Mitsubishi Mirage

Its rock-bottom sticker price and thrifty fuel economy of 37 mpg overall conjure an inviting image of an economical runabout. But that mirage quickly dissipates when driving this tiny, tinny car. Recent minor updates brought a sedan body style, a hint more power, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with supposedly upgraded brakes. Yet those enhancements don't mask the weak, vibrating three-cylinder engine that delivers sluggish acceleration and a raspy chorus of lament, or the car's clumsy handling. Though it's relatively roomy, the depressing cabin feels drab, cheap, and insubstantial. In the end, there is no compelling reason to buy a Mirage, and, for the same price, there are many much better used cars available.

Mitsubishi's tiny, Thailand-built subcompact seems like an act of desperation, dressing a primitive Asia-market car with some upscale toys and calling it a day. Good points include a decent-enough ride, terrific 37-mpg fuel economy, and an accommodating rear seat. The up-level ES also brings a fancy radio, push-button start, auto climate system and Bluetooth. However, the weak, vibrating, and incredibly noisy three-cylinder engine provides sluggish acceleration, handling is clumsy, and the cabin is depressingly low-rent. Further lowering its standing is its poor score in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.

The Mirage began as a small car with a jumpy, uncomfortable ride. The 1997 redesign brought vast improvements, including a relatively comfortable and quiet ride. The LS model's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivered better acceleration than the base model's 1.5-liter. The four-door Lancer replaced the Mirage in 2002.