Mitsubishi Mirage

Name: 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
Brand: Mitsubishi

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The introduction of the Lancer sounds a death knell for the Mirage sedan, but, strangely, the coupe version endures through the 2002 model year. The Mirage's front seats are supportive and roomy enough, but the rear seat is cramped. The 1.8-liter, 111-hp Four in the LS version delivers adequate acceleration; a 1.5-liter, 92-hp Four is standard in the base car. The Mirage handles securely and predictably, and it's quiet for a small car. The interior feels airy and spacious in the front, but the trunk is rather small. Poor insurance-industry crash-test results, no ABS availability, and high depreciation detract from the package.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mitsubishi vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mitsubishi vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mitsubishi vs. Other New Car Brands

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2002 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2002 Mitsubishi Mirage

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,425

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Honda Civic

$2,900 - $4,825

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Honda Insight

$3,100

EPA MPG 65 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Hyundai Accent

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Hyundai Elantra

$2,775 - $2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Kia Rio

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Kia Spectra

$2,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mazda Protege

$2,925 - $3,425

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mini Cooper

$3,075 - $3,275

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,800 - $2,950

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Nissan Sentra

$2,800 - $3,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Subaru Impreza

$2,950 - $4,900

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Corolla

$3,325 - $3,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Prius

$3,150

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Golf

$2,975 - $4,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $4,075

EPA MPG 38 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

coupe

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.5-liter 4 (92 hp)
1.8-liter 4 (111 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2014-2024

2014 Redesign Year

Mitsubishi's tiny, Thailand-built subcompact seems like an act of desperation, dressing a primitive Asia-market car with some upscale toys and calling it a day. Good points include a decent-enough ride, terrific 37-mpg fuel economy, and an accommodating rear seat. The up-level ES also brings a fancy radio, push-button start, auto climate system and Bluetooth. However, the weak, vibrating, and incredibly noisy three-cylinder engine provides sluggish acceleration, handling is clumsy, and the cabin is depressingly low-rent. 2024 is the final year for the Mirage.

1987-2002

1987 Redesign Year

The Mirage began as a small car with a jumpy, uncomfortable ride. The 1997 redesign brought vast improvements, including a relatively comfortable and quiet ride. The LS model's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivered better acceleration than the base model's 1.5-liter. The four-door Lancer replaced the Mirage in 2002.