Heroes Vs. Zeros
Every car lover has that one friend who swears by their ancient Lancer Evolution. Then there's the other friend who won't even mention their short-lived Mirage experience. Mitsubishi's catalog spans the entire spectrum of automotive emotion. The brand has produced genuine gems that punched way above their weight class, alongside some truly forgettable machines. Let’s start by looking at 10 models that helped Mitsubishi become the titan it is today.
1. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The bold “Dynamic Shield” styling of the 2025 Outlander makes an immediate impression. This midsize SUV delivers practical family transportation with seating for seven, backed by a reliable 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant. It comes with Super All-Wheel Control and third-row flexibility.
ACTUALLY GOOD!! UPDATED 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander review by TheStraightPipes
2. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
This capable SUV delivers a segment-leading 38-mile electric range before transitioning to hybrid operation. The advanced S-AWC system maintains stability in even the most challenging conditions. Federal tax incentives make this innovative hybrid particularly attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by Christopher Car Reviews
3. 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
A sharp-looking successor to the legendary Eclipse sports car, the 2025 Eclipse Cross stands out with its dramatic rear styling. The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine provides ample power through a refined CVT. Mitsubishi's advanced S-AWC technology also delivers superior control.
Surprisingly Fun! 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review by Outsider Reviews
4. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport stands as living proof of durability in the compact crossover segment. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, this beast offers two engine choices: a 2.0-liter or an optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder powerplant.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | The Impala of SUVs by Juliet McGuire
5. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
For budget-conscious drivers, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage serves incredible value. This fuel-sipping hatchback reaches 39 mpg on highways with its 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. A surprisingly spacious 17.1 cubic feet of cargo room makes it a practical daily driver.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage: Is It FINALLY Better? by Overdrive Reviews
6. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (Final Edition)
The Final Edition represents the last chapter of Mitsubishi's storied Lancer Evolution series. As a rare performer, it combines a 303-horsepower turbocharged engine with exclusive features like numbered console badges and red-stitched Recaro seats. Black BBS wheels complete the package.
2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition by Exotic Motorsports of Oklahoma
7. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
That tight turning radius of 15.75 feet? Yes, it renders the 2024 Mirage G4 perfect for urban environments. The three-cylinder engine delivers reliable transportation, complemented by a 12.4-cubic-foot trunk. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the increasingly scarce manual transmission option.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Review | Starting at UNDER $18k! by Gold Pony
8. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition
Mitsubishi crafted the ultimate rally tribute with their Tommi Mäkinen Edition Evo VI. This special variant displays a potent titanium turbocharger and track-focused suspension changes. Apparently, fans nicknamed it the "Evo 6.5" for its significant upgrades.
9. Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX (2nd Generation)
A true performance icon, the second-generation Eclipse GSX put together a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with capable all-wheel drive. The 210-horsepower sports car earned massive respect in the 1990s tuner scene. It has a mod-friendly design and a strong engine.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Was a JDM Failure by ThatDudeinBlue
10. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
Another rally-inspired masterpiece beautifully showcased the brand’s engineering prowess through its 276-horsepower turbocharged engine and refined handling systems. The Lancer Evolution VIII reached its peak in FQ-400 form, producing 405 horsepower. It matched Lamborghini's finest on the track.
Now let's talk about the real disasters—cars so problematic, they practically destroyed customer confidence single-handedly.
1. 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
The rugged appeal of the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero couldn't mask its serious flaws. Despite earning praise in off-road circles for its four-wheel-drive system, this SUV faced critical safety recalls. Brake system defects and stability control problems made it a risky investment.
2. 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mitsubishi's 2004 Endeavor failed to meet customer expectations in the competitive midsize SUV market. American buyers faced frequent air conditioning breakdowns and troublesome electrical systems. The California-designed exterior couldn't make up for mechanical shortcomings, particularly the transmission problems.
3. 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
Despite its ambitious name meaning "diamond" in Spanish, the 2000 Diamante proved far from precious. As a luxury sedan, it suffered numerous mechanical setbacks. Widespread coolant leaks and electrical failures led many owners to regret their purchase of this premium offering.
4. 2013–2015 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
As one of the world's first mass-produced electric cars, the 2013–2015 i-MiEV should have been the company’s crowning achievement. Instead, its severely limited range and unreliable charging system disappointed buyers. Battery degradation issues emerged quickly, despite PSA Group later using the design.
Rutger van der Maar on Wikimedia
5. 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Safety concerns plagued the 2002 Montero Sport from the start. Drivers faced serious issues like fuel system defects and faulty seat belt anchors. The SUV's poor crash test ratings and high rollover risk gave rise to additional hazards.
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport by GT Motors
6. 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage
Budget shoppers were initially drawn to the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage's low price point and impressive fuel economy ratings. Their excitement soon turned to frustration as major mechanical problems emerged. Failing brakes and doors that detached made this model year a huge problem.
2015 Mitsubishi Mirage - Review and Road Test by Kelley Blue Book
7. 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
The standard 2011 Lancer never achieved the acclaim of its rally-inspired Evolution counterpart. Despite moderate reliability scores, many people faced occasional engine stalling. This model year represented the twilight of Mitsubishi's presence in the American compact car segment.
Used 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer ES CJ Auto Video - U2651 - (Oct, 2020) by BerwickMitsubishi
8. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Movie stardom in The Fast and the Furious couldn't hide the 2001 Eclipse's reliability issues. Regular engine oil leaks and timing belt failures caused major headaches for owners. The manual transmission models witnessed frequent clutch disc and pressure plate breakdowns.
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.0L V6 by Boomer501
9. 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
A cornerstone of the brand’s American lineup for years, the 2003 Galant failed to maintain its standards. This beast became notorious for its electrical system failures and poor build quality. Used car shoppers should approach with caution due to documented reliability problems.
Rutger van der Maar on Wikimedia
10. 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
The 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 packed revolutionary technology for its era, including electronic suspension control and active aerodynamics. However, these advanced systems became a reliability nightmare. The twin-turbo setup and all-wheel-drive system resulted in endless maintenance headaches.
