1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV
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1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV
- Price Range: $600 - $1,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- All-wheel drive (Expo AWD)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Optional antilock brakes
Cons
- Handling
- Acceleration (LRV/automatic)
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Mitsubishi launched twin "mini-minivans" for 1992, sized between subcompact wagons and minivans. Expo was a 7-passenger wagon, with four swing-open side doors and a one-piece rear liftgate. Expo LRV seated five, with a body nine inches shorter, two front doors, a sliding right-rear door, and a rear hatch. A 116-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine powered the Expo, while a 1.8-liter four went into the LRV. Three models of each size were offered: base, Sport, and Sport AWD. The AWD version of either Expo had permanent 4-wheel drive; others were front-wheel drive. Plymouth marketed a variant of the LRV as the Colt Vista; Eagle called its version the Summit Wagon.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Expo with automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV:
For 1993, most Expos got 20 more horsepower, as the 2.4-liter four rose from 116 to 136 horsepower--courtesy of a switch to four valves per cylinder. The base-model Expo LRV stuck with the 113-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine. A new base AWD version of the regular Expo joined the lineup, while the all-wheel-drive rendition of the LRV no longer was considered Sport-level.
1994 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV:
A driver-side airbag went into '94 models, set in a new 4-spoke steering wheel. The driver got a height-adjustable shoulder belt, but the front passenger kept a motorized belt arrangement. Expo lost its upscale SP models, but base Expos adopted some of their features as standard equipment. The LRV dropped to front-drive base and Sport models, abandoning the AWD edition.
1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV:
Expo was unchanged in its final season. Few were sold.
Our road test for the 1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Pleasant and easy to drive, both Expos perform in a similar manner. While acceleration is adequate, climbing hills or passing with a full load can be exciting. Also, the LRV's smaller engine lacks sufficient torque to keep the automatic transmission from frequent gear-hunting. We averaged 24.3 mpg with an LRV and 24.6 mpg with the Expo. Wind noise is a problem above 40 mph, and road rumble is invariably noticed. Maneuverability is great for urban tasks, but cornering ability is modest. Tight corners produce marked body roll and tire squeal. On the plus side, you can expect a comfortably pliant ride. Both Expos tend to get blown around by strong crosswinds, though staying on course seldom becomes a problem. Getting inside is no problem at all, and passenger space is plentiful. All around head room is nothing short of towering, and leg space in back is decent. The dashboard design is generally convenient, though the radio sits too low to see or reach easily.
Value for the Money
Each breed of Expo is worth a look, and definitely versatile for passengers and cargo. But don't expect too much beyond their practical merits.
Each breed of Expo is worth a look, and definitely versatile for passengers and cargo. But don't expect too much beyond their practical merits.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Expo with automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV .
Trouble Spots
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.
Engine misfire:
The engine may idle rough due to buildup of deposits on the idle speed control motor. (1992-95)
Engine misfire:
Automatic-transmission models may vibrate at idle due to the radiator being installed incorrectly. (1992-95)
Fuel pump:
The vehicle is sensitive to fuel starvation caused by a clogged in-tank filter. (1992-95)
Paint/body:
Paint on the roof rack fades and peels. (1992-93)
Steering noise:
The front suspension may rattle or make popping noises because the dust boots on the upper ball joints wear out. (1992-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
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.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $545 |
| Alternator | $290 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $955 |
| Brakes | $330 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $425 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,130 |
| Exhaust System | $290 |
| Radiator | $520 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $720 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $240 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| Expo | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Expo LRV | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1994 | |||
| Expo | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Expo LRV | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Expo | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Expo LRV | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1992 | |||
| Expo | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Expo LRV | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 3-door van | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.2 | 107.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 168.6 | 177.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | 66.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 62.1 | 62.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2745 | 3020 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 67.8 | 75.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | 15.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.8 | 40.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.1 | 37.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In the first season of these two wagons, a 1.8-liter engine went into the smaller LRV, and a 2.4-liter into the regular Expo. A year later, only the base-model LRV kept the 1.8-liter engine. All other models carried the 2.4-liter, boosted to 136 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic might be installed in any model.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 116-136 | 136-145 | 5-speed manual: 22/27 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: 25.1 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 1.8 / 112 | 113 | 116 | 5-speed manual: 24/29 4-speed automatic: 24/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 24.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 Expo LRV |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992-93 sold in Caribbean:
Shoulder-belt anchorage could remain at A-pillar when door was closed.
1992-93:
Automatic-seatbelt system may fail to operate correctly during crash.
1995:
Clamping of radiator upper hose may be insufficient, possibly allowing hose to come out and lead to coolant leakage and subsequent overheating.
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