Segment:
Compact car, affordable sporty sedan/hatchback
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3
Features:
Reliable powertrain options, engaging handling, available AWD, sporty styling (especially GTS trims), practical interior space
Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (4G94, 4G63), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Manual transmission (KM222, KM224), Automatic transmission (V4A51, F4A42), Clutch system
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, All-wheel drive (optional for some trims), Drive shafts, Differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), Steering system (power assisted rack and pinion), Brakes (front ventilated discs, rear discs/drums), Parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrumentation, wipers, horn, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system wiring
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system, body sealing
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair:
Engine component repair and replacement (pistons, valves, timing belt/chain), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and alignment
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems, fault isolation techniques, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Detailed technical information for professional technicians and advanced DIYers, including full engine teardowns, transmission rebuilds, and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Displacement 1:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (or DOHC for specific models like GTS)
Horsepower 1:
120-135 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on tune and market)
Torque 1:
125-130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on tune and market)
Engine Code 2:
4G63 (Naturally Aspirated for GTS, Turbocharged for Lancer Evolution variants not typically covered in standard Lancer manuals)
Engine Displacement 2:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc) for some markets/trims
Compression Ratio 4G94:
9.5:1
Redline 4G94:
Approximately 6500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 recommended for optimal performance)
Oil Type Capacity:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic. Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts (4.2 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Type FWD:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type AWD:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Sportronic (manual shifting mode)
Type Automatic:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (F4A42)
Manual Gear Ratios Km222:
Typical ratios: 1st: 3.143, 2nd: 1.875, 3rd: 1.310, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.815, Reverse: 3.143, Final Drive: 4.105
Automatic Gear Ratios F4A42:
Typical ratios: 1st: 2.875, 2nd: 1.567, 3rd: 1.000, 4th: 0.696, Reverse: 2.224, Final Drive: 4.067
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 (or 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-SPII or SP-III equivalent
Length:
173.8 inches (4415 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1695 mm)
Height:
55.9 inches (1420 mm)
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches (2600 mm)
Track Width Front:
58.1 inches (1475 mm)
Track Width Rear:
57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.5-6.0 inches (140-152 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
2700 - 3000 lbs (1225 - 1360 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 12.4 cu ft (351 Liters)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x114.3 mm (4x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size Standard:
15 x 6.0 inches
Tire Size Standard:
P195/60R15
Wheel Size Optional Gts:
16 x 6.5 inches
Tire Size Optional Gts:
P205/50R16
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4 stars (for 2005 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4 stars (for 2005 model year)
NHTSA Side Driver:
5 stars (for 2005 model year)
NHTSA Side Passenger:
5 stars (for 2005 model year)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
4 stars (for 2005 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2005 model year)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models
Traction Control:
Optional, often bundled with ABS or sport packages
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; rear 3-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system with more speakers, cassette player in some base models.
Display:
Basic digital clock and radio display
Cruise Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims
Aux Input:
Not typically standard, may be an aftermarket addition
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional on most trims
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims except base models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months for severe service, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal service.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommend replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum-tipped spark plugs: 75,000 miles (120,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
First flush at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.
Timing Belt Replacement:
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (for 4G94 engine which uses a belt). Crucial for preventing catastrophic engine damage if it breaks.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF
Washer Fluid:
Water-based windshield washer fluid
Engine:
Timing belt tensioner issues (on 4G94), occasional oil consumption, catalytic converter failure due to rich fuel mixture.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues leading to shifting problems, clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Suspension:
Worn front struts and rear shocks, premature wear of control arm bushings and sway bar links.
Electrical:
Alternator failure, power window motor failure, ABS sensor issues.
Body:
Rust on wheel arches and rocker panels in rust-belt regions, interior trim creaks and rattles.
Heritage:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for rally-bred performance models like the Lancer Evolution.
Generation:
Seventh generation Lancer (CY/CZ/CS platform)
Design Period:
2000-2007 (This generation saw significant updates and facelifts within this period).
Manufacturing Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan; also assembled in various global locations.