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Mitsubishi Mirage Facts and History

Mitsubishi Motors produced the subcompact Mirage from 1978 to 2002. It was also known as the Mitsubishi Lancer and Mitsubishi Colt in some parts of the world.

First Generation, 1978-1982

Launched in 1978 in response to the fuel crisis a few years before, the first Mirage was a front-wheel drive, three-door hatchback. It had large, distinctive windows and featured Mitsubishi's "supershift" transmission - two modes and four speeds. In 1979, the company produced and exported a five-door model known in the United States as the Plymouth Champ and the Dodge Colt. That year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave this version its highest fuel economy rating. Nineteen seventy-nine also saw the introduction of the 1600cc engine. In 1982, a turbocharged version of the 1400cc engine became available. Other nameplates by which the Mirage was known during these years include the Lancer Fiore, a four-door version of the Mirage; the Colt 1200 and Colt 1400 marketed in the United Kingdom, named after the engine sizes; and the Mirage Panther sold in New Zealand.

Second Generation, 1983-1986 Mitsubishi introduced a new Colt in 1983. It was offered as a three- or five-door hatchback and again as the Lancer Fiore, the four-door sedan. The company added a station wagon in 1985 and a four-wheel drive wagon in 1986. New engines included 1300 and 1500cc powerplants that replaced the 1200 and 1400cc motors. Later an 1800cc diesel was also made available. In Europe, the Mirage was available as the 1300 GL 3-door, the 1300 GL 5-door, the 1500 GLX 5-door, and the 1800 GLD 5-door.

Third Generation, 1987-1991

The 1987 Mirage was modeled after the successful Mitsubishi Galant. The basic model was the three-door with an upright tailgate. A five-door hatchback and a station wagon were also available. In Japan, the car was called the Mirage Cyborg, which featured a 1600cc engine. Engines available were the 1.3 and 1.5L 12 valve four, and a 1.6 and 18L 16 valve four. The four-door version was called the Lancer, except in Japan where it was known as the Mirage Vie Saloon. In the U.S., the car was sold as the Plymouth/Dodge Colt and the Eagle Summit. In 1991, the three-door Mirage styling was sportier and more rounded. A 1600cc V6 engine was available along with a 1600cc 16-valve DOHC four. The 1400cc motor was also still available.

Fourth Generation, 1991-1995

In 1991, the chassis was modified to accommodate the new rounder styling, and a two-door coupe was added. Proton took over this design in 1997 and still produces the vehicle (as of 2006).

Fifth Generation, 1995-2002

A new fifth generation Mirage was launched in 1995 and stayed in production until 2002 when Mitsubishi cancelled the model.