Chevrolet
Spark
Mitsubishi
Mirage
Chevrolet Spark vs Mitsubishi Mirage: 2020 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mitsubishi Mirage comes out ahead of the Chevrolet Spark on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Spark
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, with a clear distinction between positive experiences with well-maintained examples and severe criticism focused on catastrophic transmission failures. A cohort of owners praises the Spark as a practical, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly well-equipped city car that is easy to drive and park, with some reporting trouble-free ownership beyond 30,000 miles. However, a very strong and specific criticism centers on the reliability of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), with multiple reports of complete failure, sometimes repeatedly, around the 120,000-140,000 mile mark, leading to stranded vehicles and significant repair costs.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a consensus "best" trim or model year. One owner specifically recommended purchasing a brand-new example to ensure full warranty coverage and avoid used-car reliability risks.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission failure: Complete failure requiring replacement, reported around 120,000-140,000 miles; some instances of replacement units failing again shortly thereafter. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠General reliability concerns: Broader perception of unreliability and frequent breakdowns beyond just the transmission, leading to consistent repair costs. Frequency: recurrent.
Mirage
Overall
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.
Best version to buy
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.
Known issues
- ⚠Very 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." Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Excessive road and wind noise: noticeable at highway speeds, particularly above 70 mph (113 km/h), thin sound insulation. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Firm/uncomfortable ride: described as "tagtag" (bumpy), transmits road imperfections, firm suspension. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mitsubishi Mirage is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Chevrolet Spark, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mitsubishi Mirage are a dealbreaker, the Chevrolet Spark is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Spark or the Mitsubishi Mirage?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mitsubishi Mirage than the Chevrolet Spark. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Spark or the Mitsubishi Mirage?
The Mitsubishi Mirage seats more passengers than the Chevrolet Spark on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Chevrolet Spark is classed as a Hatchback, the Mitsubishi Mirage as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Spark or the Mitsubishi Mirage?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Spark or the Mitsubishi Mirage?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.