Compact/Mid-size Sedan and Coupe segment. The Mirage was positioned as an economical subcompact, the Galant as a mid-size sedan, and the Diamante as a larger, more luxurious flagship sedan.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mirage: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra. Galant: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima. Diamante: Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES, Acura Legend.
Key Features
Manual Value:
Provides essential technical data, repair procedures, and troubleshooting guidance for a wide range of Mitsubishi models, crucial for DIY mechanics and professional workshops.
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transaxle, clutch, driveshafts, axles, differentials, transfer case (if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear, ABS), wheel and tire service.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments and gauges, power windows, power locks, wipers and washers, horn, audio system, climate control electrical, starting and charging system, fuse and relay locations, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, bumpers, interior trim, seats, roof systems, glass replacement, body repair procedures.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, tune-ups, belt and hose inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and solutions, electrical circuit testing.
NHTSA and IIHS ratings vary significantly by year and specific model. Generally, models from the latter half of the 1990s offered improved safety features. Manual will contain specific structural repair information for crashworthiness.
Active Features
Available Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most Galant and Diamante models, Traction Control System (TCS) on some later Galant and Diamante models.
Passive Features
Available Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags, crumple zones, side-impact door beams, seatbelt pretensioners.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Systems:
Factory cassette players, CD players (later models), AM/FM radio. Basic sound systems. Manual covers their removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting.
Driver Assistance
Systems:
Cruise control on most models. ABS and Traction Control as noted in safety features. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane keeping or adaptive cruise control.
Connectivity
Features:
Limited connectivity by modern standards. Manual covers the electrical systems associated with communication devices if factory-installed.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, but consult the manual for specific engine/oil type recommendations.
Timing Belt Interval:
For 4G63 and 6G72 engines, typically 60,000 miles or 5 years. Crucial to verify in the manual due to potential interference design.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), generally 30,000-100,000 miles. Manual will specify.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API Service SG or SH, viscosity typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, but manual will have precise recommendations based on engine and climate.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF SP-II, SP-II M, or SP-III (for INVECS-II transmissions). Manual will provide exact specification and capacity.
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual will confirm.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Known Issues
Common Galant Diamante Issues:
Head gasket failures (especially on 4G63/4G64 engines), oil leaks, CV joint wear, automatic transmission solenoid issues, ABS sensor failures, rust (depending on climate).
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer known for its diverse range of vehicles and engineering prowess.
Model Evolution
Mirage Generations:
Covers the third and fourth generations of the Mitsubishi Mirage. Known for its fuel efficiency and affordability.
Galant Generations:
Covers the seventh generation (1993-1998) of the Mitsubishi Galant, featuring a more aerodynamic design and improved performance.
Diamante Generations:
Covers both the first (1990-1996) and second (1997-2000) generations of the Mitsubishi Diamante, which served as the brand's flagship sedan.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly potentially occurring in other global markets depending on the specific model and year.
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Achievements:
While specific major awards for these models within the 1990-2000 timeframe might be scarce, the Galant and Diamante were generally praised for their styling, comfort, and value proposition in their respective segments at the time of release.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer reports from the era would detail reliability and owner satisfaction. This manual provides the data to address any reported issues.