Mitsubishi as First Car? (Lancer, Evo, Eclipse, 3000GT + More)
Mitsubishi does not have many models you could consider for your first car.
But of the few, which is better for teenagers?
Generally: Are Mitsubishis Good First Cars?
Mitsubishi does not have a significant presence in the US market compared to the other Japanese automakers.
The brand tends to focus on above-average performance cars and SUVs.
Still, most Mitsubishi vehicles have average reliability and mediocre fuel economy, making them less suitable as first cars.
Mitsubishi is now developing environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Specific Mitsubishi Models:
Current and older models are available choices, but only some make good first cars.
#1 Is a Mitsubishi 3000GT a Good First Car?
The 3000GT is a sports coupe that saw its final iteration in 1999 after a near-decade sales span.
The convertible body style is available in pre-2017 models.
Sports cars rarely make good vehicles for beginners, and the Mitsubishi 3000GT is a sports coupe and a discontinued model, rendering it a poor choice for a first car:
- Moderate to excessive power – 161-hp (1997 base model), 222-hp (SL), or 320-hp (VR-4).
- High fuel consumption – max 19 mpg combined regardless of trim.
- Poor visibility – the low roof and low seating position contribute to a dreadful view out; potentially dangerous for inexperienced drivers.
- Low ground clearance – between 4.1 to 4.4 inches (a Civic or Corolla has more than 6 inches); not ideal for a city car that needs to clear speed bumps and humps.
- Hefty curb weight – the SL weighs no less than 3,200 lbs, and the VR4 is 3,737 lbs (a Honda Civic weighs below 3,000 lbs).
- Expensive parts – plus, they’re hard to find. 3000GTs are decades old.
The 3000GT SL’s V6 may produce 222 horsepower but its 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.5 seconds is sluggish enough to class as a docile sports car.
If you love the looks of the 3000GT but want one that’s considerably cheaper and has a less powerful engine, the 1997 base 3000GT with 161-hp is the better option.
Still, the 3000GT’s age and drawbacks make it the type of vehicle to avoid as first cars.
3000GT Compared with Better First Cars
If you want a vehicle with some performance or sporty handling, these alternatives may be the better first car for you.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Mitsubishi 3000GT | 161-320 hp | 19 | $487 | NA | NA | Poor |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 158-181 hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average |
| Honda Civic | 110-158 hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
The Honda Civic is the quintessential first car for teenagers because it’s thrifty on fuel and cheap to run.
But if you want a little more horsepower to make your daily drive fun, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is an excellent choice.
The Honda Civic Si borders the upper limit power-wise, but it’s still a Honda, front-wheel-drive, and inexpensive to maintain.
#2 Is a Mitsubishi Eclipse a Good First Car?
The Eclipse is an affordable two-door sports coupe that ended its more-than-two-decades run in 2012; the 2006 Eclipse is the fourth and final generation.
It isn’t sufficiently powered to thrill enthusiasts, but the Eclipse is a sleek ride for drivers who appreciate style more than performance.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse may have some attributes going for beginners, but overall, it has enough drawbacks that place it in the bad first car category:
- Moderately powerful – 162 horsepower in the base 2.4L engine and 265 horsepower from the GT’s 3.8L V6.
- Front-wheel-drive – the ideal drivetrain for new drivers; relatively cheaper and easier to control.
- Poor fuel economy – 23 mpg combined for the i4 model; only 19 mpg combined for the V6 engine.
- Bad visibility – low seat, high dashboard, small windows, and large roof pillars combine to jeopardize outward visibility.
- Hefty vehicle – 3,300 lbs curb weight for the base Eclipse; 3,600 lbs for the Eclipse GT (the Corolla weighs below 3,000 lbs); not an ideal city car.
- Impractical rear seats – inadequate room for adults or children.
The Eclipse may have good ground clearance for a sports car (6.1 inches), but the low driver’s seat and severely sloping roofline create blind spots and impair visibility.
Changing lanes safely for inexperienced drivers will be challenging or potentially dangerous.
Eclipse Compared with Better First Cars
Unless you love Eclipse’s design, you should consider your options.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse | 162-265 hp | 23 | $510 | 3.3/4 | NA | Poor |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181 hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average |
| Honda Civic | 110-158 hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
The Mazda Miata or the Honda Civic is the better first car than the Mitsubishi Eclipse.
They are current, so parts will be relatively cheaper.
Plus, their annual maintenance cost is cheaper than the Eclipse.
#3 Is a Mitsubishi Lancer a Good First Car?
The Lancer is Mitsubishi’s response to Honda and Toyota in the compact sedan segment.
It may not be as refined as the Corolla or Civic, but the Lancer has a sportier styling and is higher-performing (although nowhere near an Evo).
Despite the availability of better options in the compact car segment, the Mitsubishi is still a good first car:
- Middling gas mileage – between the mid-20s and 30 mpg combined, depending on the model.
- Good visibility – the low dashboard and sizeable rear window help.
- Optional AWD – unusual for compact sedans but handy for new drivers in snowy regions.
- Good size – the compact dimensions mean easy maneuverability for teenage drivers.
- Spacious rear seats – excellent if you regularly carry passengers.
- Mediocre safety – short of full marks in the IIHS and NHTSA crash tests; key rivals are safer.
- Expensive maintenance – $646/year (according to RepairPal) is a lot for a compact car; other compacts average $526/year.
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a discontinued model, so any used Lancer you get will not have the latest driver aids and safety features.
Plus, you’ll need to hunt for parts.
Which Mitsubishi Lancer Year Is the Best First Car?
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base; auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Complaints: total reported problems (CarComplaints).
| Model Year | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Complaints |
| 2017 Lancer | 3.8/4 | 4/5 | 27/34/30 | NA | 1 |
| 2016 Lancer | 3.8/4 | 4/5 | 27/35/30 | NA | 1 |
| 2015 Lancer | 3.8/4 | 4/5 | 26/34/29 | 80/100 | 4 |
| 2014 Lancer | 3.8/4 | 4/5 | 26/34/29 | 80/100 | 4 |
| 2013 Lancer | 4/4 | 4/5 | 26/34/29 | NA | 2 |
| 2012 Lancer | 4/4 | 4/5 | 26/34/29 | NA | 6 |
| 2011 Lancer | 4/4 | NA | 25/33/28 | 79/100 | 7 |
| 2010 Lancer | 4/4 | NA | 23/30/26 | 75/100 | 3 |
| 2009 Lancer | 4/4 | NA | 22/28/24 | 78/100 | 4 |
| 2008 Lancer | 4/4 | NA | 22/29/24 | 75/100 | 15 |
The 2008 Lancer has the highest number of owner-reported problems, with subframe rot its most-reported issue.
Opt for the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer or newer as they showed improved reliability and fuel economy.
Mitsubishi Lancer Compared with Similar Vehicles
There’s no shortage of options if you’re shopping for a compact sedan for your first car.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base; auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems; 5yr avg. (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
Fuel economy and low maintenance costs are primary concerns for first cars.
In that case, the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, and Kia Forte are excellent choices for new drivers.
Plus, they have superb crash test ratings.
#4 Is a Mitsubishi Evo a Good First Car?
If the base Lancer is for daily drivers, the higher-performance Evo is for driving enthusiasts.
The four-door economy sedan exterior hides its amazingly communicative steering and superb grip on twisty parts of the asphalt.
Unfortunately, the Evo met its end in 2015, two years before the base Lancer.
A brief summary of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo’s evolution:
- Evo 1: 1992 – 1994 (250 hp)
- Evo 2: 1994 – 1995 (260 hp)
- Evo 3: 1995 – 1996 (270 hp)
- Evo 4: 1996 – 1998 (280 hp)
- Evo 5: 1998 – 1999 (280 hp)
- Evo 6: 1999 – 2000 (280 hp)
- Evo 7: 2000 – 2003 (280 hp)
- Evo 8: 2003 – 2005 (265 hp)
- Evo 9: 2005 – 2007 (280 hp)
- Evo 10: 2008 – 2015 (295 hp)
It remains a fine choice for enthusiasts, but the Mitsubishi Evo’s drawbacks as a first car make it a terrible choice for teenage drivers:
- Turbocharged engine – up to 295-hp is beyond the safe limits of most new drivers.
- Appalling gas mileage – 19 mpg combined, or less, depending on the model.
- Premium fuel required – first cars should only worry about regular gas.
- All-wheel-drive – an expensive drivetrain to maintain and unnecessary for beginners unless your region regularly encounters inclement weather.
- Expensive maintenance – expect to pay more than you would a base Lancer that’s costlier to maintain than other subcompacts.
- Costly insurance – a 16-year-old can expect to pay $5,800 per year or more for full coverage.
Evo Compared with Better First Cars
The Evo is for those who love to drive hard and fast; not a daily driver, let alone a good first car for teens.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Mitsubishi Evo | 250-295 hp | 19 | $646+ | NA | NA | Good |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181 hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average |
| Honda Civic | 110-158 hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
The Honda Civic Si is less powerful, cheaper to maintain, and more frugal than the Mitsubishi Evo, and it is the better first car if you need more performance in your daily driver.
Plus, the Civic offers good outward visibility – crucial for new drivers.
Alternatively, the Mazda MX-5 Miata returns a better fuel economy than the Evo and has a cool-enough styling to stand out from the crowd.
#5 Is a Mitsubishi Mirage a Good First Car?
The Mirage is Mitsubishi’s subcompact car (hatchback) and is still in production.
Most subcompact would make excellent vehicles for young drivers on a small budget.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is (still) a reasonably good first car, despite subpar performances compared to the competition in several areas:
- Affordably priced – as first cars should.
- Superb gas mileage – 39 mpg combined means fewer trips to the pump for you.
- Easy to maneuver – the compact dimensions are a plus for new drivers; parking will be relatively effortless.
- Decent visibility – although the cabin is small, the thick roof pillars and limited headroom reduce the field of vision.
- Mediocre safety ratings – IIHS gave it ‘Marginal’ in the front small overlap (driver) crash test, and NHTSA awarded it 4/5 stars overall.
- Insubstantial interior – substandard quality compared to rivals.
- Noisy cabin – engine noise and vibrations are pronounced.
- Average maintenance cost – $457 per year is average in the segment.
Viable alternatives to the Mitsubishi Mirage for your first car include:
Comparison: Best Mitsubishi for a First Car
Does Mitsubishi’s current generation of vehicles fare better as first cars than the older ones?
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base model).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
| Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | |
| Mirage | 3.6/4 | 4/5 | Average | 36/43/39 | 76/100 | $457 |
| Eclipse | 3.4/4 | NA | Poor | 20/28/23 | 80/100 | $510 |
| Lancer | 3.8/4 | 4/5 | Good | 27/34/30 | 80/100 | $646 |
| Lancer Evo | NA | NA | Good | 17/23/19 | NA | $646+ |
| Outlander Sport | 3.8/4 | 4/5 | Average | 24/30/27 | 82/100 | $498 |
| Eclipse Cross | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | 25/28/26 | NA | NA |
The current crop of Mitsubishi vehicles lacks exciting first car options.
SUVs are your only choice if the subcompact Mirage doesn’t suit you.
The Eclipse Cross (extra-small SUV) and Outlander Sport (small SUV) do not offer standout performances in any first-car aspects compared to their competition worthy of serious consideration.
Alternative Makes to Mitsubishi for a Teenager’s First Car
The Mirage and Lancer are average options for new drivers.
Give their rivals a chance because they perform better in most first-car metrics, such as pricing, fuel economy, reliability, and costs of ownership:
- Honda – Civic, HR-V, CR-V.
- Toyota – Yaris, Corolla, RAV4.
- Mazda – Mazda 3, Mazda CX-30, MX-5 Miata.
- Kia – Rio, Forte, Soul.
- Chevrolet – Spark.
Always do your research, inspect, and test drive before buying.
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