Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: To correct a delay when shifting from neutral or park into Drive or Reverse it is necessary to replace the transmission's solenoid valve set. (1992-93)

Exhaust system: Cars with turbo engines had an emissions recall to replace the oxygen sensor with one that could endure higher temperatures. (1991-92)

Manual transmission: Manual transmissions in which the shifter does not move smoothly between gears need a bottle of friction modifier added to the oil through the speedometer gear opening. (1991-92)

Vehicle shake: Vibrations in automatic-transmission models are probably due to the upper radiator-mounting posts not being centered in the mounting brackets. (1990-93)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1990-91: Front-seatbelt release button can break, allowing pieces to fall into buckle assembly.

1990-92 w/AWD: Lockup of transfer case can occur, due to insufficient lubrication.

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

Unlike some automakers who keep the same engine and powertrain combinations intact for years, Mitsubishi kept tinkering with ways in which the four versions of its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder could be shifted each year, choosing to designate some models manual-only and others automatic-only, then shifting the mix completely the following year. For a full rundown, simply refer to the annual summaries. To simplify, the Mitsubishi Galant powertrain starts with an 8-valve, 102-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, which shifts to a 16-valve, 121-horsepower unit in 1993. Torque is rated at 116 pound-feet at 2500 rpm, then jumps to 120 pound-feet at 4750 rpm for '93. The double-overhead-cam version of the same engine begins by providing 135 horsepower, followed by 144 horsepower in 1993. Torque figures range from 125 pound-feet at 5000 rpm to 134 pound-feet at 4500 rpm. The turbocharged unit installed in the VR-4 is the 195-horsepower turbocharged unit borrowed from the Eclipse. It provides torque of 203 pound-feet at 3000 rpm.