The last vehicle that sells new in the U.S. for under $20,000 is going away. It’s the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan and hatchback. And it’s also the last sedan from the Japanese automaker. Some consider it a time to celebrate, as the Mirage has never had rave reviews. But if you need new and only have $20,000, it was the only game in town.

The base price for a 2023 model is $17,340, which also includes shipping. But the good news, if you call it that, is the Mirage will live on outside of the U.S. “The Mirage became the modern Yugo, a used-car alternative for people who desperately wanted a new car,” Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions, told Automotive News. 

Is there anything good about the last Mitsubishi Mirage?

Just like every other automaker, Mistubishi is in the midst of remaking the company with electrification. So EV development costs squeeze other lines while dumping $10 billion into the electric future. And let’s face it, sedans are also going away fast, too. 

The Mirage has always been met with criticism since the sixth generation appeared in 2012 (2013 in the U.S.). Two facelifts and minor improvements have not changed the minds of many that review it since that time. Now, the not-so-great platform has been around for 12 years. We can see giving a good platform, like the Dodge Charger/Challenger, some production extensions, but the Mirage? 

There are some redeeming Mirage qualities. Besides the price, the gas mileage is good, with 36 mpg City and 43 mpg Highway. But part of that good mileage comes with its stomach pump powertrain. With the 78 hp three-cylinder engine, maintaining any highway speed is a challenge. Its buzzy cabin doesn’t help, either, making it seem like a real struggle to keep up. 

Is the Mitsubishi Mirage still sold in Japan?

And auto buyers have never been all that in love with it, either. Its best sales year was in 2019, when it hit almost 27,000 sales. Since then, it has been a downhill slide. Last year, Mitsubishi squeeked out less than 16,000 units. Having so much better success with the Outlander and Eclipse Cross SUVs, it’s a wonder the Mirage made it this far. 

The Mirage already left its home market. Mitsubishi Japan dumped it last year after 44 continuous years of production. Mitsubishi Motors ending the Mirage here “signals that even shoppers looking for an affordable vehicle in the new-car market aren’t willing to buy what is typically seen as a penalty box car,” Edmunds’ Ivan Drury tells Automotive News. 

There are so many better used cars within the Mirage’s price point. But if you’re really needing a new Mitsubishi Mirage, hurry to your dealers. Though it looks to end production in 2025, we doubt dealers will be stocking up on them with the Outlander flying off dealership lots. Farewell to the marginal Mitsubishi Mirage.