2000 Mitsubishi Mirage

By Bob Storck

After a long run the venerable Colt name rode into the sunset. The Mirage Coupe is a powerful, sporty compact with aggressive styling. The decidedly upscale Mirage Sedan combines the advanced safety features and great handling buyers need with the valuable practicality they want. The Mirage does a fine job of providing a solid, reliable car with enough spunk and style to appeal to buyers who want more than basic transportation.

Welcome standard features are driver airbag and power steering. The steering wheel is thick and grippy, a welcome change from the skinny and slick ones. Options include the normal complement of trim and comfort features, and even some performance mods.

The standard engine is now the 16-valve, 113 hp 1.8 liter four-banger and the smaller version is gone. It is powerful enough, but not the screamer the turbo models used to provide.

Not only is the engine one of the best, but the handling is the top of the class. This is probably a result of having larger tires than competitors and the all-independent suspension with multi-link rear.