Mitsubishi is the perfect example of a company making bad decisions at a time when it can't afford to. Suzuki has already pulled out of the American car market a year ago and with diminishing sales, the Evo makers needed a really good car to ensure they aren't forced to do the same.
Instead, what they give American consumers are the new Outlander and a subcompact 4-door hatch called the Mirage. Now, the Outlander isn't bad, but as the saying goes "one swallow does not a summer make", especially when the Mirage is so bad.
Built in Thailand, this little econobox is supposed to offer cheap motoring for the masses with the promise of 44 mpg and a 10-year warrenty, a bit like the Beetle was in its early days on American soil. Just like the Bug, many people will find fault with the underpowered engine, a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder capable of 74 hp available with a 5-speed manual or CVT. But that's not even the half of it. In their review of the car, Consumer Reports say the Mirage is a really bad car that feels dangerous to drive on the highway. It's badly made in some places and isn't actually that cheap.
Sure, prices start at $12,995 but the full-spec Mirage CR is driving costs over $16,000. For what, alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel? It doesn't even have a touchscreen display and the materials used are questionable at best. For that kind of money, you're better off with a bigger Ford Fiesta.
Mitsubishi sold 62,227 vehicles in the U.S. during 2013, an 8 percent increase from 2012. Still, the company is nowhere near the 345,111 cars they sold in 2002 and the little Mirage is not likely to make a difference.
Built in Thailand, this little econobox is supposed to offer cheap motoring for the masses with the promise of 44 mpg and a 10-year warrenty, a bit like the Beetle was in its early days on American soil. Just like the Bug, many people will find fault with the underpowered engine, a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder capable of 74 hp available with a 5-speed manual or CVT. But that's not even the half of it. In their review of the car, Consumer Reports say the Mirage is a really bad car that feels dangerous to drive on the highway. It's badly made in some places and isn't actually that cheap.
Sure, prices start at $12,995 but the full-spec Mirage CR is driving costs over $16,000. For what, alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel? It doesn't even have a touchscreen display and the materials used are questionable at best. For that kind of money, you're better off with a bigger Ford Fiesta.
Mitsubishi sold 62,227 vehicles in the U.S. during 2013, an 8 percent increase from 2012. Still, the company is nowhere near the 345,111 cars they sold in 2002 and the little Mirage is not likely to make a difference.