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1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV.
1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV Review
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.
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.
1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Acceleration (LRV/automatic)
Optional antilock brakes Handling
All-wheel drive (Expo AWD) Noise
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.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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: 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.
1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV Reliability
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
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.
1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1992
Expo $1,200-1,600 $700-1,000 $100-200
Expo LRV $1,000-1,300 $600-800 $100
1993
Expo $1,300-1,700 $800-1,100 $200
Expo LRV $1,000-1,400 $600-800 $100
1994
Expo $1,400-1,800 $900-1,200 $200
Expo LRV $1,100-1,500 $700-900 $100-200
1995
Expo $1,700-2,200 $1,100-1,500 $300
Expo LRV $1,400-1,800 $900-1,200 $200
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.
1992-1995 Mitsubishi Expo/Expo LRV Specs & Safety
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 Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
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
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: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
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%. Side-impact 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%.
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
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