A Japanese car manufacturer that made a name for itself in rally racing and as a producer of one of America’s cheapest cars is now not returning to the United States.
After this decision, only another car manufacturer remains with the task of keeping a cheap car on the market.
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Once known for the Lancer EVO, which rivaled the Subaru WRX in the World Rally Championship, Mitsubishi was also known for producing one of America’s cheapest quality cars.
The Mirage is a small car with all the extras of its larger and more expensive relatives from the automaker, but has a much more pleasant price.
According to Car & Driver, the MSRP for the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage was just $18,015 for the base model and $19,115 for the top-of-the-line model.
The Mitsubishi Mirage will not return to the U.S. for the 2025 model year, leaving the Nissan Versa as the only affordable car.
Read more about product discontinuations
The base price of the Versa remains stable at $17,820.
Jeremey Barnes, a spokesman for the automaker’s North American office, confirmed the sad news.
“Production of the Mirage will cease in the U.S. market and there will be no 2025 model,” Barnes said.
“Production will cease at the end of this year and we expect dealer inventories to last until summer 2025.”
The decisive factor here was the sales figures, as sales of the small car fell significantly.
Of all the small cars, the Mirage had all the comfort and technology needed, but it was sorely lacking in power.
Under the hood there was only a three-cylinder engine that produced only 78 hp.
However, Mitsubishi, along with Hyundai and Kia, had one of the better warranties for its cars.
Reactions to the news from motorists were mixed, with many saying the news did not bode well for the future of potential buyers.
One said the Mirage was the perfect car for him.
“I own a 2019 Mirage that I use to commute to and from work. I live in the country, so it’s over 90 miles round trip,” wrote one reader.
“The Mirage is an excellent small car for my family. It averages a good 40 mpg and doesn’t need anything! It’s not fast or flashy, but with 110,000 miles on the clock, it is.”
Another reader criticized the brand and addressed the meaning the name used to have.
Cars discontinued for 2025
According to Motor1, there are 20 cars that will not make it to the 2025 model year, including sedans, some SUVs and sports cars.
The following cars are at risk next year:
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (saloon)
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (SUV)
- Audi A4 (sedan)
- Audi A5 Coupé/Convertible (2-door sedan)
- BMW X3M (SUV)
- BugattiChiron
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Fisker Ocean (EV)
- Ford Escape
- Jaguar F-Type
- Maserati Ghibli
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Mini Countryman
- Nissan GT-R
- Nissan Titan
- Ram 1500 TRX
- Toyota Supra (4-cylinder)
- Volvo S60
Source: Motor1
“The same company that once made futuristic cars with powerful turbo engines now has to sell a few ancient crossovers and this absolute gem, the Mirage,” they wrote.
However, they continued to offer hope for what would take its place.
“I would love to see a new modern version of the Eclipse but with 4 doors (think the Acura Integra but cheaper), a hot rally version reminiscent of the old Lancer Evo and of course they need something for the SUV community but it has to be better than the Eclipse Cross and Outlander.”
One reader noted that between the Versa and the Mirage, the Mirage couldn’t keep up with the Versa.
“On the lot, the Nissan Versa and the Mirage cost about $17,000. I know which one I’d take. No contest,” was her comment.
“The Versa is a real car. Personally, I can’t say the same about the Mirage (given current US car trends). It’s that simple.”
