2002
Mitsubishi Mirage

Starts at:
$11,937
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe DE 1.5L Manual
    Starts at
    $11,937
    32 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe DE 1.5L Auto
    Starts at
    $12,737
    28 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe LS 1.8L Manual
    Starts at
    $14,787
    29 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe LS 1.8L Auto
    Starts at
    $15,587
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Despite the emergence of the new and bigger Lancer sedan, Mitsubishi continues to offer the smaller Mirage, but only in coupe form; the sedan versions are now extinct. The base DE front-drive subcompact coupe has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while other models hold a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. An emergency release inside the trunk is new for 2002. All Mitsubishis, including the Mirage, are displaying a new triple-diamond chrome badge for 2002. In recent years, the entry-level Mirage sold primarily as a fleet vehicle.

Exterior
Measuring 168.1 inches long overall on a 95.1-inch wheelbase, the two-door Mirage is 53.5 inches high. Alloy wheels and a power sunroof are optional on the step-up LS edition, but these features are not available on the basic DE model.

Interior
Despite its claimed five-passenger capacity, riders can expect a tight fit in the rear seat. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a 100-watt stereo with a CD player, tachometer, six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat are standard on the LS coupe, but only selected options are available for the DE coupe. Passenger volume measures 85.6 cubic feet, and cargo space totals 12.5 cubic feet.

Under the Hood
The DE coupe comes with a 92-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and the LS uses a 111-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder. A five-speed-manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic with adaptive shift control is optional. Antilock brakes and side-impact airbags are not available.

Driving Impressions
Typically viewed as strictly basic transportation, the two-door Mirage has a minimally sized interior, but it is wholly capable of satisfactory motoring for a modest cash outlay. As expected, performance is more suitable with the larger LS engine and manual shift. Because of the larger Lancer’s emergence and expected popularity, tempting deals might be possible on whatever Mirages reach dealer showrooms.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

2002 Mitsubishi Mirage review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Despite the emergence of the new and bigger Lancer sedan, Mitsubishi continues to offer the smaller Mirage, but only in coupe form; the sedan versions are now extinct. The base DE front-drive subcompact coupe has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while other models hold a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. An emergency release inside the trunk is new for 2002. All Mitsubishis, including the Mirage, are displaying a new triple-diamond chrome badge for 2002. In recent years, the entry-level Mirage sold primarily as a fleet vehicle.

Exterior
Measuring 168.1 inches long overall on a 95.1-inch wheelbase, the two-door Mirage is 53.5 inches high. Alloy wheels and a power sunroof are optional on the step-up LS edition, but these features are not available on the basic DE model.

Interior
Despite its claimed five-passenger capacity, riders can expect a tight fit in the rear seat. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a 100-watt stereo with a CD player, tachometer, six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat are standard on the LS coupe, but only selected options are available for the DE coupe. Passenger volume measures 85.6 cubic feet, and cargo space totals 12.5 cubic feet.

Under the Hood
The DE coupe comes with a 92-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and the LS uses a 111-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder. A five-speed-manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic with adaptive shift control is optional. Antilock brakes and side-impact airbags are not available.

Driving Impressions
Typically viewed as strictly basic transportation, the two-door Mirage has a minimally sized interior, but it is wholly capable of satisfactory motoring for a modest cash outlay. As expected, performance is more suitable with the larger LS engine and manual shift. Because of the larger Lancer’s emergence and expected popularity, tempting deals might be possible on whatever Mirages reach dealer showrooms.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

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
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

62% of drivers recommend this car
2.9 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 2.7
Interior 2.8
Performance 2.4
Value 3.4
Exterior 2.6
Reliability 3.4

Most recent

  • By Manchild from Anderson
    Owns this car
    October 21, 2018

    Getting my money's worth

    I bought this car with nothing but the intent of driving it to and from work on the highway and some in town driving at 40k miles for $2000. I'm now sitting at a 145k miles on a 2002 and it is currently 2018 the car has given me no issues other than wheel bearings and a CV axle needing to be replaced timing belt which is normal routine maintenance struts are finally going bad I've replaced brake pads frequently other than that it's just been as reliable as I could hope the cloth on the seats are now starting to rip from my wallet other than that everything else is holding up well I could use a new fuel filter the car is very under-powered also do for transmission mounts
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Chester from Santa Maria,Ca
    Owns this car
    August 20, 2017

    I love the car

    It's good for city driving but not far drives. It sits comfortable for short periods of time but I would not drive it a lot because it can get problems easily.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Loyal Driver from Atlanta Metro, GA
    Owns this car
    June 17, 2013

    Excellent Car

    I bought my Mitsubishi Mirage new in 2002, and 12 years later, I have to sell it because we need a bigger car for our growing family. I have performed the regular recommended maintenance on this car, and it has been so good to me. I have never had any surprises or unexpected repairs. It is just a very well-made car that will last forever. What I like most is that the small size and stick shift allow for easy maneuvering, from parking lots to small streets to switching lanes. At highway speeds, it is very quiet and smooth. The gas mileage is amazing. Despite the small size, I have always felt safe in this car because I feel at one with the road and the stick shift keeps me alert and at one with the car. I have had to brake very suddenly on a few occasions and the car was very responsive. The exterior of the car is susceptible to dings and scratches, and the interior ribbed cloth on the inside does collect crumbs, but the design of the dash is very nice and resembles that of the of Honda Civic. I am very sad to have to say goodbye to this car at 130,000 miles and I hope the next owner will appreciate it as much as I have.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By LChance from south bend, in
    Owns this car
    September 24, 2010

    Good cheap transpo, and reliable.

    Too many bad reviews about this ride. It's cheap, loud, overpowered, economical, "cute" so I'm told, and just a Dang decent cheap little scoot. I get 35 to 40 mpg city driving. C'mon. It could be a straw on skates, that rules. It's not bad feeling, comfort wise, and I'm 6'6" 308 pounds. Decent for an itty bitty car. Big trunk, no mechanical probs, just a good car. Not a Caddy. Not a Yugo. I like mine very well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Kara of California from Sacramento, CA
    Owns this car
    January 14, 2010

    It's Junk--

    Bought car new in 2002--now engine light comes on,clunks when goes from park to reverse & has been in/out of shop for over a month. They believe problem is electrical or computer chip--but can't pinpoint it. Ugh--I hate this car--run away from anyone trying to sell it to you!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By DANI from Wisconsin
    Owns this car
    March 20, 2009

    PIECE OF JUNK!!

    I bought this car brand new as well and it's givin me nothing but stress and problems. I agree with the other reviewer...BIG HUGE PIECE OF JUNK!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By JOHN (CAR ENTHUSIAST) from ATLANTA GA
    Owns this car
    May 9, 2007

    JUNK

    MY MOTHER GOT HER MIRAGE BRAND NEW AND FROM THE TIME SHE GOT IT WAS NOTHING BUT TRUBLE. DONT BUY THIS HUNK OF JUNK IF YOU HAVE TO WALK.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bear from Chapel Hill, N.C.
    Owns this car
    August 23, 2006

    First Car I've owned

    It's sporty, yet at the same time, gets good millage, and performs well, for a car it's size. The trunk has plenty of room, and I'd reccomend it to someone without kids. Smooth ride, and tight steering wheel, just the way I like it. I give this car 4 stars.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage is available in 2 trim levels:

  • DE (2 styles)
  • LS (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage offers up to 32 MPG in city driving and 39 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage has an average reliability rating of 3.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage owners.

Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage. 62.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

2.9 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
  • Comfort: 2.7
  • Interior: 2.8
  • Performance: 2.4
  • Value: 3.4
  • Exterior: 2.6
  • Reliability: 3.4

Mitsubishi Mirage history

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