2002 Mitsubishi Mirage: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mirage is a price-leader subcompact offered only in a 2-dr coupe body style and without such features as ABS or side airbags. The DE model has a 92-hp 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine, the LS has a 111-hp 1.8-liter 4 cyl. Both offer manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, CD stereo, and split-folding rear seatback are standard on LS and optional on DE. Exclusive to the LS are an optional sunroof and a Sport Package that includes alloy wheels, rear spoiler, fog lights, and white-face gauges.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is as good as ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. We also love almost everything about the Ford Focus, but were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.