Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (130 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2017
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on purchase context and expectations.
6 problems reported (4 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentSeverely limited range, especially in cold weather
Real-world range can drop to approximately 40 miles (64 km) in temperatures between 0-32°F (-18-0°C).
- RecurrentSignificant battery degradation
Cited alongside the first-generation Nissan Leaf as an EV with notable battery degradation issues, attributed in part to its air-cooled battery pack.
- RecurrentUnderpowered performance
Described as sluggish, with poor acceleration; notably lost a drag race against a Smart ED.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentBasic, uninspiring design and interior
Described as depressing to look at, feeling like a "golf cart," with a lack of features and refinement expected in a modern car.
- IsolatedCold weather inefficiency
Heater is described as "super inefficient," drastically reducing range; owners recommend using seat heaters and bundling up instead.
- IsolatedPotential safety compromises
Original Japanese Kei-car design did not meet US side-impact standards without modification, leading to a wider body for the US market; still not considered a particularly safe vehicle.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish between model years or trims. No specific "best" version is identified in the discussions.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Nissan Leaf, Smart ED (Smart Electric Drive), Ford Focus Electric, Chevrolet Volt and BMW i3.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on purchase context and expectations. Among owners who purchased the vehicle used for a very low price (e.g., $6,100 USD for a 2012 model with 22,000 miles), it is viewed positively as a reliable, economical "running around town" car, perfect for short commutes, school runs, and local errands. These owners appreciate its minimal maintenance costs and suitability as a first car or secondary urban vehicle. However, the vehicle is widely criticized in broader discussions for being a "pathetic little car," a "glorified golf cart," and uninspiring in design and performance. It is characterized as a bare-bones, early compliance EV with significant limitations, including very short range, poor cold-weather performance, and underwhelming acceleration. The consensus indicates that satisfaction is almost exclusively tied to acquiring the vehicle at a deep discount from its original high MSRP (approximately $40,000 USD), where it represents unique value, while purchasing near original price is considered a poor decision.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as one of the cheapest and most basic used EVs available, often found at lower prices than a used Nissan Leaf. It is consistently described as inferior to competitors in nearly every objective measure: it has less range than a Leaf, is slower than a Smart ED in acceleration, and offers a far less refined interior and feature set compared to an e-Golf, BMW i3, or Ford Focus Electric. Its primary advantage is its extremely low acquisition cost for a functional EV. It is also noted as being smaller and more city-friendly than the Leaf, with dimensions closer to a Kei car, but this comes with significant compromises in interior space, safety, and highway capability. It is not considered a viable option for those seeking performance, comfort, or any measure of luxury.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available on preferred configurations. One mention notes the US-market version was widened by over 10 cm to meet safety standards, altering its exterior appearance.
General recommendations
Suitable only as an ultra-low-cost second or third vehicle for predictable, short-range urban commuting (e.g., under 40 miles daily). Ideal for young drivers or as a dedicated city runabout. Strongly recommended to purchase used at a steep discount ($5,000-$12,000 USD range), never at or near its original $40,000 MSRP. NOT recommended as a primary vehicle. NOT recommended for drivers in cold climates, as range plummets and heater efficiency is very poor. NOT recommended for highway travel or any situation requiring passing power. Essential to have a second ICE or longer-range vehicle for trips. Test drive to confirm tolerance for its basic nature and performance. Verify battery health before purchase, as degradation is a known concern. Ensure access to convenient Level 1 or Level 2 charging, as the vehicle lacks DC fast charging capability (J-1772 port only).
Remarks
The i-MiEV is historically significant as one of the first modern mass-production EVs from a major manufacturer, launching in 2009 (2011 in the US). Owner discussions frequently contextualize it as a product that arrived "too early" and was too expensive at launch, which contributed to Mitsubishi's strategic challenges. Its powertrain and battery technology are seen as primitive compared to subsequent EVs. The vehicle's value proposition is almost entirely inverted: it was a poor value at its original $40,000 price but becomes a compelling niche purchase on the used market for a few thousand dollars, where its limitations are acceptable given the low cost. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and mentions across multiple forums.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices8 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2017 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 19V804000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
2017 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V793000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling all 2016-2017 i-MiEV vehicles, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2012 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 19V804000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V022000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012 and 2014 i-MiEV vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2012 · air bagscampaign 15V594000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to November 20, 2013, and 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles manufactured October 28, 2011, to September 7, 2012. Due to an increased resistance in the impact sensor for the air bag system, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal, side and/or curtain air bags when the SRS warning is illuminated, the frontal air bag may have a delayed deployment and/or the side and curtian air bag may not deploy at all.
2012 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 14V522000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 i-MiEV electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2009, to March 25, 2014. Due to either software programming or corrosion caused by road salt, the brake vacuum pump may stop functioning.
2012 · air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactivecampaign 12V372000
Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2012 i-MiEV vehicles manufactured between November 4, 2011, and December 22, 2011. Incompatibility between the air bag sensors and the self-diagnostic software may deactivate the frontal and side airbag system. Should this occur, the SRS warning lamp would illuminate to alert the driver.
2012 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assistcampaign 13V031000
Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling certain model year 2012 i-MiEV electric vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011, through September 7, 2012. The brake system vacuum pump may fail, causing the vacuum pump to be inoperable.
Specifications
16 kWh
Electric · 67 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2009–2020