1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
Should You Buy a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage Coupe is a compact vehicle that offers an efficient driving experience with a 1.5L I4 engine producing 920 hp and 930 lb-ft of torque. With a combined fuel economy of 31.0 MPG, it stands out as an economical choice for daily commuting. The 5-speed manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience, appealing to those who enjoy a hands-on approach to their vehicle. However, potential buyers should be aware of the 53 total NHTSA complaints, particularly concerning airbag and automatic transmission issues, which could affect long-term reliability and safety perceptions.
Despite its strengths, the Mirage has faced 18 crash incidents and 14 reported injuries, indicating some concerns regarding safety. Nevertheless, it boasts an impressive reliability score of 99.3/100, suggesting that when maintained properly, it can be a dependable vehicle. Buyers should weigh these factors carefully when considering the Mirage as their next car.
The 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage Coupe is best suited for budget-conscious individuals seeking a reliable and economical daily driver with a fun manual transmission.
Strengths
- +High reliability score of 99.3/100
- +Excellent fuel economy at 31.0 MPG combined
- +Engaging 5-speed manual transmission for a fun driving experience
- +Compact size ideal for urban driving and parking
- +Affordable maintenance and ownership costs
Weaknesses
- -Reported safety concerns with airbag and transmission issues
- -Limited seating capacity and interior space
- -Lower horsepower compared to competitors in the same class
- -Potential difficulty in finding parts due to age
- -Less advanced safety features compared to modern vehicles
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage has a total of 53 complaints reported to the NHTSA, with notable issues related to frontal airbags and automatic transmission. While there are no fatalities associated with these complaints, the presence of 14 injuries raises some safety concerns. Overall, the vehicle has a strong reliability score, indicating that significant long-term issues may be minimal.
Performance
- Horsepower
- 920 hp
- Torque
- 930 lb-ft
- Engine
- 1.5 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- 4-speed automatic
- Drive Type
- front wheel drive
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- –
- Fuel Type
- regular unleaded
Dimensions
- Length
- –
- Width
- –
- Height
- –
- Wheelbase
- –
- Curb Weight
- 2,125 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 2
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.