2014 MITSUBISHI Mirage

A modern take on the original VW beetle

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

I have owned this car for just over a year now, and have approximately 22,000 miles on it. This car is a great value as it gets unbelievable to MPGs and comes with an outstanding warranty. It is also cheaper to insure than its competitors. I have driven this car in all types of conditions nclude up Vermont snow covered mountains (with studded snow tires), driven on muddy dirt roads, and have taken numerous long trips on the highway. All of which it does well. I don't know what the reviewers are talking about when they criticize this cars performance. It does well doing what it was designed to do. It is inexpensive, utilitarian, reliable transportation. Think a modern version of the original VW bug. Its inexpensive, fun, quirky, and doesn't resemble everything else on the road. Being said, the car is also fun to drive. I think it goes without saying that this car will not give you the driving experience of launching you back in your seat when you hit the gas. It does give you the type of fun driving experience that is associated with driving a lightweight car that you can whip around corners, and in my opinion the car has a very nice exhaust note while doing so. Many of the professional car reviewers over dramatize this cars ability on the highway. It has adequate acceleration, and does fine at higher speeds. If you are the type who needs a fancy vehicle and a $500 plus car payment to feel good about yourself, this car will not fit the bill. If you are looking to save money while enjoying a fun little car, give this one a try.

Great economy car, but should have recall issued.

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: Performance Rating: Interior Rating: Reliability Rating: Safety Rating: Technology Rating: Value Rating:

Love this car, and it's decently quick with a 5 speed. It's light and flickable. Gets the job done, and there's aftermarket performace support. BUT, there's a huge problem that Mitsubishi should be making a recall for. The rear alignment is non-adjustable, and can't even be shimmed. The spindles are welded directly to the axle. So, if your rear toe or camber is out of spec (which 95% of these seem to be), they'll just say there's nothing they can do, and you'll watch your tires wear out unevenly and quickly. As this is clearly a manufacturer's defect, it should be addressed by Mitsubishi, and since it's affecting such a large number of cars, it should be made a recall. New rear axles with bolted-on spindles (not welded) should be manufactured and installed on every 2012- Mirage sold around the world with out-of-spec rear alignments.

Update

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I have now put another 5,000 miles on my Mirage (see earlier review) and still enjoying it but discovering some new flaws. For a car with a sticker price of $18,000 I feel it is lacking many basics including an armrest, sliding sunvisors with mirrors, and lighted door controls (windows, locks, and side mirror controls on dash). I don't like fumbling around at night trying to find the buttons.Gas mileage in town is not impressive and on the highway I average about 37 (driving 70+). Now if I drive like a grandpa I have actually hit 51 mpg's before, but that is very rare.Other cars with bigger engines and more horsepower get about the same mileage. The dash has started vibrating/rattling too.

It's NOT your Dads HOT ROD

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought One of thee Mitsubishi Mirage's, in late Nov. 2014.. The DE Model, (Automatic CVT), Sapphire blue.. For a First time buyer, It truly is a great car, Or for commuters.. It IS comfy driving, though seat adjustment/Steering Wheel could use a Improvement.. Noise Isn't really to bad, Annoying getting Off the starting Line, (green lights), though the Majority of the noise comes from the Transmission/Engine Combination, which IMOP could be Eliminated with noise dampening materials in the Firewall area(s), without sacrificing weight.. Going on Long trips, 600+ on I-40 is YES; is treacherously "fun",, Be prepared for the "side draft" from Big Rigs as they pass you, or them vice-versa..

Quirky and Charming

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3 Safety Rating: 3 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 3

I've owned my Mitsubishi Mirage ES for just shy of 2yrs and 38,000 miles now. I stepped down to this car from a 2012 Nissan Versa SV sedan. That's my basis for comparison. I don't have a lead foot and quickly adjusted to having only 74hp in the Mirage. I find the power adequate...unless the air conditioning is on or I have to accelerate from 0 to 45+mph with the flow of traffic. This little car just can't accelerate fast enough to keep up without pushing the engine hard. The air conditioning compressor saps a lot of power from the engine. On the plus side, the auto climate control and AC work great, even in hot Florida. I've got to be frank about the transmission. It's pretty terrible. It clunks upon initial acceleration. It clunks when coming to a stop. Half the time, while accelerating, it over-revs the engine while providing less power. I've discovered if I let off the throttle a bit, then lay back into the throttle, it corrects itself and provides more "oomph" with lower RPMs. I thought this is just life with a CVT. The CVT in my Versa was terrible as well. Then I drove my mom's new 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and was extremely impressed with the behavior of its CVT. Always delivers power in a silky smooth manner. No clunks or associated noises. The ride is very comfortable due to the softly tuned suspension. Unfortunately, the handling is sloppy as a result. Contributing to the poor handling is the very light, vague steering response. It's only bothersome to me when driving on curvy country roads when it's very apparent. Thankfully, I live in a more urban area now where it's not an issues for me. The interior is attractive and quite comfortable. Good ergonomics. Comfy seat and driving position. Controls are large, well-labelled, and logical in operation. My only interior complaint is that everything in the instrument panel glows orange. Orange needles on orange dials. Looks bland and cheap. Otherwise very happy with the interior. Like the vast majority of Mirage owners, I've had an airbag sensor fail causing the airbag light to come on, as well as having the rear wheel alignment issue for which Mitsubishi currently has no remedy. Otherwise, the overall quality of the car is proving pretty good. MUCH better than my Nissan Versa. Overall, you're basically getting what you pay for with the Mirage and you have to keep your expectations realistic and focus on the positive. It's low-price, good fuel economy, comfortable interior, and low overall running costs make it a good value for those who need basic transportation on a budget. If you want a small car and can afford a bit more , I recommend something like a Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, etc. For the time being though, I am perfectly content with driving my Mirage.

Don't believe the negative hype....

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought my 2014 Mirage with less than 5,000 miles and got a great deal. I have the blue one with the navigation/back-up camera/info-tainment system, ground effects kit, and interior ambient lighting. It is very sporty and unique looking. I average 40-45 mpg's and I am an agrressive driver. I recently drove over an hour in high winds and hard rain and the Mirage handled like a champ. It accelerates to my satisfaction and the car has a great warranty (5/60 bumper to bumper). I disagree with all those so called "experts" who bash this car. The Mirage has a low price, gets super gas mileage, and a terrific warranty. If you have reasonable expectations you won't be disappointed. Test drive one.

Love my little car!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

After much debate and research I decided on the mirage as my new car .. My top reasons being gas mileage, cuteness and color. I've had it for 6 months it has driven over large branches in the road, huge puddles and handles snow like a pro. I've tried making it slide without luck. 2 large adults fit comfortably in the front seats .. There is a substantial amount of cargo room in back .. And I have zero issue whipping past other vehicles.. The fact that it doesn't make the loud Vrrroom noise of other cars is misleading .. It goes .. Just quietly. Absolutely love my car and can't wait to take it on more road trips!! I got hit hard 2 days after purchase..Kept all occupants safe and fought back

Best buy in it's class

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased this car a couple of months ago and use it every day for commuting. It is not noisy, it is not sluggish, and the interior appointments are well laid out and the ride is comfortable. I have gotten 40+ mpg no matter if I drive conservatively or the way I am used to, by "feeling" when to shift and accelerate. I love all the standard features such as keyless entry, Bluetooth, USB input, cruise control, automatic climate control, traction control, antilock breaks, electronic stability control, tire pressure management system, and despite what the "critics" say you cannot buy a car with all this for less money from any other brand, period. I know, I did my research for quite some time

Loving this lil car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought a 2015 Mirage a week ago and I absolutely love it. I have owned hybrids for the last 8 years and our other car is a 2006 Honda Insight, a true mileage champion. I have yet to be out on the highway with the Mirage, but city driving for me is consistently at 45-47 mpg. This is a fun car. I do not understand the harsh reviews as I think this car is a joy to drive. The seats are comfortable and the car handles nicely. When I went to the dealership, I was not planning to buy one of these cars. I did not think I would like it. I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival at how much more I liked the car in person. The dealership was well stocked and had every color the car

Not a Metro

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I have been a long term auto enthusiast and almost missed this car due to my reliance on the opinions of the professional "reviewers"” out there, but, in my opinion they sure missed it here. I traded in my 08 Kia Optima and took the Mitsu Mirage ES CVT on a 700 mile road trip home. I couldn't believe it at first, but, the car is set up to travel. I've got 9,000 miles on it now and after 5 pleasant months, I still think the seats, comfortable ride, and road noise are better in this car than in my Optima! And, I got 44 mpg at 75 MPH (58 mpg at 60 MPH with a 25 MPH tailwind) with the A/C on!!!! Those other reviewers should go drive a Geo Metro before hopping in this car just to gain a

Environmentalists rejoice!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: Technology Rating: Value Rating:

Mirage is ONLY car in its class in North America in 2014. Other "small" non-hybrid, 5-passenger cars do not have acceptable fuel economy. Mine: 20 km/l (47 mpg) for 65 mph and slower combined rural and Albuquerque driving. At Western US highway speeds, 70 to 75 mph, with full load and air conditioner in the summer 16.6 km/l (39 mpg). A bit over-powered for fuel efficient car. Can climb a 6% grade at 120 km/h (75 mph) with a full load at 1700 m (5600 ft) elevation — with alacrity. Engines achieve best efficiency just below maximum power, so most of time it is operating with lower efficiency. Feat requires over 50 kW (66 hp) so engine probably exceeds 56kW (74 hp) rating. Update April 2016: still a great car. My combined: 50 mpg (by recording odometer and ant of gas at fill up). Like many cars these days, rear visibility is bad; check your blind spots!

Great value. Fun cheap drive.

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

Overall, a great fuel saver and a fun little ride. Some complain about the CVT and its "growing" or sounding like "an angry vacuum," but I enjoy its capabilities in the mountains and highway riding. Driving easy (45-55 mph under 3000 rpm) I average between 45 and 55 mpgs. Next to my old 2002 Cavalier 2.4, this is my favorite fuel efficient car to drive. If I didn't have payments left on a Jeep Patriot (CVT also) I'd get a second one of these. Only downfall is sudden braking with curves, but a good driver will not present them self with this issue.

Hey, for the price???

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I just got out of an AUDI A3. I had a 1996 Mirage back in the day...and after my last car was totaled, I wanted to re-visit this fun little economy-car. It is all you can ask for from a 3 cylinder. I have the manual 5 speed trans and while city gas mileage is not as good as the CVT auto...it does not disappoint! Super cute DE package...soooo fun to drive! There is a bit of sway...but nothing serious. Dealer installed 15" white spoke sport tires (really makes a BIG difference in the car's handling). Push button start, Hands free phone and EVERY sound option you could want...makes this convenient and practical for us that work on the run. Hey for the money...this little car cannot be beat!

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car as I finally decided to try a small car, coming out of an 2012 F150 and a 2011 Genesis, which are the types of vehicles I am used to driving. This is not a Cadillac, Lexus or Mercedes, and it's not a BMW or Corvette. So don't expect the luxury and handling you would get in one of those vehicles. Having come out of some very nice vehicles, this one is pretty impressive considering the price and the gas mileage. I read all the bad reviews before I bought but decided to go test drive one and judge for myself, and was I surprised. I think the criticism's levied at this vehicle are greatly exaggerated, to the benefit of its competitors. But the MPG is for real, outstanding

New Mitsubishi Mirage 2014

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating:

Needed a cheap car that would save a lot of gas. Had to travel far in Georgia to find a Mitsubishi dealership. I was attracted by the 11,899 price from the internet website. That is the price of the white, manual, with nothing, after all the incentives which I didn`t qualify. I only got the $1,500 discount. They screwed up the price. After I saw the numbers and calculated well I was able to afford the Automatic one. 600 to get another color/ NO 1,500 for the automatic/ YES I ended up with the blue automatic with Bluetooth. At the end I am getting 54.1 MPG instead of 44! The car has a horrible bouncing and looks like it is going to roll over with the regular tires. Today in 2016 changed to Bridgestone tires, aligment, front right shock absorber (should change all of them but no money.), right wheel cover, Pyle dvd radio, seat covers, mirror on right sun visor, wipers, dome light die too soon and better jack. Tires at 38 psi. No body locally sells parts for the car. You have to special order from Mitsubishi.

great car for the money

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned this care for 4 moths. The best mpg of any care I have driven not to mention the price. The only thing I can't figure out is why all the so called professional reviewers give it such poor reviews. I think if your in the market for a inexpensive car with great mpg read the owners review and take one for a test drive you will be pleasantly surprised. 8363 owners can't be wrong this year.

I dont understand the bad reviews

Performance: 2 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Seems like car reviewers focus on how horrible the car is. Depends on what you are looking for. I hate the big bloated heavy cars everyone seems to love. I wanted a warranty, cheap to buy and cheap to drive. Car scores huge on all points there. It also has nice features for the price. I reccomend the ES manual with no extra options. CVT is for the lazy, and it adds a lot to the price of the car. It has a growly engine sound (I find this a positive not a negative). Handling can be improved greatly by adding a $200 rear sway bar. Styling is so so. Interior is hard plastic but seems like there is very little to break. It is designed to be practical and durable. No defects so far

My Little Weatherproof Motorcycle

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I love this car! It gives me everything I need: a roof, an engine, and wheels. You will be hard pressed to find a less expensive new car, and even harder pressed to find one with this kind of gas mileage. I, too came from a Nissan Versa, and while that was cheaper, it didn't get anywhere near this mileage. I'm able to get it up to 56 mpg if I drive it right, and that's on the hilly back roads of NH. If you want to punch it ;) , you can still average around 30ish. The interior is larger than the Spark and Fiesta, power windows and locks are standard, and it's been a pleasure to own so far. For the economically minded, this car can't be beat.

2014 Mirage ES CVT - Great little car!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

Mirage ES w/ CVT automatic, and Navigation. Excellent car, 3,200 miles to date and zero problems - just keeps on getting better! As of October 2013 the base model was the least expensive new car available in the USA, even though it had far more standard features than the 2nd least expensive (Nissan Versa). At 43,000 miles I average 48 to 52, but I've gotten over 60 MPG on longer trips at a steady 55 MPH. My MPG keeps improving as the car gets more miles on it. Great in snow, even without switching to winter tires. 6" is deepest snow driven in so far. Only unscheduled maintenance/ repair: replaced one headlight bulb ($9.00). Other than that, just wash, wax, rotate & balance tires, change oil & filter every 10K miles. Seats are very comfy even on long trips (e.g Madison WI, to St. Loius, MO and back, in one day). Great for parallel parking - small, short turning radius, and it has a backup camera. The appearance with the smaller wheels took some getting used to, but now even vans and trucks are going that way to save gas, and the smaller tires last as long and cost less to replace; mine show no evident wear at 43K miles.

Love my Mirage

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I was attracted to this car because of the low purchase price and low fuel costs - I get up to 48 MPG ! I think it is adorable and fun to drive. It is liberating to not feel the money flying out of your pockets every time you go somewhere. I previously drove a Jeep and got about 15 MPG. It is full of standard features and does not feel like a cheap car at all. My Jeep was a 2005 loaded limited edition - and I do not feel deprived at all making the change. Great bargain, reliable, and feels like you spent more than you did. Great size to sneak into small parking spaces.

Cute!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I was unsure of this car, but my husband liked the safety features, so I agreed to test drive it. I like the fact that I get such killer gas mileage, and it always starts right up! Plus it's easy to find a place to park. It's not real great on the freeway, but driving around town it's awesome. All in all, I would do it again.