Mitsubishi Mirage

Name: 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
Brand: Mitsubishi

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.

First 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 Small cars Reliability

No Data Available

Crash and Rollover 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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Crash and Rollover 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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Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mitsubishi vs. Other New Car Brands

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Mitsubishi vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash and Rollover 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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2002 Small cars (2-door) Ratings

2002 Mitsubishi Mirage

$2,850

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Honda Civic

$3,025 - $4,825

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Golf

$3,075 - $4,500

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small cars (2-door) Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

Front

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

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.

Read more about extended warranties

coupe

5-speed Manual
4-speed Automatic

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

Model History

2014-

Current Generation

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. Further lowering its standing is its poor score in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.

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.