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1993
Mitsubishi Mirage

Starts at:
$7,879
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New 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Coupe S 5-Spd
    Starts at
    $7,879
    See all specs
  • 2dr Coupe ES 5-Spd
    Starts at
    $9,029
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sedan S 5-Spd
    Starts at
    $9,629
    See all specs
  • 2dr Coupe LS 5-Spd
    Starts at
    $10,379
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sedan ES 5-Spd
    Starts at
    $10,679
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sedan LS 5-Spd
    Starts at
    $12,289
    See all specs

The good & the bad

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Expert 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

It may be more difficult these days to buy a $12,000 subcompact car than it is a $60,000 luxury machine.

There are dozens of small cars that sell for between $10,000 and $12,000. You could spend hours comparing and test driving and still not find the right car.

On the surface, this week’s test car looks like a fine entry into the crowded subcompact field. Mitsubishi gave the Mirage CoupeL S a stylish new body, an attractive set of five-spoke alloy wheels, and made it available in a rainbow of bright and sporty new colors.

But a closer look reveals that the Mirage doesn’t quite measure up to competitors such as the Geo Prizm, Saturn SL1 and Ford Escort.

PERFORMANCE

The Coupe LS version – the up-level model – features Mitsubishi’s 1.8-liter, 16-valve four cylinder. This engine develops 113 horsepower; that compares the 92 horsepower available in the 1.5-liter engine in the base model Mirage.

Despite its sporting aspirations, the Mirage Coupe LS is not a pulse-quickening mount. The engine offers respectable performance, but it always lets you know are driving an economy car.

The engine is a bit loud when revved, and a notchy shifter made gear changes stiff and balky.

With the air conditioner on, the engine idled roughly and seemed ready to stall several times.

In rush-hour traffic, the Mirage can be tiring to drive. If you dislike shifting, this is one car where the optional four-speed automatic may be the better choice.

However, fuel economy was excellent. In combined city/highway driving, the test car returned 36 miles per gallon on regular unleaded. On a trip to New Smyrna Beach and back – about 120 miles – I calculated fuel consumption of 41 mpg.

HANDLING

Reasonably sporty is the best way to describe the Mirage.

In most situations it’s a well-mannered and agile car that’s easy to steer, stop and control. Standard equipment includes power-assisted rack and pinion steering, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension.

But the Mirage Coupe LS is not a high-performance machine. And it does not feel as solid as a Saturn or Escort sedan.

During the week I spent with the Coupe LS, I noticed a bothersome trait. Heavy gusts of wind tended to blow the 2,127-pound car slightly off course. The Mirage may be susceptible to being bothered by high winds because it weighs so little.

FIT AND FINISH

Interior design and attention to driver and passenger comfort is the Mirage’s strong point.

For a small car, the Mirage offers excellent room for both front and rear passengers. It has about the same front legroom as the midsize Acura Vigor. Its trunk can swallow a lot of cargo – something on the order of eight grocery bags or two suitcases. The rear seats split and fold forward to accommodate longer items.

The interior layout is simple and efficient, though not really stylish. All the switches are sensibl y located and labeled and easy to use.

Unlike many small cars these days, the Mirage does not have a driver’s side air bag. Instead it comes with motorized shoulder belts and manual lap belts. Because the shoulder belts automatically swing into place when the ignition key is turned on and because the driver and passenger have to remember to manually connect the lap belts, some might view this setup as an inconvenience.

Visibility is excellent. Though the Mirage is a subcompact, you never feel claustrophobic. And I couldn’t find any production flaws in the test car.

If you are in the market for an economy car, the Mirage is one of the nicest looking. But if an air bag is important to you, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Truett’s tip: Mitsubishi has done a nice job restyling its entry-level subcompact. But cosmetic improvements aside, the new car doesn’t really perform much better than last year’s model. And there’s still no air bag.

1993 Mitsubishi Mirage review: Our expert's take
By

It may be more difficult these days to buy a $12,000 subcompact car than it is a $60,000 luxury machine.

There are dozens of small cars that sell for between $10,000 and $12,000. You could spend hours comparing and test driving and still not find the right car.

On the surface, this week’s test car looks like a fine entry into the crowded subcompact field. Mitsubishi gave the Mirage CoupeL S a stylish new body, an attractive set of five-spoke alloy wheels, and made it available in a rainbow of bright and sporty new colors.

But a closer look reveals that the Mirage doesn’t quite measure up to competitors such as the Geo Prizm, Saturn SL1 and Ford Escort.

PERFORMANCE

The Coupe LS version – the up-level model – features Mitsubishi’s 1.8-liter, 16-valve four cylinder. This engine develops 113 horsepower; that compares the 92 horsepower available in the 1.5-liter engine in the base model Mirage.

Despite its sporting aspirations, the Mirage Coupe LS is not a pulse-quickening mount. The engine offers respectable performance, but it always lets you know are driving an economy car.

The engine is a bit loud when revved, and a notchy shifter made gear changes stiff and balky.

With the air conditioner on, the engine idled roughly and seemed ready to stall several times.

In rush-hour traffic, the Mirage can be tiring to drive. If you dislike shifting, this is one car where the optional four-speed automatic may be the better choice.

However, fuel economy was excellent. In combined city/highway driving, the test car returned 36 miles per gallon on regular unleaded. On a trip to New Smyrna Beach and back – about 120 miles – I calculated fuel consumption of 41 mpg.

HANDLING

Reasonably sporty is the best way to describe the Mirage.

In most situations it’s a well-mannered and agile car that’s easy to steer, stop and control. Standard equipment includes power-assisted rack and pinion steering, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension.

But the Mirage Coupe LS is not a high-performance machine. And it does not feel as solid as a Saturn or Escort sedan.

During the week I spent with the Coupe LS, I noticed a bothersome trait. Heavy gusts of wind tended to blow the 2,127-pound car slightly off course. The Mirage may be susceptible to being bothered by high winds because it weighs so little.

FIT AND FINISH

Interior design and attention to driver and passenger comfort is the Mirage’s strong point.

For a small car, the Mirage offers excellent room for both front and rear passengers. It has about the same front legroom as the midsize Acura Vigor. Its trunk can swallow a lot of cargo – something on the order of eight grocery bags or two suitcases. The rear seats split and fold forward to accommodate longer items.

The interior layout is simple and efficient, though not really stylish. All the switches are sensibl y located and labeled and easy to use.

Unlike many small cars these days, the Mirage does not have a driver’s side air bag. Instead it comes with motorized shoulder belts and manual lap belts. Because the shoulder belts automatically swing into place when the ignition key is turned on and because the driver and passenger have to remember to manually connect the lap belts, some might view this setup as an inconvenience.

Visibility is excellent. Though the Mirage is a subcompact, you never feel claustrophobic. And I couldn’t find any production flaws in the test car.

If you are in the market for an economy car, the Mirage is one of the nicest looking. But if an air bag is important to you, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Truett’s tip: Mitsubishi has done a nice job restyling its entry-level subcompact. But cosmetic improvements aside, the new car doesn’t really perform much better than last year’s model. And there’s still no air bag.

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 5 years / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
Remainder of original 5 years / 60,000 miles
Dealer certification
123-point inspection

Consumer reviews

3.0 / 5
Based on 1 review
Write a review
Comfort 2.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 3.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 3.0
Reliability 4.0
  • Great little car!

    When new the car averaged 42 mpg on the highway and 34 around town. Thirteen years later it still gets 40 mpg on the highway and 30 around town. Acceleration is spirited but not neck snapping. It's small size makes it easy to drive around town. It is easy to drive in the snow. It is not a great car to drive long distances. The seats do not provide enough support. Overall, mechanically the car has had no major issues. Besides the usual maintenance, here is what had to be replaced: Battery after 18 months Air conditioner compressor clutch at year 8 Water pump at year 7 Brake shoes at 40,000 miles at year 3 Tires every 20,000 miles (and I drive very mildly) A few days ago the seat belt retractor stopped working. The trunk is reasonably large for a small car. The engine layout allows easy access to spark plugs, oil filter, etc.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage?

The 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage is available in 3 trim levels:

  • ES (2 styles)
  • LS (2 styles)
  • S (2 styles)

Is the 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?

The 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage owners.

Is the 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.0 / 5
Based on 1 reviews
  • Comfort: 2.0
  • Interior: 3.0
  • Performance: 3.0
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 3.0
  • Reliability: 4.0

Mitsubishi Mirage history

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