Mitsubishi road test reports and car reviews

Mitsubishi Shogun 2011

Needed new brake discs and pads at 10000 miles/ 10 months old! Dealer wouldn’t do this under warranty as was told it was wear and tear and my bad driving. Now.done 32,000 miles and the new discs /pads. are still ok, my driving must have improved!! The transmission failed when I had it off- road and got a lecture from the mechanic who came to it saying I shouldn’t have had it in a field!! It’s a 4x4 for heavens sake! The alarm went off one day when driving down the motorway. The dealer hadn’t a clue as to why this happened and thankfully it hasn’t done it again. It can be difficult to start if left for a few days, and have had to get it jump started on a few occasions, which is a damned nuisance! It is absolutely useless on snow/ice and doesn’t handle well in such conditions, I was told to get off-road tyres costing £600! Wouldn’t buy another one. Had a Daihatsu Fourtrak for 10 years with no problems and a great workhorse, wish they still imported them as I’d get one tomorrow!

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 2.5 D Sport 2005

I have a 2.5 sport and it’s by far the best 4x4 I have owned. I must agree with other owners on the gear box, a 6th gear would make this the best 4x4 by far, just a slight lower revs to sit on long runs would be a blessing, but you don’t buy a workhorse for this. I get 30 mpg combined, so no complaints. I just need to sort the tyres pressures out; my book says 26 all round and I’m not towing, but I find that a bit soft. I can’t wait to put the caravan on the back.

Mitsubishi Grandis 2006

A good car in all that pulls great, but does not have the best on grip in mud or snow.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ 330 SST 2010

An amazing car to drive, when it works, but in the 18 months I’ve owned it, that’s only been for 9 months! The car has had all 4 wheels replaced due to corrosion, and one of those had to be replaced again within weeks as the paint fell off! The front discs developed horrible vibration due to internal corrosion and that took 7 months to persuade Mitsubishi to replace them under warranty. The SST gearbox is now misbehaving with what seems to be slipping clutches or a faulty clutch engagement, as the revs constantly hunt at constant speed. And the AWD system warning light came on a month ago, accompanied by massive understeer and lift off vibrations. The car has been back and forth to the dealer and they still don’t know what’s wrong with it and haven’t fixed it. So, a tremendous car in design, but in quality it’s actually pretty poor mechanically. These, from the Lancer Register, don’t seem to be isolated problems either. If you can buy one with a warranty, go for it, but I seriously wouldn’t buy one without. The AYC pump is over £2000, the SST gearbox over £6000, a complete set of discs and pads is £1000 as well. As for mpg, you can get 28-30 if you’re very gentle but 22-23 is far closer to reality.

Mitsubishi L200 Raging Bull SE 2009

If you want a pickup that drives like a car, buy a car because no pickup can drive like that. This is a pickup and don’t confuse it with anything else. So when you do decide on one you won’t be disappointed. I bought a raging bull SE and it’s a head turner, under powered yes at 134 bhp, but the same engine in a barbarian is 174 so power upgrades are available but fuel consumption will suffer. I Use this truck everyday and it it easy to get used to. It could do with a reversing parking aid of some kind but that didn’t put me off when you got looks with full leather and chrome trimmings and immense space inside the truck. Choose the model that suits you, but try and get a used leased unit that hasn’t been used by a construction company etc., as mine was a bank leased unit with 60000 after 3 yrs with full service history and all the faults so many people report and you ll be fine. The manufacturers warranty is 125000 miles so there is confidence there if you need it. Avoid mileage above 125000 as resale values will suffer.

Mitsubishi L200 1996

Oh dear! Not impressed with the reviews. I’ve just got rid of my Defender 90 and bought this L200 off a local farmer with 116,000 on the clock. I spent all week under it and it will be MoT’d next week. I hope I haven’t done the wrong thing with this move. It looks and feels good and I’ve replaced lots of things I just hope I don’t drive into the sunset and end up stuck there with a rubbish motor. What have I done?! Mitsubushi you seem to have made a lemon in this one, hope I dont end up knocking on your door every minute for bits as this will be my first and last, I thought you were good.

Responses to this review

This is supposed to be a review that will help new buyer’s decide, not a statement on a vehicle that has already covered 116,000 miles and no mention of a service history! David Allton from Derbyshire

Mitsubishi Colt CZ2 Cleartec 1.3 2009

Great car to drive. A smooth ride. I have had no problems with it for the first 3 years. I have upgraded the alloys and suspension for a better stiffer ride but that was purely through aesthetic purposes as the ride was a bit high for me. The fuel economy is great especially for travelling 60 miles a day to work and back and only having to pay £30 a year road tax is a big bonus!! I would definitley recommend it, although it is associaed with older drivers. I bought this car at 19 and it’s still going strong. Much quicker and more powerful than other cars of the same size and out powers most 1.4 and some 1.6 litre cars.

Mitsubishi L200 52 plate 2.5td 4 life 2003

I bought a 52 plate 6 months ago. Haven’t had any major problems so far. Had to change shackle hangers and bushes just after I bought it. Used for mainly tarmac roads but been off road a few times due to living on a farm. Mot due in November and it has a bad knocking noise when going over bumps; I’ve been told it’s the spring leaf suspension, which by looking at reviews is a common fault. Use it for work so it carries a bit of weight in the back. 90000 miles on the clock and I have to say for a 10 year old pick up it’s in great condition and has had no major faults so far. A bit thirsty on fuel, but that’s to be expected. 4 new tyres recently, Bridgestone dueller H/T which are really good tyres for on and off road. Really happy with it. I will change it in a couple years for a newer model.

Mitsubishi i 2007

Bought as an ex-demonstrator in 2007 with 650 miles on the clock, this car has charmed me since the initial test drive. So far reliability has been excellent over the 68,000 miles covered. Fuel economy is around 48mpg and performance is perfectly adequate even on motorways. Given the opportunity the engine will push to an indicated 96mph, upon which the limiter steps in. Interior trim is wearing well and nothing is rattling. My only criticism of this refreshingly different yet extremely practical car is levelled at the bodywork corrosion protection and the 12 year anti-perforation warranty. My car has a line of rust coming through from the inside on the lower edge of the bonnet and a similar inside to outside string of bubbles on the offside rear wheel arch. A claim was put in on my behalf by a Mitsubishi main dealer but Mitsubishi headquarters refused to accept that there was any perforation. Looking on the web, this attitude is common to many manufacturers, so beware! I am considering trading my ’i’ in soon and may simply seek another one with lower miles.

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 2006

I purchased my Mitsubishi from London last year. It was in mint condition inside and out for a second hand motor, then I noticed the steering was weird, but I put it down to the huge 22inch alloys on it. Well, I got it home and started to ask questions about the steering and found out all 2.5’s and 2.8’s had a recall on The pitman arm and brakes! Mitsubishi did not bother to contact the buyers and left it up to them to complain first then be told to leave it in to have the pitman arm and brakes fixed. The pitman arm was causing the steering to be all over the place it kept taking off to the right and left whilst steering straight and it’s dangerous, if it goes you are dead!Plus, the brakes would not stop you. They took it in and replaced it, but then put the wrong arm in! This caused damage to other parts. They then decided to give my 4x4 a wash, but they did not wash the cleaner off and left it on the whole weekend. It ate into the paint and destroyed it (as it worked as an acid), plus they destroyed my lovely alloys with the cleaner, which stripped all the lacquer off them. What did they do? Nothing! They admitted it alright, they took it back in replaced the arm to the right one and buffed the body with polish, but it did no good. They said they would replace the rubbers and seals around the windows etc., and sort the body out. They said plenty but did nothing! Then they threatened me and ordered me off their premises as other customers could hear the problems etc. I ended up going elsewhere to have it fixed then sold it in disgust! Mitsubishi headquarters is a disgrace they are rude ignorant and a waste of space. Same as their company Donnelly bros N.I. Great if you are buying, but don’t dare complain when they make mistakes as they don’t want to know!

Responses to this review

Largely irrelivant this review. Why mention the paint and the wheels etc that some no brained garage did to the Shogun? OK you had a mechanical problem with the car but it was fixed... but then you rant on about some retard who works in the carwash ruining your paintwork/wheels - Damian from Yorkshire

Mitsubishi L200 Animal 2009

Absolute rubbish! My L200 Animal has needed two new clutches and flywheels in 3yrs and only 35000 miles. At my own cost I might add totaling £4500. Where’s the work horse and reliability in that? It doesn’t get used for towing or off road. I would never recommend a Mitsubishi. Avoid at all costs!

Mitsubishi Outlander Elegance 2007

We bought our Outlander as a pre-registered car from Mitsubishi in 2007. I think it was one of the first batch into the UK nad has the vw 2litre engine. It is great family transport and good to drive. We tend to leave it in 2 wheel drive (where it is most economical), but 4 wheel drive has been great in winter weather. We have now done 50K miles in it and nothing has gone wrong. That said we have had at least 2 service recall letters a year for items fixed unnder warranty. The initial thirst for oil stopped once an oil pump was changed (a recall item). My only real bug bear has been the paint; ours seems to be ridiculously easy to scratch compared to any other car that I have owned. Useful to know that dealers can do cheaper servicing on older cars. My last service was cheapest yet as we discovered items which were recomended but could be deferred (new pollen filters anyone?). Overall a good car.

Mitsubishi i 2012

An excellent fun and useful car, which is different from others both in looks and technology making it all the more fun to drive. Utterly surprising in power and willingness to work while not appearing to be strained. Obviously it must be driven in relation to its size and design. The automatic box appears to be very smooth and responsive. Its full of excellent ideas, which appear in more expensive machines; remote locking, four window electrics, heated seats, child restraints, alloy wheels. It rolls along with ease and comfort.

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 2003

I like many others have driven lots of 4x4s, Discos etc., and for me this is by far the best of the bunch. It has been the best towing vehicle I have owned. We tow a 1400kg caravan and still the 2.5 diesel engine returns 30-33 mpg. Driving solo at 2.2thousand revs (55 mpg) it returns 40mpg!! In fact it’s due a service, but when it does 40 mpg, I`m reluctant to take it in for one in case they alter anything! My vehicle has 61000 genuine milage, we have had it for 2 months and are more than happy with this vehicle. My advice? Drive it conservatively and go out and buy one now.

Mitsubishi L200 2010

I bought two 2010 L200 GLX turbo (built in Korea) for Work, both of which are used 80% of the time off road. One has 35,000 km and the other has 27,000km on the clock. After one year of having different drivers in them the only attention they’ve needed are oil changes and regular maintenance. They are VERY reliable. They are used in West Africa, Ghana. Nothing has broken on them as of yet and I get between 600 to 700km on 65ltrs of diesel. Great trucks!

Mitsubishi Lancer Saloon GS3 2.0L DI-D 2009

Can’t fault this car one bit. Bought this 09 reg 58 plate GS3 saloon second hand in July 2011 for under £8500. Bargain! Bit noisy, but hey it’s a diesel. Wish I’d gone for the GS4 with sat-nav, but on second thoughts leather seats are very warm in summer. I get over 50MPG on long journeys and about 40-45MPG daily use. Some have said the interior is bland and plastic-y looking, but it’s a darn sight better than some of this car’s rivals. I for one, think it’s very modern looking. You just don’t see many of these on the road, which adds to its appeal. Even when I do see one it’s usually the watered down hatchback versions, which in my opinion do not come close to the saloons Evo looks. I’d say they even detract from it! Overall I’m very pleased with this purchase and I’m just waiting to see what the next Lancer will bring, hopefully Mitsubishi’s own diesel engine rather than one nicked from VW!

Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet CZC CZC Turbo 2006

Had my car since October, which replaced a 4x4, love it. It handles well land I love the turbo. It’s fun to drive with no leaks, but the passenger window drops on occassions, which drives me nuts. Oh, one concern is both the front seat belts have a scored marked down through the middle, which I hope won’t effect it’s MoT tomorrow :(

Mitsubishi Lancer Estate 2010

Awesome car! Fast as hell for a 4 door. I love the feel of the car when you accelerate - it’s like nothing can stop you, especially when you’re able to mod it to extreme conditions to reach at least 210mph.

Mitsubishi Colt Cleartec 2009

I’m a proud owner of a Colt Cleartec and stumbled across these other reviews online. The review I read is factually incorrect in places; the Colt Cleartec does have ESP and traction control. The Colt Cleartec is not a hot hatch, the Colt Ralliart is the hot hatch in the range so it’s unfair and unrealistic to buy a Cleartec for the performance alone. Although the Cleartec is a car, which on paper is quicker then a BMW 1 series 1.6 and in the real world I’ve left golfs, BMWs and even Mercs at the lights, this is not why you buy a Colt Cleartec. The ride is fine, you get more road noise with low rolling resistance tyres on any car. The handling is fantastic, you can really throw the car around. I own the five door and the cabin space is incredible, the boot space is not great, but because the car is taller then most cars in its class that’s a non-issue. The in car plastics are fine, the quality of the plastics is just as good as VW interiors. It’s the first Japanese car I’ve ever bought and it won’t be the last Mitsubishi I own, its just as well-built and of the same quality of German cars, but you pay a smaller premuim. The road tax is only £30 a year and it holds its value extremely well. In conclusion I would buy this car again without a second thought. Cars like Fiestas, Corsas etc., are great for the first 25000 miles but the Colt is a real winner in the long run.

Mitsubishi Shogun Elegance 2011

I have owned two Shoguns previously and found them totally reliable. I made the mistake of changing to a Discovery 3, which I kept for only 5 months (most of that time was spent in the garage). I went back to a new Shogun in June 2011..wow! What a difference to the older ones. I have had no problems to date, it is completely reliable, comfortable and has all the toys. Also the performance (197bhp) is brilliant. My only criticism is the claimed fuel consumption. There is no way you will average 34mpg unless you drive for many miles on a flat road with no hills at a steady 40mph with the revs not going above 1200rpm. I drive extremely light footed and can never average more then 28mph. Saying that I would recommend the Shogun to anyone who wants a true, reliable 4wd that now looks the part and performs better then most of its competition.

Mitsubishi Shogun Elegance 2011

This is the third Shogun I have had and wished I had always stayed with them, having tried Land Rover twice with a Freelander and then a 2005 Discovery; a total disaster with both as they spent more time in the garage then on the road. This latest Shogun is amazing and I find it difficult to understand some of the bad press reviews that are always stating how brilliant the Discovery is in comparison. If you want to stay driving at nearly half the new cost of an unreliable Discovery pick the Showgun every time.

Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 Diesel 2008

I’ve only had mine a coupe of weeks, which I bought with 38,000 on the clock. It’s a great little car, but like other owners the auto mode leaves a lot to be desired, as it snatches too much. Manual is great, except when trying to select reverse; it doeas not want to select the geat immediately, this could be my fault though? Overall a great car, well built and roomy.

Responses to this review

Stan, make sure you have the footbrake firmly depressed before trying to select reverse gear - Allan Mercer from Lincolnshire

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 2.5 TD 2005

I’m laughing at the comments from others re poor handling and slow performance. I’ve driven everything from skylines to scoobys to v8’s to turbo hayabusas/nitrous gixxers etc., a fair spectrum of vehicles basically. The Shogun Sport is just plain fantastic! It’s very, very easy to get another 30-40 bhp if required (for those wanting more grunt) and it is also very easy to adjust the wastegate on the turbo for less wastegate creep (keeps the power for further up the revs;) Handling? It’s ok, so it’s no sports car, but it’s no lorry either. Remember people, this is a 2 ton 4x4 tank, built to last and withstand proper work/offroading etc, and when you bare this in mind, it’s actually very accomplished and the mpg isnt too shabby either. Out of all the 4x4s this one wins hands down in terms of reliability versus price! Less whining, more enjoying! :)

Responses to this review

I have an immense amount of respect for this vehicle,it isn’t fair to label it as ’poor handling’. For heaven’s sake, it’s a high-riding 4x4 with long-travel suspension, how is it MEANT to handle like a car with all this off-road biased hardware to tote about?! People talk rubbish. It steers very nicely, the gearbox, though heavy-duty, and with a rather long gear-lever changes with lightning precision if you know what you’re doing. The brakes are quite good and I don’t think the fuel consumption is THAT bad. I suggest the people who think that it is should try a 4.6 litre Range Rover THEN come back and say the same thing! Been out in the deep Yorkshire snow this morning and she is as impressive as ever. If you want sports car-like handling and low fuel consumption, get a BMW 320d. I forgot to add though that these are totally undriveable in deep snow, no traction whatsoever, but each to their own... - Phillip Taylor from Yorkshire

Mitsubishi Shogun L200 2003

I bought this car with only 12000 miles on the clock. I took it for its first main service and I was told it needed a new clutch £700+ to repair. I refused to have it fixed. The garage had it for 2 weeks and couldn’t find why it was down on power. A couple of months later and 38000 miles on the clock the cylinder head cracked. I had the head replaced and it was then back to full power. Mitsubushi are not interested!! At 72000 miles the car suffers from oil pressure issues, I spoke to the General manager of Mitsubushi UK (I have his e mail address if anyone would like to tell him what they think of their cars), but he was not interested as it was out of warantee, and had no explaination as to why loads of these cars fail at 70000+ miles. He also can’t explain why my clutch is still going strong after 72000 miles when they said it needed chainging. This is my second and LAST Mitsubushi, I wouldn’t ever buy another one. I can put up with the odd problem, but major issues should be covered by the manufactures, they know they have engine problems and all Mitsubushi do is bury their heads in the sand! Buyer beware you will need deep pockets to keep a Mitsubushi on the road!!

Mitsubishi L200 2003

What a load of rubbish! I had a Pajero before and thought it might be as good. The cylinder head blew at 38000, just 6 months out of warranty. Mr Mitsubushi said go away! Now at 72000 the engine is knocking. For goodness sake Mitsubushi own up to your mistakes and help the customers stuck with your lemons!! Just take a look on ebay at how many 03/53 plate L200s have blown engines! My advice? Never ever buy a Mitsubushi!

Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet CZC 2007

I loved this car until the leaks started, first on my head whilst driving, secondly on to my back seats, which are soaked. My boot is also very wet constantly, making my back window hard to see through.

Responses to this review

I have the Mitsubishi Colt czc 2 and my boot is soaking and my whole car is smelling of foist! Why is this please?

Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 CZ2 AMT 2009

We’d never heard of these before, but was given one as a rental in Portugal a couple of years ago. We were so impressed we went out and immediately bought a second hand CZ2 Auto, paying only £6k for an 18month old model with 6k on the clock, what a bargain! The car is perfect for us as the wife can only drive autos and I prefer manual. My wife is a little hard of hearing so the slightly higher revs with the auto box don’t bother her at all. I really enjoy the clutchless manual mode and you don’t need to pay extra for options as the CZ2 model has everything inc. cruise control, fog lights, aircon etc. The boot is not large, but big enough for our needs. For long trips an extra suitcase can go on back seat. The interior space makes it feel like a much bigger car and it is easy to get in and out of. It provides great performance and handling with a 95bhp engine and delivers 45mpg on average, 50+ on a run and road tax is only £95 p.a. It’s reliability is exceptional according to Warranty Direct and we have had no problems in 10k miles. We have just traded it in for a brand new model as we have been so impressed with the car. We used to buy Toyotas, but can no longer afford them. This matches up extremely well for driveability and build quality and is (according to reports) more reliable than a Yaris. A hidden gem thanks to badge snobbery - keep it quiet!

Mitsubishi i MiEV 2011

Better than hybrid. Love it.