2002 Mitsubishi Mirage: Road Test
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2002 Mitsubishi Mirage ▼
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- MSRP: $11,937 -$15,587
- Invoice: $11,190 -$14,611
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Our road test for the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage help you decide if a 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3.7 |
DE acceleration is pokey even with manual transmission, and though the automatic is reasonably responsive, it removes any hint of gusto. There's not much real-world gain in performance with the LS, but we recommend avoiding the DE unless your budget won't stretch to an LS.
FUEL ECONOMY
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
Test manual-transmission LS averaged 30.9 mpg in mostly highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
OK for this size and price, except on broken surfaces, where it becomes a bit choppy.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Nimble and predictable at low-to-moderate speeds, but other small cars can claim that, too.
QUIETNESS
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Wind rush isn't bad at highway speeds, but engine noise is high and tire thrum annoys on coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Dashboard is elementary, tidy, and easily mastered.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Good head room. Leg room adequate for all but very tall passengers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Tricky entry/exit, and leg and foot room are tight behind a tall front-seater.
CARGO ROOM
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.3 |
Competitive cargo volume for the class, aided by a folding rear seatback in LS models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.7 |
Two-door versions of the Honda Civic and Ford Focus are far smarter buys than the unrefined Mirage, which lacks important features such as ABS and has as its only lure heavily discounted prices.
Total Score
| DE, man. | LS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 36 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 36
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