ups and downs over the past few years. Initially offered as a subcompact

hatchback, with an optional turbo edition, it won acclaim as a pocket rocket.

But hatchbacks fell out of favor with U.S. buyers, and Mitsubishi followed

up the original Mirage with an anemic coupe that quickly became a rental

fleet special.

For 1997, the Mirage returns to respectability as an extensively redesigned

line of small cars. And if they're not the mini hot rods of yesteryear,

they're solid performers, well built, comfortable, competent and capable.

They're also long on value. These are cars you and your pocketbook can

both live with--happily.