ergonomics
Powertrain Options:
Variety of engine and drivetrain configurations catering to different needs
Engine Mechanical:
Full overhaul and repair procedures for all gasoline engines (2.4L SOHC, 3.0L SOHC V6)
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (MPI), ignition system, emission controls, OBD-I/OBD-II diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic (4-speed INVECS-II) and Manual (5-speed) transmission overhaul, diagnostics, and repair
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) system repair, differential maintenance
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension component diagnosis, alignment, and replacement
Brakes:
Front disc (ventilated), rear disc brake system overhaul, ABS diagnostics and repair
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, rack and pinion overhaul, component replacement
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, power windows, locks, mirrors
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, locks, and related systems
Maintenance Tasks:
Scheduled maintenance (oil change, filter replacement, spark plugs), fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for common and complex repairs, including engine component replacement, transmission overhauls, brake caliper rebuilds
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, wiring schematics
Exploded Views:
Detailed diagrams showing component assembly and disassembly for accurate part identification and replacement
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for engine control module (ECM), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and transmission control module (TCM)
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and adjustments
Searchability:
Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval
Printability:
Printable pages for hands-on use in the workshop
Image Resolution:
High-resolution images and diagrams
Physical Binding Type If Applicable:
N/A (Digital)
Physical Paper Type If Applicable:
N/A (Digital)
Engine Type 1:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 1:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
Bore X Stroke 1:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.0:1
Horsepower 1:
140-145 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by trim/market)
Torque 1:
150-155 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (varies by trim/market)
Engine Type 2:
V6, SOHC, 24-valve
Displacement 2:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Bore X Stroke 2:
91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
8.5:1
Horsepower 2:
170-185 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by trim/market)
Torque 2:
175-190 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (varies by trim/market)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition System (EIS)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Manual
Automatic Features:
INVECS-II (Intelligent and Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control system) with Sportronic manual shifting mode
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-J2 or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
NHTSA Driver Front Impact Rating:
N/A (Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Rating:
N/A (Not rated or data unavailable for this specific model year)
ABS:
Standard on most trims (4-wheel anti-lock braking system)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pre-tensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced impact zones and crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (standard spark plugs), 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles (recommended check based on engine type, consult manual)
Engine Oil Type 4 Cyl:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil Type V6:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Engine 4G64:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and front crank seal, potential head gasket issues at high mileage
Engine 6G72:
Timing belt tensioner failure (can cause catastrophic engine damage if belt breaks), coolant leaks from water pump and thermostat housing
Transmission:
Automatic transmission can experience harsh shifting or slipping if fluid is not maintained; valve body issues reported
Suspension:
Worn front struts and rear control arm bushings leading to noise and poor handling
Electrical:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, failing power window motors, intermittent dashboard warning lights
Rust:
Prone to rust in wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels in corrosive climates