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Mitsubishi Mirage
Sedan · Gas · 19 versions · owner report
Ranked #4 of 7 used subcompact cars on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (210 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2024
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Strongly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by high satisfaction with the vehicle's core value proposition of extreme affordability, exceptional fuel economy, and proven mechanical reliability.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentVery slow acceleration
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in approximately 10.9 seconds, lack of power for highway passing and merging, described as "not enough power to get out of its own way.".
- Very frequentExcessive road and wind noise
Noticeable at highway speeds, particularly above 70 mph (113 km/h), thin sound insulation.
- RecurrentFirm/uncomfortable ride
Described as "tagtag" (bumpy), transmits road imperfections, firm suspension.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentCheap interior materials
Hard plastics, basic design, perceived as low-rent compared to segment competitors.
- IsolatedSmall fuel tank
Approximately 8-gallon capacity limits highway range between fill-ups.
- IsolatedCity fuel economy discrepancy
Real-world city MPG may be lower than EPA estimates, especially with short trips and stop-and-go traffic.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to specify a preferred trim or model year. Feedback spans multiple generations (2014-2024) with no single version highlighted as superior. The manual transmission is mentioned favorably by some enthusiasts, but the CVT is also defended by owners who follow strict maintenance schedules. The G4 sedan variant is mentioned alongside the hatchback without a clear preference.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Spark, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Kia Rio.
Is the Mirage right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Strongly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by high satisfaction with the vehicle's core value proposition of extreme affordability, exceptional fuel economy, and proven mechanical reliability. The community feedback consistently highlights that the Mirage excels as a dedicated, low-cost transportation appliance, offering significant savings on purchase price, fuel, insurance, and maintenance. A very frequent and dominant theme is the stark contrast between the negative perceptions from professional reviewers or casual drivers and the overwhelmingly positive experiences reported by actual owners. Criticisms, while acknowledged, are generally framed as acceptable trade-offs for the low cost of entry. The primary drawbacks noted are very slow acceleration, a firm and sometimes uncomfortable ride, excessive road noise, and a cheap, basic interior. The consensus indicates deep appreciation from budget-focused buyers who prioritize practicality and operating costs over performance, refinement, or features.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the most affordable and fuel-efficient new car option in its market, often cited as undercutting competitors on purchase price. Compared to the Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Spark, it is viewed as offering superior fuel economy and a lower cost of entry. Versus mainstream competitors like the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris, it is acknowledged as being more basic, slower, and less refined but significantly cheaper to buy and run. Discussions position it not as a competitor to modern crossovers but as a purpose-built econobox for maximizing value. It is frequently described as a "beater car" or "true definition of a beater car" in a positive sense, emphasizing its role as durable, inexpensive transportation.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission suggested by some for driving engagement and potential simplicity, though the CVT is deemed acceptable with proper care. All-wheel drive is not mentioned. Specific recommendations center entirely on maintenance: use of high-quality synthetic oil (with some owners recommending 5W-40 over 0W-20 in hot climates), strict adherence to CVT fluid change intervals (drain and fill every 30,000 miles, with pan service every 60,000 miles), and use of specified CVT fluid (Mitsubishi J4, Idemitsu N3, or Redline Non Slip). Premium fuel (93 octane) and periodic fuel treatment are recommended by some owners despite the engine accepting regular fuel. Snow tires are recommended for winter driving due to the car's light weight.
General recommendations
Highly recommended for budget-conscious buyers seeking new or nearly-new, ultra-low-cost transportation with minimal operating expenses. Ideal for urban commuters, delivery/gig economy workers, young drivers, and as a secondary "beater" car. Strongly recommended for those who prioritize fuel economy (40+ MPG consistently reported) and reliability over acceleration, luxury, or quietness. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts, those who frequently merge onto high-speed highways, or buyers who place a premium on interior quality, ride comfort, or cabin noise. Essential to test drive on a highway to evaluate personal tolerance for acceleration and noise. Negotiate aggressively on price, especially on remaining new inventory as the model has been discontinued. Plan for and religiously adhere to the specific CVT maintenance schedule to ensure long-term reliability. Consider the vehicle's very light weight and small size in the context of sharing roads with larger trucks and SUVs.
Remarks
The Mitsubishi Mirage was discontinued after the 2024 model year. Owner discussions indicate the primary reason for its cancellation was that owners tended to keep the vehicles long-term rather than trading up to more profitable Mitsubishi models, negating its intended role as an entry-level product. The 3A92 1.2L 3-cylinder engine is repeatedly praised for its proven reliability and longevity, with references to it being part of a decades-old engine family with known durability. The JATCO CVT7 transmission receives significant attention; while it has a poor reputation in more powerful Nissan applications, owners and a master mechanic report it is understressed in the low-power Mirage and can achieve high mileage (175,000+ miles) with strict, frequent fluid changes. A strong community defense exists against negative professional reviews, with owners asserting that the car is perfectly capable of sustained highway travel at 75-85 mph (121-137 km/h) despite its lack of power. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions spanning 2014-2024 model years.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2017. Years to avoid: 2017, 2014, 2001, 2000Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Mitsubishi Mirage years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 | 0 | steering |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2022 | 5 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 4 | 0 | air bags |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 | engine |
| 2019 | 11 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 21 | 2 | air bags |
| 2017 | 56 | 3 | air bags |
| 2016 | 1 | 1 | exterior lighting |
| 2015 | 39 | 2 | service brakes |
| 2014 | 44 | 3 | air bags |
| 2002 | 12 | 4 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2001 | 34 | 5 | vehicle speed control |
| 2000 | 36 | 5 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices41 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2018 · air bagscampaign 17V686000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mirage vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations such as those from poor road conditions or a flat tire to be a sensor error thereby disabling the air bags from deploying in a crash.
2018 · air bagscampaign 19V330000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mirage G4 vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations, such as from poor road conditions or a flat tire, as a malfunction and disable all the vehicle's air bags.
2017 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 16V675000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2017 Mirage vehicles manufactured October 28, 2015, to August 4, 2016 and equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. The affected vehicles may have been assembled without the headlight horizontal adjustment lockout clips properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2017 · air bagscampaign 17V686000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mirage vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations such as those from poor road conditions or a flat tire to be a sensor error thereby disabling the air bags from deploying in a crash.
2017 · air bagscampaign 19V330000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mirage G4 vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations, such as from poor road conditions or a flat tire, as a malfunction and disable all the vehicle's air bags.
2016 · air bagscampaign 17V686000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mirage vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations such as those from poor road conditions or a flat tire to be a sensor error thereby disabling the air bags from deploying in a crash.
2015 · air bagscampaign 17V686000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mirage vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations such as those from poor road conditions or a flat tire to be a sensor error thereby disabling the air bags from deploying in a crash.
2015 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 15V815000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to September 2, 2015. If the driver enters an affected vehicle with their feet covered water and salt, it may soak through the carpet and cause corrosion to a wiring connector located in a junction box behind a kick panel to the left of the driver's footrest.
2014 · air bagscampaign 17V686000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mirage vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations such as those from poor road conditions or a flat tire to be a sensor error thereby disabling the air bags from deploying in a crash.
2014 · 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.
2014 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 15V815000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to September 2, 2015. If the driver enters an affected vehicle with their feet covered water and salt, it may soak through the carpet and cause corrosion to a wiring connector located in a junction box behind a kick panel to the left of the driver's footrest.
2002 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 04V428000
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
2002 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 09E025000
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2002 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2002 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
26 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
1.2 MIVEC
1.2L 3-cylinder · 80 hp · FWD · automatic (CVT)
Built 2020–2026