When it comes to the automotive industry, in general, there are thousands of new car models that have been developed and sold over the past few decades. Many of these cars either prove to be popular or end up being discontinued. In terms of car manufacturers from Japan, Mitsubishi is one of the more well-known nameplates that has quietly been making a name for decades. When cars like the massively popular Mitsubishi Eclipse come to mind, the individuality and interesting design that comes out in every Mitsubishi product shine. There have been many Mitsubishi models such as the Monteiro which have gone on to sell millions worldwide, and the company was once in such a good financial decision that they were planning a hostile takeover of the Honda Motor Company.
Mitsubishi Motors designs cars which are different, and exciting to drive. This theory was attempted by many different automotive manufacturers but none have managed the same success as the Mitsubishi Motor Company. There have also been other innovations such as the alliance with Chrysler during the 90s that brought us such cars as the Dodge Stealth, and you’ll find that many of the most popular Chrysler vehicles still utilize a Mitsubishi derived engine. The Mitsubishi car brand is known worldwide for developing vehicles that make you want to enjoy driving. Although the brand is not as well known as many more common brands such as Toyota, there have been quite a few notable models that deserved more praise than they receive.
25 Mitsubishi GTO
Perhaps the most underrated twin-turbo performance car of the nineties, the Mitsubishi GTO is known far and wide for its superior driveability and performance that will take on even the most souped-up Toyota Supra models.
Although the Mitsubishi GTO is lesser known by far, the vehicle still offers a fun driving experience that many consumers have missed out on. The Mitsubishi GTO was indeed a great car that deserved far more praise than it actually got from consumers. With one of a kind style like nothing else, this car is hard to beat.
24 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Perhaps one of the most influential sports sedans of all time, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is known for being a performance powerhouse with a combination of beautiful styling and one of a kind quirks that make the car quite unique.
Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has never gotten the credit that it deserves when it comes to being a performance sedan, often being overshadowed by the Subaru WRX. Nevertheless, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is one of the most fun to drive cars that money can buy.
23 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Originally introduced as a car through Chrysler's Diamond Star Motors partnership with Mitsubishi, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is a one of a kind sports car that was designed and sold by Chrysler and Mitsubishi during the nineties, offering a factory turbocharger that made the car one of the most exciting models in the affordable price range.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was one of the more noteworthy cars of the 90s, and although it is no longer in production, it definitely left an impression.
22 Mitsubishi Starion
Another underrated sports car of the early 90s and late 80s, the Mitsubishi Starion was a new age sports coupe that also spawned interesting coupes such as the Chrysler Laser. The Mitsubishi Starion has a striking appearance that might even remind you of the Toyota Supra while integrating that signature eighties style that made most of the sports cars of that era stand out.
There is no doubt that the Mitsubishi Starion was one of the standout sports cars of the 80s that was very underrated.
21 Mitsubishi FTO
Perhaps one of the best well-known sports cars on the market, the Mitsubishi FTO has been featured in all kinds of video games and publications around the world. Unfortunately, the car has never made it onto domestic shores, which is a real let down because the car is a great combination of lightweight design and performance.
The FTO also has a signature style that makes the car hard to pass up, in a world where sports cars have become quite one dimensional, the FTO stands as a legend of performance.
20 Mitsubishi 380
Family sedans are a notable stand out for the Mitsubishi brand, offering a good blend of performance and functionality that many other automakers cannot match. The Mitsubishi 380 is the large sedan that is sold overseas, offering one of the most beautiful exteriors to be seen on a large Japan-based sedan.
Comparable to many more modern sedans, the Mitsubishi 380 offers Bluetooth functionality and many other unique features. It includes a beautiful exterior that even incorporates chrome exhaust tips which is a unique touch for a family sedan.
19 Mitsubishi Outlander
During the early 2000s, the race for compact SUV supremacy was taking place, Mitsubishi was quietly pushing along with their one of a kind model called the Outlander. Different and more modern than what was on the market in every way, the Outlander went to show that Mitsubishi still had it when it came to designing.
Sadly, the Outlander was never the sales success that the brand had hoped for, and for the most part, many consumers don’t even know that this compact SUV existed. Which is a sad shame considering how quality-built the little UTE actually was.
18 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Utilizing one of the most unique names in the sports car arena and slapping it onto a crossover is never a sure gamble, but Mitsubishi went ahead and tried it with their new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
This crossover has been getting high praises from the automotive press, and although many consumers still don’t equate the Mitsubishi name with a crossover you’d be hard pressed to find one that is as exciting as this one is. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is part of the new Mitsubishi design philosophy, and with the one of a kind interior and exterior you can’t go wrong.
17 Mitsubishi Pajero
The Mitsubishi Pajero is one of the most popular sport utility vehicles in the world, and the SUV has made a serious impact on the world. Known as one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the road, the Mitsubishi Pajero is sold as the Monteiro over on domestic soils and remains a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts who want a one of a kind ride.
It's also interesting to note that the Mitsubishi Pajero was sold as the Dodge Raider during the 80s, which many consumers also forget about.
16 Mitsubishi Mirage
The compact economy car market can be a cruel and forgetful place, where many different makes and models have come and gone over the past few decades. One of the more value-oriented models has always been the Mitsubishi Mirage, which was known for quality as well as an affordable price tag that made the car quite a unique choice for shoppers who wanted something that was value-oriented, as well as fun to drive.
The Mirage was also known as the Eagle Summit during the 90s. If you are not familiar with this car, that is because it has always been overshadowed by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
15 Mitsubishi Lancer
The regular Mitsubishi Lancer has always been a groundbreaking compact car that looked to separate itself from the average compact cars in the market. What made the Mitsubishi Lancer unique was the fact that the car had a unique design which otherwise was quite upmarket compared to other compacts on the market.
The final generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer was the most notable, undergoing a full redesign for the final model that was quite groundbreaking at the time.
14 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
When it comes to a groundbreaking electric car the Mitsubishi i-MiEV just about fits the bill perfectly, both in terms of price and quality. Billed as the most affordable electric vehicle on the road, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a great way to save the environment and stop from having to spend on gasoline.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a simplistic little car, and although not as fancy as the Nissan Leaf or the Chevrolet Volt, the car is still just as good. Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has not gotten the credit that it deserves.
13 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mitsubishi has long been an innovative car company that had pioneered the modern SUV market with the popular Mitsubishi Monteiro sports utility vehicle. While the Monteiro was an excellent off-road performer, the Mitsubishi Endeavor was introduced as a more family-friendly model, with a big and bold exterior.
Unfortunately, many consumers never gave the Mitsubishi Endeavor a chance, the model has not seen the notoriety that it deserves. The Mitsubishi Endeavor is both powerful and roomy making for an excellent combination of style and comfort.
12 Mitsubishi Zinger
When it comes to popular international vehicles the Mitsubishi brand has made quite a few and the Mitsubishi Zinger is the example of what a well-designed MPV should be.
Unfortunately, MPV models never really took off in the domestic market, and thus much of the consumer public has never seen the exceptional Mitsubishi Zinger. The company specialized in designing unique and sporty car models which make driving fun. The Zinger is a clear example of how the Mitsubishi car brand tries to make desirable products.
11 Mitsubishi Grandis
The Mitsubishi Grandis is another notable wagon that has been sold by the Mitsubishi Motor Company over on the Japan market for quite a few years now. The Mitsubishi Grandis is far more than your average run of the mill economy car, and for the most part, the wagon is far sportier than most of the current models.
The US buying public never got a chance to experience the Mitsubishi Grandis, which is a shame considering the superior build quality and reliability that the wagon has to offer.
10 Mitsubishi Savrin
While it is true that the domestic market has yet to fully appreciate the modern MPV, the Mitsubishi Savrin has been breaking sales records for a decade now according to Motor Trend figures.
The Mitsubishi Savrin has not made it across the ocean yet, and unfortunately, most consumers will never get to experience this one of a kind vehicle. The Mitsubishi Savrin is also notable for a very luxurious interior that really makes the car family friendly, as well as quite a versatile long range cruiser.
9 Mitsubishi Carisma
If there is one thing that the Mitsubishi car brand does well, it's designing small and fun-to-drive sedans. The Mitsubishi Carisma is an interesting little family sedan that is sold overseas and has done quite well, although the car is seldom known here in the states.
Like many of the exceptional Mitsubishi products that are often underrated, the Mitsubishi Carisma offers a serious blend of style and functionality that is hard to match by other automakers, which is why the brand has remained strong.
8 Mitsubishi Galant
One of the longest-running nameplates on the domestic car market was the Mitsubishi Galant, which was a great alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla. The Mitsubishi Galant might not have the notoriety of the Japan-based family sedans, but with a stylish exterior and sports car like handling there is no reason that the Mitsubishi Galant should have gotten the cold shoulder.
The Mitsubishi Galant stands to be one of the best family sedan values on the market, even as a used car.
7 Mitsubishi Magna
The large sedan market overseas is a bit crowded, but the Mitsubishi Motor Company has held their own with quite a few notable models. The Mitsubishi Magna is a big and luxurious sedan that offers a good range of standard features, and the sports car handling that makes all of the Mitsubishi car lineups above average.
When you first look at the Mitsubishi Magna you’ll be greeted by an upmarket sedan that features many notable aspects to it, including the feeling of a much more expensive sedan.
6 Mitsubishi RVR
Perhaps one of the most beautiful new crossovers over the decade, the Mitsubishi RVR is a serious blend of spunky styling and fast handling. For such a small little SUV you’d expect a much more sedate package, but this is where Mitsubishi always manages to excel.
The Mitsubishi RVR comes in a variety of interesting exterior colors and offers some notable interior enhancements that make the car a breeze to live with and drive. Sold all over the world, the Mitsubishi RVR deserves more praise then it gets credit for.