Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

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  Stay away from CVT transmission - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Kelvin - November 28 - 8:07 pm

  Bought brand new 2015 outlander sports …. Did all manufacturer maintenance from day one and transmission dead in just 8 years and have to spent another $8000 to replace … will not purchase another Mitsubishi anymore .. very disappointing !

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  280k miles..... - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By John - December 15 - 9:33 pm

  Well bought it used with 130k miles in 2014 here in 2022 it has 280k. Has had no major engine or transmission issues at all. Most of the work done has been cv joint stuff and rear axle and new catalytic converter and drive shaft, and one gasket repair. It’s been an amazing vehicle if you discount the expected cv joint stuff that is unavoidable maybe then $2500 in repairs last 150k miles.

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  4,000 mile review - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Lyndsey - February 7 - 11:54 pm

  maybe it’s just mine but i put 4,000 miles on it in 10 months and it just seems like part after part needs replacing. sway bar links, wheel barring, etc. i don’t ride it rough i baby this thing because i love trucks but it’s getting a little expensive. gas mileage isn’t great. i put 1500 on it for a trip and it was GREAT but city driving is just the absolute worst even for a truck.

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  Overall performance/Reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Patricia Wood - August 28 - 3:16 am

  I have had this 2003 Mitsubishi outlander for 18 years. I bought it with about 1300 miles on the odometer. It now has approximately 260,000 miles on it. I live in the Colorado high country and my Outlander has always gotten me through snowstorms, hail, icy roads and muddy off road driving. It is reliable and fuel efficient!! I love this car! The interior has held up remarkably well, in fact, looks like new except wear on the pedals. Of course I have always given it regular oil changes, replaced wipers, battery, brake shoes, muffler and headlamps...things of that nature. But never have I had issues with the transmission, engine, alternator or major components. This gem has cost me very little to maintain. Recently the serpentine belt, sway bar links, rear U joints and cv axles were replaced. The total cost was about $2000. I paid it gladly and never considered replacing it with another vehicle, used or new. Some may say it's foolish to put money into an 18 year old car but replacing my Outlander with a newer car would not guarantee that a new one would handle as well in inclement weather, run as well day to day, last as long with no major expenses and be as reliable as my Mitsubishi Outlander.

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  Great Economical, Reliable Transportation - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Fernando - November 22 - 2:16 am

  Great car if you want great gas mileage. Also fairly reliable. I bought mine used with two years ago. It had 240k miles in it and now 280k. No major repair bills, just regular maintenance. A reliable car with an awesome gas mileage. I dont know if its on its second or third transmission based on the milage it has, but so far so good. I love this econocar!

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  Mitsubishi Montero sport 3.0 es - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Joseph - March 17 - 5:14 pm

  I have a 2002 montero sport with 229,000 miles. Bought it used with 142,000 miles. The reliability of the montero sport is outstanding on and off road. I have taken it in many road trips and never failed me. It is also my daily driver. The Dakar Rally which the Montero won 12 times proves the endurance and toughness of their trucks. Im Keeping my beloved truck for many years to come.

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  Suprising vehicle - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By geezerman - December 30 - 8:11 am

  I traded in a Toyota 4Runner on a 2011 Outlander, after checking out all the competition. It was the only vehicle which met my criteria for interior/exterior size, power, mileage, warranty, and price. I was suprised that I was able to fit all the "stuff" I had in the 4Runner in the interior bins and pockets, and was suprised to see it had two large glove boxes. Also love the handy tool/stuff storage bin under the rear floor. I am getting 24 mpg around town and around 30 on the hwy., and think this is outstanding in a roomy and adequately powered small SUV. I told the dealer they need to have a better advertising program on this vehicle, as a lot more people should buy it.

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  an experience - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By mark reyes - December 29 - 2:00 am

  the montero is really fun to drive. it does not give me problems and is fuel efficient. i like thee way it hugs the road even on rainy days. indeed the montero is one hell of a suv.

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  Love it but... - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Screen404 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for my wife and we both love it but one problem i have is with the head light spreding light all over the road too mutch. I had to put after market fog light and after market light boulbs. It did make things better.

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  2004 Endeavor Great Buy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By wbrundeg - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Cant believe more of these havent sold. Great features and ride. Good value and good gas mileage for size.