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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  Update - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By pwernich - February 19 - 4:20 am

  I have now put another 5,000 miles on my Mirage (see earlier review) and still enjoying it but discovering some new flaws. For a car with a sticker price of $18,000 I feel it is lacking many basics including an armrest, sliding sunvisors with mirrors, and lighted door controls (windows, locks, and side mirror controls on dash). I dont like fumbling around at night trying to find the buttons.Gas mileage in town is not impressive and on the highway I average about 37 (driving 70+). Now if I drive like a grandpa I have actually hit 51 mpgs before, but that is very rare.Other cars with bigger engines and more horsepower get about the same mileage. The dash has started vibrating/rattling too.

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  2001 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Sedan - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By herrstrauss - February 8 - 10:18 am

  Hi, I purchased my 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Sedan back in August, of 2011. I paid $1,500.00 cash for the car, the odometer read 160,000 miles, I thought I was buying a dying car, or a car on the verge of death. (at the time I knew nothing about Mitsubishi). But this car has been anything but a dying car, it has been a great first car. Ive even gone as far as naming my car buster. This is a terrific starter car for anyone, old, middle aged, or young. Almost little to no maintenance, get in and drive. This car has never let me down. The Japanese really built an amazing car. I personally thank Mitsubishi motors for building a superb vehicle that was built with quality in mind.

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  Wifes little zoom-zoom - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By dnkfisher - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this little car for my Minister wife. She drove 120 miles each time on her church circuit, for 3 years. NEVER did she have a problem, even on icy roads, or rainy weather. Only thing replaced was the battery after 3 years. It is also "zippy" enough to get my license suspended for 6 months. Great starter or for a second car.

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  Should be better - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By KY Driver - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Bad resale vaue, had frequent problems with the "check engine soon" light, good fule economy.

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  I LOVE my car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By lalalaaa - December 12 - 2:21 pm

  This car is awesome. I bought it used in 2008, it had 2 previous owners, one for a year or two and the other for about 6 years before i bought it. This thing is sturdy. Ive hit things, Ive been hit and it will not quit. Ive got some pretty bad cosmetic damage. Like, really bad, but i just cant bring myself to give it up because i have not had any major mechanical issues. My mother has a much newer Mazda 6, that she has had both transmission and alternator issues with. The most serious thing i had to get replaced thus far is a bearing. I need to get my exhaust manifold replaced because it is making my car kinda loud, so that is next on the list, but i wont give this car up until I HAVE to

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  Environmentalists rejoice! - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By dkuethe - November 11 - 1:22 am

  Mirage is ONLY car in its class in North America in 2014. Other "small" non-hybrid, 5-passenger cars do not have acceptable fuel economy. Mine: 20 km/l (47 mpg) for 65 mph and slower combined rural and Albuquerque driving. At Western US highway speeds, 70 to 75 mph, with full load and air conditioner in the summer 16.6 km/l (39 mpg). A bit over-powered for fuel efficient car. Can climb a 6% grade at 120 km/h (75 mph) with a full load at 1700 m (5600 ft) elevation — with alacrity. Engines achieve best efficiency just below maximum power, so most of time it is operating with lower efficiency. Feat requires over 50 kW (66 hp) so engine probably exceeds 56kW (74 hp) rating.

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  Mirage no more.... - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By pilkerton21 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This car was not what I expected. After actually being in it for a time period, it is very small and uncomfortable. I have also had to replace the dash which quit working all together(speedometer, odometer, gas gague, and temp. gague.)only a year after purchased, and both rear hubb assemblies this past summer. I would not buy one again.

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  So Far So Good - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Jonathan - October 28 - 4:06 pm

  So far this has been the best car Ive owned. I drive this about 25 miles to work in stop and go traffic mainly and have taken it on road trips to Vegas. The AC is OK and it did beutifully in the 119 degree weather. I get about 28 mpg on a normal day and got about 34 mpg on my road trip. It handles great and is pretty quiet for this class of car, though there is some wind noise around the windows. Its speakers are pretty good. It is lacking in low-end torque, but has enough juice to get me out of hairy situations. I had one problem with the A/C draining water into the car, but it was a two second fix. The tube had clogged and a little squeeze was all it took. Keep up on the oil changes!

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  compact and sporty - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Rachel ALA - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car, and I would highly recomend it to any young driver. Its sporty, and handles extremely well. Compared to other manual vehicles, the Mirage shifts gears very easily. There is an issue with interior room if passengers are large or tall, but that can be expected with a compact car. The silver paint also seems to chip relatively easily. Overall, this car is perfect for a driver who carries few passengers at a time and is looking for a reliable, small, sporty car.

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  follow up to earlier review - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By mattwc1 - September 1 - 1:43 am

  I believe a truly accurate review on a vehicle should include proper time/mileage increments. I currently have almost 150k on my 01 ES Sedan. My opinion has not changes since my last review. I average between 31- 35mph on mostly highway commutes. This vehicle has not let me down. The engine while slow is smooth and reliable. The transmission works well with the engine. The car is much more comfortable than its size belies. I do agree that cruise control would be nice, the paint chips easily, and a tachometer should be standard. However, considering that I have not had a car payment in 5 years and the car is so easy to keep and maintain, I will gladly live without. only 1 non pm fix; AC line