The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion sits squarely in the late-1980s turbo sport coupe era, a time when Japanese performance cars were pairing sharp styling with serious chassis development. That matters at the tire level, because this Starion uses a 16-inch radial setup with multiple sizes tied to front and rear positions and to sport-suspension configurations. Primary fitments include 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 245/45R16, so the first step is identifying the exact setup on the car. Available choices also vary by brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment, including mostly blackwall sport radials plus one wide whitewall option in 205/55R16. For an original-style stance or a road-use refresh, matching size and axle position comes first.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion uses three primary tire sizes, all in metric radial form on 16-inch wheels. The key is identifying the exact front and rear setup on the car, because some versions use 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear, while sport-suspension configurations move to 225/50R16 front and 245/45R16 rear. Once that is confirmed, the decision becomes choosing the right radial by brand, tire series, and sidewall style.
Fit(s): ESi Front, ESi w/aluminum wheels Front, ESi-R Front, and ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/55R16 is a metric radial size where 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion, this size serves as a front fitment on certain ESi and ESi-R configurations rather than a universal four-corner size. Available tires include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic choices, with mostly blackwall sport-oriented series and one wide whitewall option. This size is the right place to start when the car retains the narrower front setup and a balanced original-style stagger matters.
Fit(s): ESi Rear, ESi w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Front, ESi w/Sport Suspension Front, ESi w/aluminum wheels Rear, ESi-R Rear, ESi-R w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Front, ESi-R w/Sport Suspension Front, and ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Rear
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
225/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter nominal width, a 50-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. For the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion, this size appears in two different roles: as the rear tire on standard ESi and ESi-R setups, and as the front tire on sport-suspension versions. BFGoodrich and Michelin options are available in blackwall form across several performance-oriented series. This size deserves extra attention because its position on the car depends on the exact suspension and wheel configuration rather than the model name alone.
Fit(s): ESi w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Rear, ESi w/Sport Suspension Rear, ESi-R w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Rear, and ESi-R w/Sport Suspension Rear
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
245/45R16 is a metric radial size that uses a 245-millimeter nominal width, a 45-series profile, and a 16-inch wheel diameter. On the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion, it serves as the rear tire size for sport-suspension configurations, making it part of the wider staggered setup rather than a general replacement size for every version. Its dimensions support the more aggressive rear fitment character associated with those trims. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the car actually has the sport-suspension rear arrangement and that wheel width and rear clearance still match the intended setup.
Sub-model fitment on the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion is not one-size-fits-all, because tire sizing changes by front and rear position and by sport-suspension configuration. Checking the exact sub-model and axle position is the most important step before comparing tires, especially on cars that may have had wheel or suspension changes over time.
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1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi Front
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi Front uses the 205/55R16 radial size. Tire selection here centers on matching the narrower front fitment while deciding between blackwall sport-oriented choices and a wide whitewall alternative if appearance is part of the project.
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi Rear uses the 225/50R16 radial size. That makes rear tire selection different from the front, so preserving the intended staggered setup matters before comparing brands or tire series.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Front
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Front uses 225/50R16 rather than the narrower standard front size. This front fitment should be confirmed carefully, because it changes the selection path and pairs with a wider rear tire on the same configuration.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Rear
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Rear uses the 245/45R16 radial size. Choosing a rear tire here begins with confirming the sport-suspension stagger and making sure the car still has the wheel and clearance setup intended for that wider rear fitment.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/Sport Suspension Front
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/Sport Suspension Front uses 225/50R16. That means the front axle moves away from the standard narrower setup, so replacement choices should be matched to the suspension-specific sizing rather than assumed from the base ESi name.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/Sport Suspension Rear
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/Sport Suspension Rear uses 245/45R16. Tire selection should keep that wider rear sizing in mind so the car maintains the intended front-to-rear relationship instead of mixing standard and sport-suspension fitments.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/aluminum wheels Front
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/aluminum wheels Front uses 205/55R16. This keeps the standard-style front fitment, so the main decision becomes choosing the right radial product and sidewall presentation within that size.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/aluminum wheels Rear
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi w/aluminum wheels Rear uses 225/50R16. Keeping the correct rear size matters here, especially on a staggered setup where front and rear tires are intentionally different.
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R Front uses the 205/55R16 radial size. Replacement choices should focus on maintaining the front fitment balance while comparing available radial series and sidewall styles within that size.
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R Rear uses 225/50R16. Rear tire selection should account for the staggered layout so the car keeps the intended size relationship from front to rear.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Front
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Front uses 225/50R16. This is a larger front size than the standard ESi-R front arrangement, so verifying the exact suspension and wheel combination matters before replacing tires.
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Rear uses 245/45R16. That wider rear fitment should be treated as part of the complete sport-suspension setup when comparing replacement tires.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension Front
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension Front uses 225/50R16. Tire choice starts with confirming that sport-suspension front sizing, since it changes the fitment compared with a standard ESi-R front arrangement.
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension Rear uses 245/45R16. This rear fitment belongs to the wider sport-suspension stagger, so wheel compatibility and rear clearance should remain part of the selection process.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front uses 205/55R16. That keeps the standard front sizing, making the main choice one of tire series, brand, and sidewall treatment within the correct radial format.
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Rear uses 225/50R16. Rear replacement should stay aligned with the original staggered sizing approach instead of treating the car as a same-size setup at all four corners.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1988 Mitsubishi Starion Tires for Sale
Available 16-inch radial choices for the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic options. Buyers can compare sport-oriented series, blackwall presentation across both 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 sizes, and a wide whitewall alternative in 205/55R16, along with rim-width compatibility within each size.
Starion owners usually need to sort out front-versus-rear sizing first, then compare tire series, sidewall presentation, and wheel compatibility. These FAQs focus on exact 1988 Mitsubishi Starion fitment, product choice, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1988 Mitsubishi Starion?
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion uses three primary tire sizes: 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 245/45R16. All are radial sizes for 16-inch wheels, but they do not serve the same position on every car. Standard ESi and ESi-R configurations use 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear, while sport-suspension versions use 225/50R16 front and 245/45R16 rear.
That means the correct answer depends on both the sub-model and whether the tire is going on the front or rear axle. A Starion that has been modified with different wheels or suspension parts should be checked carefully before ordering, because the car may no longer match its original front-to-rear setup.
What size rim does a 1988 Mitsubishi Starion use?
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion uses 16-inch rims with its primary tire sizes. The covered fitments all share that same wheel diameter, whether the car uses 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 or the wider sport-suspension combination of 225/50R16 and 245/45R16.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, though, because tire selection also depends on width and front-versus-rear application. A car with replacement wheels should be measured rather than assumed, since an aftermarket 16-inch wheel can still differ in width or offset enough to affect the way a Starion tire setup works.
Do all 1988 Mitsubishi Starion sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion keeps the same 16-inch wheel diameter across the covered versions, but the tire sizes vary by configuration and by axle position. Standard ESi and ESi-R setups use 205/55R16 at the front and 225/50R16 at the rear, while sport-suspension versions move to 225/50R16 front and 245/45R16 rear.
That variation is important because a front tire from one Starion setup may not be the correct rear tire for another. Matching the exact sub-model name and confirming whether the car has standard or sport suspension helps prevent mixing staggered combinations that can alter appearance, balance, and clearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1988 Mitsubishi Starion tire?
Start with the exact size and axle position, because the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion does not use the same tire at every corner. Standard setups pair 205/55R16 front with 225/50R16 rear, while sport-suspension versions use 225/50R16 front and 245/45R16 rear. All of the primary fitments are radial tires on 16-inch wheels.
Once the correct size is confirmed, compare tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel-width compatibility within that size. BFGoodrich and Michelin cover the blackwall sport-radial side of the selection, while 205/55R16 also includes an American Classic wide whitewall option for buyers who want a different visual presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Mitsubishi Starion tires?
Sidewall choice for the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion is mostly blackwall, which suits the car's late-1980s sport coupe character. In 205/55R16, there is also a wide whitewall radial option, giving that front size a more appearance-driven alternative than the typical performance-oriented blackwall selections.
The practical point is that sidewall style is tied to specific sizes rather than the whole Starion range. A buyer trying to preserve a sport-focused look will likely stay with blackwall tires, while a custom or show-oriented project may look at the wide whitewall 205/55R16 option after confirming that the front fitment is correct.
What brands offer tires for the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion?
BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic all have applicable tires for the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. BFGoodrich appears across several g-Force series, Michelin covers both 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 with blackwall radial offerings, and American Classic provides a 205/55R16 radial with a wide whitewall presentation.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase, because the available choices also differ by size, sidewall style, and intended character. A standard front Starion tire search may bring up different options than a sport-suspension rear search, so comparing the actual size-specific lineup is more useful than choosing a brand first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1988 Mitsubishi Starion?
A period-style 1988 Mitsubishi Starion tire choice starts with keeping the original size relationship intact. That means 205/55R16 front and 225/50R16 rear on standard ESi and ESi-R setups, or 225/50R16 front and 245/45R16 rear on sport-suspension versions. Blackwall radial options align most naturally with the Starion's late-1980s sport coupe presentation.
Appearance and fitment should be considered together, especially on a staggered car where proportions matter. If exact restoration authenticity is the goal, check marque-specific references and surviving vehicle examples rather than assuming any available tire series or sidewall treatment matches the car as delivered when new.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1988 Mitsubishi Starion?
The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion uses radial tire fitments, so construction does not present a bias-ply versus radial appearance decision here in the usual vintage sense. Instead, the visual effect comes more from keeping the correct staggered sizes and choosing a sidewall treatment that suits the car's late-1980s lines and wheel design.
On most restorations or preservation-minded Starions, blackwall radials will look most in character with the model's original era. A wide whitewall is available in 205/55R16, but that choice changes the car's visual tone noticeably, so it makes more sense for a custom presentation than a stock-style restoration approach.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1988 Mitsubishi Starion?
Yes. The 1988 Mitsubishi Starion already uses a staggered tire approach on many configurations, so wheel, suspension, or ride-height changes can affect how well the intended sizes work. A different offset, altered spring height, or aftermarket wheel width can change clearance at the fender, inner wheelhouse, or steering components.
That is especially important on cars using 225/50R16 front and 245/45R16 rear, where the setup is more aggressive than the standard arrangement. A modified Starion should be inspected at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before settling on replacement tires, even when the size looks correct on paper.
What should I inspect before driving a 1988 Mitsubishi Starion on new tires?
Check that each tire size is mounted in the correct front or rear position, then inspect wheel condition, valve stems, and inflation before road use. It also helps to confirm that the car tracks properly, clears through steering travel, and does not show signs of rubbing under normal suspension movement.
Collector and occasional-use cars deserve an extra look at alignment condition, aging suspension bushings, and brake components while the wheels are off. A Starion that has sat for long periods may reveal issues only after fresh tires are installed, so an early test drive should be short and deliberate rather than a long first outing.
How should tires on a collector 1988 Mitsubishi Starion be maintained?
Maintain tires on a collector 1988 Mitsubishi Starion with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic movement of the car. Even when tread wear is low, the tires should be watched for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and air loss, especially if the car spends much of its time stored indoors.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use Starion. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and routine inspections remain important because staggered front and rear sizes can make uneven wear or setup problems harder to catch if they are ignored.
