Overview & Reviews

When it comes to the small car segment, Japanese automakers have long held a dominant role. But some makes and models have been more popular than others. The Mitsubishi Mirage reliably served as an affordable and economical set of wheels for 16 years, usually scoring well in quality surveys and critics' reviews. Yet this compact sedan and coupe never could escape the shadows of more popular models like the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra or Toyota Corolla.

In actuality, the Mirage's road manners, at least on versions equipped with the proper engine and tires, were reasonably refined and up to the demands of basic transportation. Gas mileage was decent, cabins were acceptably isolated from noise and ride harshness, and the Mirage's interior was designed as well as any. Finally, Mitsubishi was ahead of the game in offering what small-car shoppers presumably look for most: a low price.

For awhile there, the Mitsubishi Mirage even showed hints of sports car aspirations by dishing out a couple high-output engines, one of them turbocharged. But the Mirage never attained much sales success. Most shoppers at the time preferred the comfortable reputation provided by more mainstream products. As a used compact sedan or coupe, the Mirage is at least worth a look as a budget buy, especially given its below-average resale value. However, you'll want to be aware of the car's limitations and faults, and comparing it to a few other small car choices would probably be wise.

Most Recent Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage lived its fourth and final life from 1997-2002. Its lineup was divided between sedan and coupe body styles and entry-level DE (later ES) and upscale LS trim lines. Engines included a 1.5-liter engine with 92 horsepower and a 1.8-liter with 113, both of which could be paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

At first, all Mirages were sparsely equipped, but LS models could at least be ordered with power windows and locks, cruise control, 14-inch wheels and a sunroof. Style-conscious LS coupes added standard alloy wheels, foglights, a spoiler and a tachometer.

Over the next few years, Mitsubishi tinkered with the different trims' feature lists; the most notable change was the discontinuation of antilock brakes, which were only offered as an option on LS models through 1999. For the Mirage's final year, only the coupe survived, as Mitsubishi discontinued the sedan in favor of the car's eventual replacement, theLancer.

Picking the right Mitsubishi Mirage is critical to its desirability. Because the 1.8-liter engine and 14-inch wheels are necessary for decent acceleration, handling and braking, stick to sedans of 2000-'01 or an LS of any year, which have more amenities anyway. Also note that the sedan's slightly greater length, wheelbase and height (a tradition carried over from past Mirages) made it a passable four-seater, whereas the coupe's backseat suffered from cramped space and awkward entry and exit, partly due to a passenger seat that didn't slide forward easily.

With any Mirage of this vintage, one pressing matter to keep in mind is safety, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded it an unusually low rating of "Poor" in its frontal offset crash test.

Past Mitsubishi Mirage Models

The most recent Mitsubishi Mirage owed much of its design to the generation of 1993-'96. The third-gen Mirage was also available in sedan and coupe form, and it used the same engines and transmissions. It was also similar in size and had the same suspension (struts in front, multilink in rear) and the same competent demeanor on the road. The most significant difference is that the automatic transmission attached to the 1.5-liter engine had only three speeds, which made for noisy and inefficient freeway driving.

Trim lines included the S, ES and LS. The 1.8-liter engine initially came only in the LS sedan, then spread to ES sedans and LS coupes in 1994. Other changes that year included an upgrade from 13-inch wheels to 14 (on some models) and a driver side front airbag. Dual front airbags replaced the motorized seatbelts in 1995, the same year Mitsubishi oddly ceased selling sedan versions of the Mirage to the public, instead restricting them to fleets.

While this generation of Mirage had a sound design, the details limit its appeal. The 13-inch wheels and lack of airbags during the early years are a concern, while the later years are limited to a smallish two-door coupe that went without now-common amenities like power windows and locks or cruise control.

The second-generation Mitsubishi Mirage of 1989-'92 was another story. Body styles consisted of a sedan and a two-door hatchback, with most models coming with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 81 hp (92 from 1991 onwards). Transmissions included four- and five-speed manuals and three- and four-speed automatics; its rear suspension was a rigid axle and not all models had power steering. Add it all up and this Mirage was a little less refined than its successors.

But it was perhaps more interesting. One particularly memorable Mirage was the Sport hatchback of 1989 only, whose turbocharged 135-hp 1.6-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, sport suspension and four-wheel disc brakes added some spice. Nearly as entertaining was the GS sedan of 1991-'92, whose twincam 1.6-liter engine made 123 hp.

While it's generally a better idea to stick with newer generations given the Mirage's affordability, these rare special editions have gone down in history as being the fastest Mirages that Mitsubishi ever built.

User Reviews:

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  Good Commuter - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Regalistic - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The Mirage DE Coupe is a fun ride in the city aswell as the country side. It is cool inside and out with a sporty look that seems to cost much more than the deal you can get with buying this car. A lot of bang for the buck!

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  secound Mitsubishi mirage in the family - 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Glenn Scramlin - January 13 - 6:19 pm

  I bought a 2014 Mirage and loved it so much my wife bought a 2015. these cars get great gas milage. they are great in the city and are comfortable on the highway. for the price you cant beat it. so dont jest read the reviews of those so called professional reviewers. take one for a test drive and remember its great value for the money and has a great warranty

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  very reliable - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By rascaljim - November 24 - 2:50 am

  I bought this car at 107,000 miles, It now has nearly 140,000. I have only had to replace a couple belts, otherwise no problems at all. Unfortunately its probably gonna be totalled out by an insurance company for body damage.

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  Lots of Car for Less - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By PhillyO - November 4 - 9:40 am

  I bought my 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage with only 12,995 miles on it in April, 01. Now, in March of 06, I have over 112,000 miles on it, and my only problem is that my AC does not work (it needs to be charged, thats all). It has gotten me through snow, ice, and all that is not nice. Its not the most powerful car in its class, but it will get you around slower cars on the interstate without much effort. Everytime I feel the need to trade in or sell my Mirage, I drive it once more, and Im reminded as to why I still have it.

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  Loving this lil car - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By kmiller7779 - November 2 - 11:43 am

  I bought a 2015 Mirage a week ago and I absolutely love it. I have owned hybrids for the last 8 years and our other car is a 2006 Honda Insight, a true mileage champion. I have yet to be out on the highway with the Mirage, but city driving for me is consistently at 45-47 mpg. This is a fun car. I do not understand the harsh reviews as I think this car is a joy to drive. The seats are comfortable and the car handles nicely. When I went to the dealership, I was not planning to buy one of these cars. I did not think I would like it. I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival at how much more I liked the car in person. The dealership was well stocked and had every color the car

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  Best Small Car Out There-2018 Mirage - 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Jake - September 12 - 9:51 pm

  ...For $10,000 ( out the door $10,900 with tax/license/title) you will NOT find a better deal than the 2018 5speed Mirage. I have had an 85 Honda CRX, an 89 Dodge Colt <( a Mitsubishi Mirage in Dodge nameplate), a 93 Geo Metro and currently own a 2012 Toyota Prius C. This 2018 Mirage is better than any of the early cars and has a similar feel to the Prius. It rides smoother, holds 60mph easily, has many electronic upgrades, and most importantly, the 3 cylinder engine has been around for decades and is as bulletproof as they come. The professional reviews that criticize this car remind me of Washington politicians who have completely lost touch with what the public really needs and wants. This is a solid, well equipped new car with a fantastic warranty and great reliability for $10,000 !! The Honda Fit has better reviews but also costs nearly twice as much similarly equipped. I have not had it long enough to comment on some things but I know from past experience that Mitsubishi make quality cars and these Mirages so far have an above average reliability record- better even than newer Honda Fits.If you like small cars please test drive this before buying!! I am NOT affiliated with Mitsubishi but do appreciate a great deal...

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  Love My Mitsubishi - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Denae - September 1 - 6:06 pm

  This is the best car I have owned. It runs sreat, has a nice ride, is very sporty, and gets up and goes! This car is a nice piece of work from Mitsubishi!

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  Mitsubushi DE Coupe 2000 - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By depawindu - August 19 - 4:43 am

  I bought this great little car new and it runs faithfully with almost no maintenance. Its paint began to oxidize on the top and flat surfaces after 8 years. The electric windows both broke after 4 and 5 years. The turn signal failed at 8 years also.The DVD player broke after 3 years. Otherwise, it has been wonderful. Ive had one accident; it is incredibly strong and takes a hit and keeps going.

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  Mits Mirage 2014 - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By silenthill2007 - August 7 - 4:19 pm

  Needed a cheap car that would save a lot of gas. Had to travel far in Georgia to find a Mitsubishi dealership. I was attracted by the 11,899 price from the internet website. That is the price of the white, manual, with nothing, after all the incentives which I didn`t qualify. I only got the $1,500 discount. They screwed up the price. After I saw the numbers and calculated well I was able to afford the Automatic one. 600 to get another color/ NO 1,500 for the automatic/ YES I ended up with the blue automatic with Bluetooth. At the end I am getting 50 MPG instead of 44! The car has a horrible bouncing and looks like it is going to roll over.

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  Cant justify getting rid of it. - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By kirk - August 4 - 3:30 am

  Have had my 98 for about 8 yrs. Averaged 34 mpg, and have seen 45 mpg on straight highway driving. Put on a cold air intake and now it sounds more throaty. Very reliable. Never been in the shop. Lots of room to work on engine. (its smaller than some motorcycles engines). I always talk about the mileage. Why get a hybrid, is what I Wonder.