2000 Mitsubishi Mirage: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Antilock brakes are no longer available, but the standard-features list grows on 2000 versions of this entry-level subcompact. Mirage offers coupes and sedans in DE and LS trim. DE coupes retain a 92-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the DE sedan now shares a 113-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with the LS models. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with both engines and a 4-speed automatic is optional on all but the LS sedan, where it's standard. Antilock brakes had been an LS option.

For 2000, DE versions exchange standard 13-inch wheels for the 14s used by LEs, and also get the tilt steering column previously exclusive to the LEs. Air conditioning and power windows and locks are now standard instead of optional on the DE sedan, and a CD player is newly standard. Likewise, the LS sedan comes with the previously optional power sunroof and alloy wheels.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized. Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege. If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.