1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage: Road Test

Handling with a GS ranks above average, and its twin-cam 1.6-liter engine delivers brisk acceleration--at least with a 5-speed manual gearbox. As for other Mirages, fuel economy is the biggest bonus. Our manual-shift 4-door, for one, averaged a notably frugal 37 mpg. Lack of performance, in fact, is the foremost flaw in a base, VL, or LS Mirage. With an automatic transmission, each of those models takes around 13 seconds to reach 60 mph. Manual-shift versions aren't much swifter, either. Compared to the GS, too, lesser Mirages lag in handling and roadholding. Engine noise can be a problem. Work the 1.5-liter engine hard, and you can expect quite a bit of growl. Wind noise, on the other hand, is low. Rear-seat and cargo room are limited in the hatchback, but that model cost less when new and might be comparably cheaper these days. Space is better in the notchback body style. Visibility and controls are excellent, and the driving position is low and comfortable.

Value for the Money
Like a batch of rivals, Mitsubishi's mildly upscale subcompact is a generally competent, well-rounded vehicle. Mirage stood just a bit above the subcompact pack, not because it was particularly great but because it suffered fewer of the usual small-car drawbacks. We've liked the GS model for its sporting flair.