The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion sits at the sharp end of the rear-drive turbo sport-coupe era, a car remembered for its flared bodywork, balanced proportions, and serious enthusiast following. By this point, the Starion had become a distinctly 1980s performance machine, and its tire setup plays a major role in how the car looks and sits. The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion uses 16-inch radial fitments, with tire size varying by front and rear position and by suspension and wheel configuration. That makes the real decision less about broad tire type and more about matching the correct staggered or non-staggered setup, then choosing the right brand, series, and sidewall presentation for the car’s intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion uses three primary tire sizes, all in metric radial form on 16-inch rims. The correct choice depends first on identifying the exact front or rear position and whether the car is in standard ESi-R form or equipped with Sport Suspension, since those setups use different staggered combinations.
Fit(s): ESi-R Front and ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion, this size is used on front applications within certain ESi-R configurations. Available choices include blackwall performance-oriented options from BFGoodrich and Michelin, along with an American Classic Radial in a 1.50-inch whitewall. This size is the one to evaluate when preserving the narrower front fitment used on non-Sport Suspension front setups.
225/50R16 is a metric radial size that increases nominal width to 225 millimeters while using a 50-series profile on a 16-inch wheel. On the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion, it appears in rear fitment for standard ESi-R configurations and front fitment for Sport Suspension versions, so position on the car matters. Product choices center on blackwall radial tires from BFGoodrich and Michelin across several performance-focused series. This is the size to confirm carefully when the car has a staggered setup and the same wheel diameter is used at both ends.
245/45R16 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion, this size is tied to rear fitment on ESi-R models equipped with Sport Suspension, giving those cars the widest primary tire application in the lineup. Its practical role is to complete the more aggressive staggered arrangement used on those versions rather than serve as a universal Starion fitment. Anyone selecting this size should confirm rear wheel specification and clearance before assuming the car still retains its original setup.
Sub-model fitment on the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion is position-sensitive and changes with suspension and wheel configuration. Checking the exact ESi-R setup matters because the front and rear tire sizes are not the same across all versions, even though every application uses a 16-inch radial tire.
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1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R Front
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R Front uses the narrower front fitment within the standard staggered arrangement. Tire selection here centers on preserving the intended front sizing while comparing blackwall performance tires or a whitewall radial for a different visual presentation.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R Rear steps up to a wider rear radial than the standard front application. That means the rear tire should be chosen as part of the car’s staggered setup, with attention to matching the wheel width and overall front-to-rear balance.
1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Front
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Front uses a wider front tire than the non-Sport Suspension version. This front fitment should be selected with the rear size in mind so the complete staggered package remains consistent with the Sport Suspension setup.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension & aluminum wheels Rear carries the widest rear tire used on this model line. That rear application is best evaluated by confirming the actual wheel specification and making sure the car still has the clearance intended for the Sport Suspension combination.
1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension Front
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension Front uses the same wider front sizing associated with the Sport Suspension setup. Tire selection at this position should support the correct staggered relationship to the rear rather than treating the Starion as a square-fitment car.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/Sport Suspension Rear uses the wider rear tire paired with the Sport Suspension front application. Choosing this size correctly means verifying the rear wheel and keeping the intended front-to-rear fitment relationship intact.
1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Front follows the same narrower front fitment used on standard ESi-R front applications. This is the front size to confirm when the car has aluminum wheels but not the wider Sport Suspension front and rear combination.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R w/aluminum wheels Rear uses the same wider rear sizing found on the standard ESi-R rear setup. Selecting the rear tire here is mainly about maintaining the intended staggered fitment and comparing the available blackwall performance-oriented radial options.
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 1989 Mitsubishi Starion Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Mitsubishi Starion tires center on 16-inch radial options from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. Depending on size, the product grid lets you compare blackwall performance series, a wide whitewall radial in 205/55R16, and rim-width compatibility across the front and rear fitments.
Common 1989 Mitsubishi Starion tire questions usually come down to staggered front and rear sizing, 16-inch rim fitment, product differences by series and sidewall style, and the checks worth making before road use on a modified or collector-kept car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Mitsubishi Starion?
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion uses three primary tire sizes: 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 245/45R16. The exact size depends on front or rear position and on whether the car is a standard ESi-R configuration or an ESi-R with Sport Suspension, with all applications using radial construction on 16-inch wheels.
The important next step is identifying the car’s exact setup before selecting a tire. A standard ESi-R does not use the same front and rear combination as a Sport Suspension version, so the tire decision starts with confirming position on the car, wheel specification, and whether the Starion still retains its original suspension and wheel arrangement.
What size rim does a 1989 Mitsubishi Starion use?
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion uses a 16-inch rim diameter across its covered tire fitments. That applies to 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 245/45R16, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire width and profile vary by configuration and by front or rear position.
Rim diameter is only one part of correct fitment on a Starion. Since this car uses different tire sizes on different configurations, wheel width and actual front or rear placement should be checked as well, especially if the car has changed hands, has aftermarket wheels, or may no longer be wearing the same setup it originally used.
Why does the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion have more than one tire size?
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion has more than one tire size because its fitment varies by front and rear position and by ESi-R configuration. Standard ESi-R applications use a different staggered combination than ESi-R models equipped with Sport Suspension, so the range of sizes reflects distinct setups rather than interchangeable choices for every Starion.
That distinction matters because all three sizes are not meant to be treated as universal options. The car should be matched to its actual front and rear arrangement first, then the tire can be chosen within that size. This is especially important on a rear-drive performance coupe, where the staggered layout is part of the intended stance and fitment balance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Mitsubishi Starion tire?
Start with the correct tire size for the car’s exact front or rear position and configuration, since the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion uses staggered radial fitments rather than one universal size. After size is confirmed, compare the available tire series, brand options, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and any load figures that are relevant to the way the car will be driven.
A Starion kept close to its original visual character may call for a different choice than one used mainly for spirited weekend driving. The product range includes performance-focused blackwall radials and, in 205/55R16, a wide whitewall radial, so the right tire depends on whether the priority is appearance, road manners, or keeping the front and rear package consistent.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Mitsubishi Starion tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size chosen for the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion. The available lineup is mostly blackwall, especially in 225/50R16, while 205/55R16 also offers a wide whitewall option through the American Classic Radial line for buyers seeking a more distinctive appearance.
That means sidewall choice is not separate from fitment choice on this car. A buyer looking for a whitewall treatment must first confirm that 205/55R16 is actually the correct application for the Starion’s front position and configuration, rather than selecting a sidewall style first and then trying to force it into the wrong front or rear setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion?
Tires for the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. Depending on size, the available series include g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, Michelin SX MXX3 N2, Michelin Pilot Sport, and American Classic Radial.
Brand choice should be made after the correct size and position on the car are confirmed. Some sizes have broader selection than others, and the available products differ in sidewall style, rim-width range, and tire character, so comparing the actual options within the correct Starion fitment is more useful than choosing a brand name first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Mitsubishi Starion?
A period-style 1989 Mitsubishi Starion tire choice starts with preserving the car’s correct staggered 16-inch fitment. Since this is a late-1980s sport coupe with modern metric radial sizes, the most appropriate visual direction usually comes from staying within the correct front and rear sizing first, then selecting a tire series and sidewall treatment that suits the car’s intended presentation.
Blackwall radials will usually align more closely with the Starion’s original-era sport-coupe look, while a whitewall option exists in 205/55R16 for a more customized presentation. For a strict restoration, appearance details should be checked against marque-specific references and surviving examples, because the right visual choice is not just about size but also about sidewall treatment and overall stance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Mitsubishi Starion?
On a restored 1989 Mitsubishi Starion, tire construction affects appearance mostly through profile, sidewall shape, and the way the tire fills the wheel opening. Because this model uses radial primary fitments, the restoration decision is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about choosing the correct metric radial size and the right visual treatment within that radial category.
A tire that is technically close in size can still change the car’s look if the proportions or sidewall style differ from the intended setup. Keeping the correct staggered relationship between front and rear sizes is especially important on the Starion, since that layout contributes to the wide-body visual balance that enthusiasts expect from the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Mitsubishi Starion?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 Mitsubishi Starion. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width or offset, lowered suspension, replacement springs, or body changes can all influence how 205/55R16, 225/50R16, or 245/45R16 fit at the front and rear, even though the original applications share the same 16-inch rim diameter.
A modified Starion should be checked for steering clearance, inner and outer fender room, and actual wheel specification before a tire is chosen. That is especially important on Sport Suspension cars and on any car no longer using its original wheel package, because a staggered rear-drive fitment leaves less room for guesswork than a simple square setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Mitsubishi Starion on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Mitsubishi Starion on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 16-inch diameter and suitable width, then confirm that the front and rear tire sizes match the car’s actual configuration. It is also smart to check suspension condition, wheel fastener torque, valve stems, and visible clearance around the strut, inner wheelhouse, and fender edges.
A short initial road test is a good way to catch rubbing, vibration, or any mismatch between the tire and the wheel setup. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the tire and the vehicle’s use, and older collector cars deserve extra attention because worn bushings, sagging springs, or previous modifications can create fitment issues that new tires will reveal quickly.
How should 1989 Mitsubishi Starion tires be maintained on a collector car?
Collector-car tires on a 1989 Mitsubishi Starion should be inspected regularly for air loss, uneven wear, tread damage, cracking, bulges, and cuts, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Since the Starion uses staggered fitments in many configurations, maintenance also means keeping the correct tire size at each position rather than assuming front and rear tires can be treated interchangeably.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Starion away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, while routine pressure checks and occasional close inspections before longer drives help catch age-related problems early, especially on cars that spend more time parked than on the road.
