When you’re shopping for your next ride, you probably ask yourself the same question about every brand: Are they good cars? With Mitsubishi, that question comes up often, especially since this automotive name has been around for decades, yet sometimes feels like the underdog compared to car brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, or Kia.
Let’s break it down. Whether you’re looking at a new car, a used car, or just curious about Mitsubishi’s reputation, here’s what you need to know.
A Quick History of Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors has been building vehicles for over 100 years, with roots in engineering that go back to heavy industry and even building ships and planes. Over time, they carved out a reputation for durability and affordability. Models like the Mitsubishi Lancer and the legendary Lancer Evo became icons for performance and rally fans, while SUVs like the Mitsubishi Montero and Pajero proved themselves off-road in some of the toughest conditions worldwide.
That kind of history shapes how people still see Mitsubishi vehicles today.
Mitsubishi Reliability: How Do They Stack Up?
One of the biggest things car buyers look at is reliability. You want a vehicle that doesn’t leave you stranded, keeps repair costs manageable, and holds up across model years.
Mitsubishi reliability ratings have improved in recent years. According to RepairPal and other sources that track reliability ratings, Mitsubishi sits in a competitive spot compared to brands like Nissan, Chevy, and Mazda. They’re not always topping the charts like Toyota or Honda, but Mitsubishi cars are considered affordable to maintain, with lower-than-average repair costs. Oil changes, basic maintenance, and routine service stay pretty budget-friendly compared to some competitors.
Older models like the Mitsubishi Galant and Lancer show their durability too, with plenty still on the road. When properly maintained, these vehicles prove that Mitsubishi builds cars that can last.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is another area where Mitsubishi has put in serious effort. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and other agencies have given several Mitsubishi models strong safety ratings.
The Mitsubishi Outlander, the brand’s flagship crossover SUV, has earned recognition for its safety features and crash performance. With driver-assist technology, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and solid build quality, it keeps up with competitors like Subaru, Toyota, and Hyundai.
Smaller models like the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Eclipse Cross also offer safety features that appeal to buyers who want affordable compact SUVs or subcompact hatchbacks without sacrificing peace of mind.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is where Mitsubishi vehicles often shine. The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact cars on the market, often delivering impressive mpg ratings that rival hybrids without the hybrid price tag.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is another standout. As one of the first plug-in hybrid crossovers, it offers a blend of gas and electric driving that helps keep fuel costs low while giving drivers the flexibility to go longer distances. For Utah drivers who balance city commutes with weekend adventures, the Outlander PHEV makes a strong case.
Compared to other car brands like Kia, Hyundai, or Nissan, Mitsubishi’s lineup may be smaller, but it competes hard in the fuel economy category.
Performance and Off-Road Capability
Mitsubishi has a background in performance and off-road vehicles, and that DNA still shows. The Outlander Sport and Outlander crossover provide confident driving with available all-wheel drive, making them solid choices for snowy Utah winters or dirt road adventures.
Enthusiasts still remember the Lancer Evo, a sports car that became legendary for its rally performance and turbocharged powertrain. While you won’t find the Evo in the current Mitsubishi lineup, the spirit of building cars that can take a beating and deliver excitement is still there.
And if you’re looking at older models like the Montero or Mitsubishi Pajero, you’ll see why the brand is respected for durability in rugged environments. These SUVs earned reputations around the world as reliable off-road machines.
Warranty and Affordability
One of the strongest points in Mitsubishi’s favor is its warranty. Mitsubishi Motors backs its new cars with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is one of the best in the industry. That kind of coverage shows confidence in Mitsubishi reliability and gives buyers extra peace of mind.
Combine that warranty with affordability and you get strong value. Whether you’re comparing against Honda, Toyota, or Subaru, Mitsubishi often comes in at a lower starting price while still offering the modern features buyers expect. That makes it appealing for first-time buyers, families on a budget, or anyone who wants a dependable daily driver without overspending.
The Mitsubishi Lineup Today
So what’s in the current Mitsubishi lineup?
- Mitsubishi Outlander: The three-row crossover SUV with seating for up to seven, advanced safety features, and strong mpg ratings. Also available as the Outlander PHEV for plug-in hybrid power.
- Outlander Sport: A compact SUV that’s easy to handle, affordable, and built for drivers who want versatility.
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: A stylish compact SUV with a hatchback feel and plenty of modern tech.
- Mitsubishi Mirage: A subcompact hatchback or sedan option known for excellent fuel economy and a low cost of ownership.
While other car brands may offer dozens of models, Mitsubishi keeps the lineup focused. That can be a plus, since it makes choosing simpler and ensures each model is designed to meet a clear purpose.
Mitsubishi vs. the Competition
When you put Mitsubishi cars side by side with competitors, a few things stand out:
- Affordability: Compared to Toyota, Honda, or Subaru, Mitsubishi often has lower price points.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Mirage and Outlander PHEV are serious contenders in their classes for mpg and fuel economy.
- Warranty: Few brands can touch Mitsubishi’s warranty. Hyundai and Kia come close, but many others fall short.
- Reliability: Mitsubishi reliability scores are steady, with lower-than-average repair costs and strong durability when maintained. Check out this roundup of the most reliable cars.
For Utah drivers, that combination of affordability, efficiency, and capability makes Mitsubishi vehicles worth a look, especially when shopping for a new car or used car at a dealership like Southtowne Mitsubishi.
Buying a Mitsubishi in Utah
At the end of the day, choosing a vehicle is personal. Maybe you want the low cost and fuel efficiency of the Mirage. Maybe you need the space of the Outlander for family life and road trips. Or maybe you want a compact SUV like the Eclipse Cross that balances practicality and style.
Whatever your preference, the best way to figure it out is simple: schedule a test drive. Sitting behind the wheel, checking out the safety features, seeing how the crossover handles Utah roads. That tells you more than any list of reliability ratings or fuel economy numbers ever could.
Drive Forward with Mitsubishi
So, are Mitsubishi good cars? That’s up to each driver to decide, but one thing is certain: Mitsubishi continues to build vehicles with a mix of affordability, durability, and modern features that make them competitive against bigger car brands. With strong warranties, respectable safety ratings, and models designed for both daily commutes and weekend getaways, Mitsubishi cars hold their own in the automotive world.
If you’re in Utah and considering a new car, a used car, or just curious about Mitsubishi offers, Southtowne Mitsubishi has the lineup ready for you. From the Outlander to the Mirage, there’s a model that can fit your lifestyle.
Come see for yourself. Take a test drive at Southtowne Mitsubishi. And decide if a Mitsubishi is the right fit for your road ahead.