Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking a versatile, comfortable, and capable SUV with available all-wheel drive.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester.
Design:
The first-generation Outlander offered a distinctive styling, bridging the gap between a car and a more rugged SUV, often with a sporty aesthetic.
Availability:
Available in both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations, providing versatility for different driving conditions.
Interior:
Comfortable seating for five, with flexible cargo space and a practical interior layout. Higher trims often featured leather upholstery and premium audio systems.
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, engine management (ECU) diagnostics and repair.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Automatic & Manual), transfer case (if applicable), drive axles, differentials, propeller shaft, CV joints.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system (power steering), wheel alignment specifications, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheel and tire specifications.
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seats, roof system.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system, starting system, power windows, power locks, audio system, instrument cluster, ECUs, sensors, actuators.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser), heating system, ventilation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for major components, including engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, power steering pump replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, sensor testing, component testing procedures, wiring harness troubleshooting.
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing component damage.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code:
4G63 (2.0L Turbo) / 4G69 (2.4L MIVEC) / 6G72 (3.0L V6)
Displacement 2.4L:
2.4 Liters (2378 cc)
Valvetrain 2.4L:
DOHC, 16 Valves, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)
Bore X Stroke 2.4L:
87.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2.4L:
9.5:1
Horsepower 2.4L:
160-165 hp @ 5750-6000 rpm (varies by model year/market)
Torque 2.4L:
162-164 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by model year/market)
Displacement 3.0L V6:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Cylinders 3.0L V6:
6 (V6)
Valvetrain 3.0L V6:
SOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower 3.0L V6:
200-205 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by model year/market)
Torque 3.0L V6:
203-208 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (varies by model year/market)
Acceleration 0 60 2.4L:
Approx. 9.5-10.5 seconds
Fuel Economy 2.4L FWD:
Approx. 19-21 MPG city / 24-26 MPG highway
Fuel Economy 2.4L AWD:
Approx. 18-20 MPG city / 23-25 MPG highway
Fuel Economy 3.0L V6 AWD:
Approx. 17-19 MPG city / 22-24 MPG highway
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.3 gallons (58 liters)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Manual (primarily on 2.4L models in select markets)
AWD System:
Mitsubishi's Active Australia-developed Vehicle (AWC) or electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive system.
Automatic Transmission Type:
INVECS-II (Intelligent and Novel Electronic Control System) Sport Mode Automatic Transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA Queen ATF-SP II M or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec).
Length:
Approx. 178.1 inches (4526 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
Approx. 65.2 inches (1656 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.3 inches (2624 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 94.7 cubic feet (2681 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 28.9 cubic feet (818 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 67.7 cubic feet (1917 liters)
Curb Weight 2.4L FWD:
Approx. 3373 lbs (1530 kg)
Curb Weight 2.4L AWD:
Approx. 3538 lbs (1605 kg)
Curb Weight 3.0L V6 AWD:
Approx. 3726 lbs (1690 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Typically 2000-3500 lbs (refer to specific model and market)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2003 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2003 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Good (2003 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Good (2003 model year)
IIHS Head Restraints Whiplash:
Good (2003 model year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (2003 model year)
ABS:
Standard on all models.
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, often paired with ABS.
Traction Control:
Available on certain trims/models, particularly AWD variants.
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional or standard side-impact airbags (curtain and/or torso) on higher trims or later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Higher trims offered premium Rockford Fosgate audio systems and in-dash CD changers.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Stability Control:
Not widely available or standard on this generation; often limited to traction control if equipped.
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard, often requires aftermarket integration for auxiliary audio input.
Bluetooth:
Not typically factory-equipped for audio streaming or hands-free calling on this generation; aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750-7,500 miles (6,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Iridium plugs typically rated for 60,000-100,000 miles. Refer to manual for specific plug type and interval.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, depending on driving conditions.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as recommended by the manual.
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or SN, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-20 (for 2.4L MIVEC engine, check manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L V6:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Long-life, P-HOAT (Phosphated Organic Acid Technology) type, typically green or yellow coolant (refer to manual for specific OEM or compatible type).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear or failure of engine mounts can lead to increased vibration and clunking noises.
Oxygen Sensors:
Failure of O2 sensors can result in poor fuel economy, rough idling, and check engine lights.
Cv Axles:
Wear in the Constant Velocity (CV) joints can cause clicking noises during turns, especially on AWD models.
Radiator Fan Assembly:
Potential issues with the radiator fan motor or assembly leading to overheating.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaks or failure of the power steering pump can result in loss of power steering assist.
Transmission Shifting:
Occasional reports of rough or delayed shifting in the automatic transmission, often addressable through fluid changes or valve body checks.
Brand:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to 1917.
First Generation Launch:
Launched in 2000 in Japan as the 'Pajero iO' successor and globally for the 2001 model year. The 'Outlander' nameplate was adopted for the 2003 model year in North America.
Design Platform:
Based on the Mitsubishi GS platform, shared with other Mitsubishi and Hyundai vehicles.
Facelift:
Received a facelift for the 2007 model year, introducing updated styling (e.g., new grille, headlights, taillights) and interior enhancements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Okazaki Plant), with some production in other global facilities depending on market.
Production Years First Gen:
2000-2006 (Japan), 2003-2008 (North America and other global markets).
IIHS Safety Award:
Received 'Good' ratings in front-impact and side-impact crash tests from the IIHS for early model years, contributing to its positive safety perception.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability varied by year and specific components; some years received average to below-average reliability ratings, making a comprehensive service manual invaluable for maintenance.
Emisiones Standards:
Compliant with EPA emissions standards for the model years in its respective markets.