1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Mitsubishi Mirage
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Maneuverability
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Cargo room (hatchback)
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
- Noise
- Rear-seat room (hatchback)
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced for 1989, Mitsubishi's subcompact Mirage was a near-twin to the Dodge/Plymouth Colt and Eagle Summit. The lineup started with a VL ("Value Leader") 2-door hatchback, followed by a standard 2-door hatchback and a 4-door notchback sedan. Next up were "EXE Special Edition" versions of both body styles. Sportiest member was the RS hatchback. Standard engine was a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, rated at 81 horsepower. The VL came only with a 4-speed manual transmission; the RS with a 5-speed manual. All other models had a standard 5-speed and optional 3-speed automatic.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Mirage 2-door 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mitsubishi Mirage:
Changes were considerable for 1991, starting with a fresh grille for all models. Engine output from the base four jumped to 92 with the 3-valve-per-cylinder design introduced for '91. An optional 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission replaced the 3-speed unit on 4-door models (but the 3-speed remained available for 2-doors). RS and EXE models departed, but a new LS 4-door joined the lineup. So did a GS 4-door sedan with a new 123-horsepower dual-overhead-cam, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine.
1992 Mitsubishi Mirage:
Modifications were modest for 1992. Base Mirages got full cloth seat inserts, in place of a vinyl/cloth combination. LS versions adopted a new wheel design and fresh lower rear-body trim.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Mirage 2-door 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Mirage includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Mirage .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine misfire:
Surging, hesitation, or stalling when the engine is first started is often due to deposits on the intake valves. (1990)
Vehicle noise:
Popping or squeaking from the front is caused by the springs vibrating in their seats. (1990-92)
Vehicle shake:
Automatic-transmission models may vibrate at idle due to the radiator being installed wrong. (1990-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $695 |
| Alternator | $300 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $820 |
| Brakes | $310 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $325 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $990 |
| Exhaust System | $435 |
| Radiator | $460 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $720 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $270 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Mirage details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| Mirage | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1991 | |||
| Mirage | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1990 | |||
| Mirage | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Mirage include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 93.9 | 96.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 158.7 | 170.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.7 | 65.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.0 | 52.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2238 | 2271 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 34.7 | 10.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 | 37.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.5 | 34.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 1990, the Mirage's 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine developed 81 horsepower. Turning to a 3-valve-per-cylinder configuration in 1991 raised output to 92 horsepower. A dual-overhead-cam 1.6-liter engine was installed only in the GS sedan, rated at 123 horsepower. Depending on the model, a Mirage could have a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission, or a 3- or 4-speed automatic. The 4-speed automatic was limited to GS 4-door sedans, with the larger engine.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.5 / 90 | 92 | 93 | 4-speed manual: 31/26 5-speed manual: 29/35 4-speed automatic: 26/32 |
4-speed manual: -- 5-speed manual: 37 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 1.5 / 90 | 81 | 91 | 4-speed manual: 31/36 5-speed manual: 28/34 3-speed automatic: 27/29 |
4-speed manual: -- 5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 123 | 101 | 5-speed manual: 23/28 4-speed automatic: 22/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
1. 28/31 mpg w/3-speed automatic. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Mirage include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1991 Mirage |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Mitsubishi Mirage directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front-seatbelt release button can break and pieces can fall inside.
1992:
Automatic-seatbelt system may fail to operate correctly during crash.
1992:
Due to abrasion of cable, driver's shoulder-belt anchorage could become stuck.
1992:
Shoulder-belt anchorage may remain at A-pillar when car door is closed.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
