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Mitsubishi: All Models, Brand History & Rally Heritage

From the rally-dominating Lancer Evolution to the pioneering Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi is a brand with a rich history of engineering and innovation. Today, Mitsubishi focuses on delivering reliable, value-packed, and efficient crossover vehicles, all backed by an outstanding warranty. It is a brand built on a legacy of toughness and a vision for an efficient future.

Mitsubishi: A Legacy of Engineering and Rally-Bred Toughness

Mitsubishi Motors is a brand with a deep and storied history, forged in the crucible of motorsport and defined by a spirit of technological innovation. While the modern lineup is focused on delivering exceptional value and efficiency in the popular crossover segment, the three-diamond logo carries a powerful legacy of performance that still resonates with enthusiasts around the world. From dominating the world's toughest rallies to pioneering the plug-in hybrid SUV, Mitsubishi has a history of building tough, capable, and forward-thinking vehicles.

The Genesis: From Shipping to a Global Industrial Giant

The Mitsubishi story began long before cars. The original Mitsubishi company was founded in 1870 in Japan by Yataro Iwasaki as a shipping firm. The massive conglomerate grew to encompass all forms of industry, from mining to banking. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was officially formed in 1970 as a dedicated automotive division. The brand's entry into the American market was marked by a reputation for building durable, reliable, and often quirky vehicles that offered a unique alternative to mainstream Japanese brands.

Core Philosophy: "Drive Your Ambition"

Mitsubishi's modern core philosophy is captured in its slogan, "Drive Your Ambition." This represents a commitment to building vehicles that empower drivers to explore new horizons and take on new challenges. In the modern era, this philosophy is most evident in the brand's focus on advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology and its sophisticated Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. The brand's commitment to its customers is further solidified by an excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, offering significant peace of mind.

Defining Moments and Key Achievements

Mitsubishi's history is a highlight reel of legendary performance cars and groundbreaking technological advancements.

  • The Lancer Evolution ("Evo"): The Lancer Evolution is an automotive icon and a legend of the "tuner" scene. It was a rally-bred, all-wheel-drive sport sedan that delivered blistering performance and razor-sharp handling. The legendary rivalry between the Evo and the Subaru WRX STI defined a generation of affordable, all-weather performance.
  • World Rally Championship (WRC) Dominance: With legendary driver Tommi Mäkinen behind the wheel, the Lancer Evolution dominated the World Rally Championship, winning multiple consecutive drivers' titles and cementing Mitsubishi's reputation for building incredibly tough and capable all-wheel-drive systems.
  • The 3000GT VR-4: A technological tour de force in the 1990s, the 3000GT VR-4 was a high-tech sports car that featured a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics.
  • The First Plug-in Hybrid SUV: The launch of the Outlander PHEV was a groundbreaking moment. It was the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, offering a unique blend of EV capability for daily commuting and the flexibility of a gasoline engine for long trips, years before many competitors entered the segment.

Mitsubishi's Modern Market Position: The Leader in Crossover Value

Today, Mitsubishi has sharpened its focus in the American market, concentrating on its strengths in the highly competitive crossover and small SUV segments.

Vehicle Lineup and Target Audience

Mitsubishi's modern lineup is focused and value-driven:

  • SUVs & Crossovers: The heart of the modern brand, featuring the popular 3-row Outlander, the stylish Outlander Sport, and the modern Eclipse Cross.
  • Compacts: The ultra-economical Mirage, one of the most fuel-efficient and affordable new cars in America.
  • Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV): The Outlander PHEV continues to be a leader in the segment it created, offering an advanced and efficient powertrain.

The brand's target audience is the intelligent, practical consumer who values a comprehensive feature set, a low purchase price, and the long-term security of an industry-leading warranty.

Key Differentiators and Competitive Advantages

Compared to its primary rivals, Toyota and Honda, Mitsubishi's key differentiators are:

  • Leadership in Plug-in Hybrid Technology: Mitsubishi has over a decade of real-world data and experience with its PHEV system, giving it a significant advantage in reliability and refinement in that specific segment.
  • Outstanding Warranty: The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is a massive competitive advantage and a powerful statement of the brand's confidence in its vehicles.
  • Strong Value Proposition: Mitsubishi vehicles consistently offer a high level of standard features at a very competitive price point, making them an excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.

Mitsubishi Models

  • Outlander

    2003-Present

    The flagship of the modern Mitsubishi lineup. The Outlander stands out with its standard 3-row seating, bold styling, and the advanced, class-leading Plug-in Hybrid powertrain. It's a versatile, efficient, and value-packed SUV for the modern family.

  • Outlander Sport

    2011-Present

    The affordable and dependable gateway to the Mitsubishi crossover family. The Outlander Sport offers the confidence of available All-Wheel Control, a high seating position, and a great warranty, making it a smart and practical choice for city life.

  • Eclipse Cross

    2018-Present

    The stylish and sporty compact crossover with a legendary name. The Eclipse Cross features a distinctive coupe-like design, a turbocharged engine, and the brand's signature Super All-Wheel Control, offering a more engaging and expressive driving experience.

  • Mirage

    2014-Present

    The champion of fuel economy and affordable transportation. The Mirage is one of America's most budget-friendly new cars, delivering exceptional MPG and a fantastic warranty. It's the ultimate choice for drivers who value practicality and low running costs.

  • Lancer Evolution

    2003-2015

    The legendary, rally-bred supercar slayer. The 'Evo' was a raw, unfiltered performance icon, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive weapon that could out-corner the world's best sports cars. It remains the holy grail for a generation of enthusiasts.

  • Eclipse

    1990-2012

    The iconic sport compact that defined a generation of import tuning. Made famous by 'The Fast and the Furious,' the Eclipse, especially the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive GSX, was a giant of 90s performance and style. A true cult classic.

  • 3000GT

    1991-1999

    A technological tour de force and the Japanese supercar of the 90s. The 3000GT VR-4 was a high-tech marvel, boasting a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics. It was a futuristic beast, years ahead of its time.

  • Montero

    1983-2006

    The legendary, Dakar Rally-winning off-road icon. The Montero (Pajero globally) was a true, rugged, body-on-frame 4x4, known for its incredible toughness and go-anywhere capability. It's a beloved classic for serious overlanding adventurers.

  • Galant

    1988-2012

    The versatile mid-size sedan that hid a rally-bred monster within. The rare and legendary Galant VR-4 was a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sleeper that shared its DNA with the Lancer Evolution, making it an icon for enthusiasts in the know.

  • Lancer

    2002-2017

    The reliable and sporty compact that served as the foundation for a legend. While the base Lancer was a dependable daily driver, it was also the platform for the rally-inspired Ralliart and the world-beating Evolution models. A truly versatile nameplate.

  • Diamante

    1992-2004

    Mitsubishi's comfortable and stylish near-luxury sedan. The Diamante was the brand's flagship, offering a smooth V6 engine, a spacious interior, and a host of premium features that provided a sophisticated alternative to mainstream family cars.

  • Starion

    1983-1989

    The quintessential rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged Japanese sports car of the 1980s. With its boxy, aggressive styling and potent turbo power, the Starion (also sold as the Chrysler/Dodge Conquest) was a true enthusiast's machine and a classic of its era.

  • Mighty Max

    1987-1996

    The tough, simple, and incredibly dependable compact pickup. The Mighty Max was a no-frills workhorse, known for its rugged reliability and honest utility. It's a beloved classic for those who appreciate a simple truck that just won't quit.

  • i-MiEV

    2012-2017

    One of the very first mass-market electric cars available in the United States. The i-MiEV was a quirky, city-focused EV that pioneered the concept of affordable, zero-emissions driving. A historically significant and unique piece of electric vehicle history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ("Evo") and why is it so famous?
The Lancer Evolution, or "Evo," is a legendary, high-performance all-wheel-drive sport sedan. It is a factory-built "rally car for the road," born from Mitsubishi's dominance in the World Rally Championship. The Evo is famous for:
  • Its Raw, Turbocharged Power: It featured a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged 4G63 engine that was famously robust and easy to modify for even more power.
  • Its Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC): It had one of the most advanced and effective all-wheel-drive systems ever created, which included an Active Yaw Control (AYC) system that made it incredibly agile and capable of physics-defying cornering.
The legendary rivalry between the Mitsubishi Evo and the Subaru WRX STI defined a generation of affordable, all-weather performance and cemented the Evo's status as a cult classic.
What is Mitsubishi's warranty?
Mitsubishi offers one of the best warranties in the entire automotive industry, which is a major part of its value proposition and a powerful statement of the brand's confidence in its quality. The key components are:
  • 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty: This is the industry-leading part, covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components.
  • 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty: This is the comprehensive "bumper-to-bumper" warranty.
  • 5-Year/Unlimited Miles Roadside Assistance: Provides services for common issues.
This exceptional warranty provides significant peace of mind for new car owners.
What is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is one of Mitsubishi's most important and innovative vehicles. It was the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, and the brand has over a decade of real-world experience with this technology. It offers:
  • A significant all-electric driving range for gas-free daily commuting.
  • A gasoline engine that eliminates range anxiety for long road trips.
  • Standard Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) for confident all-weather handling.
  • In some models, a third-row seat, making it one of the few PHEVs in its class with 7-passenger capability.
It is a cornerstone of Mitsubishi's modern lineup and a leader in the PHEV segment.
What is Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)?
Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is Mitsubishi's proprietary and highly advanced all-wheel-drive system. It is an evolution of the legendary AWD technology developed for the Lancer Evolution. Unlike basic AWD systems, S-AWC is an active, torque-vectoring system. It not only distributes power between the front and rear wheels but also uses an Active Yaw Control (AYC) system to distribute power between the left and right wheels. This allows the system to actively help the vehicle turn, resulting in sharper, more controlled, and more stable handling in all conditions. It is a true performance-oriented AWD system.
Are Mitsubishi cars reliable?
Yes, Mitsubishi has a strong reputation for building reliable and durable vehicles, a legacy that traces back to tough vehicles like the Montero and the legendary Lancer Evolution. In the modern era, the brand's confidence in its own quality is best demonstrated by its industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. While the brand's lineup is more focused today, its core models like the Outlander are built on proven platforms and are designed to offer a dependable and affordable ownership experience. The combination of solid engineering and an excellent warranty makes Mitsubishi a reliable choice.