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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  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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  give it a lot of thought - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By oscar mayer - December 15 - 3:32 am

  Big but not powerful. leaks when it rains front floor

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  Just OK but the transmission stinks - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By atcdav - December 4 - 7:50 am

  The styling is not bad. It has a descent amount of amenities for the price. The big seller for me was the 6 year 0% interest financing. That equals an unbeatable value. It has a roomy passenger compartment and plenty of leg room in the back seat. The memory seat function is flawed. It erases itself regularly. Alao, it has no home link for garage remote. The heated mirrors are poor. The worst feature must be the transmission. I have had in in the shop several times for the transmission. It has shift "flairs". It feels like it slips. I have had the clutches replaced, the valve body and ports replaced but the problem persists. Not 100% of the time but maybe 40-50%. It is very annoying and for this reason alone, I cannot wait to sell it.

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  scotts review - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By saldihfo;ihgo; - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Nice car for reliability, needs work on drivetrain. Braking system needs to be stronger and engine needs more power.

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  Best Backed Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Roberto - November 13 - 7:00 pm

  Clutch assembly failed at 10,700 miles dealer and Mitsubishi say racing/abused clutch not a warranty item pay out of your pocket. Dealer even said I race my car with 3 baby seats in the back. HAHA Buyer beware of Mitsubishi clutch. Once again they are "Best backed cars in the world!" - Not.

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  A/C issue not even 24 hours of ownership - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 4DogsCon - October 23 - 2:46 pm

  I have had this vehicle for less than 24 hours and already in for service. First time Mit. owner and maybe the LAST. Never had this problem with others-- then given loaner and told "make sure you put the same amount of gas in it." You kidding me? I have to check in my brand new SUV for 3-5 days for service and you have the nerve. Unbelievable. So far first impression is not too good. Other than that I thought the value was good although I hope this isnt the type of value yet to come.

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  Keep Looking - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Vasser - October 19 - 10:43 am

  Initially, this car was kind of fun. Bought it in the summer, opened the sunroof, and off I went. Now, it is just annoying. Not much pick up from this V6. Clumsy handling. The craftsmanship on my particular car has been poor. Lots of rattles, little plasticky pieces breaking, and many general annoyances. I should have done my homework before buying. I hope you do.

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  07 Mitsubishi Raider - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By brandin - October 18 - 8:16 am

  Ive now owned my Raider for 7 months now & still dread the day I purchased it. The look & style caught my attention as well as the price, but dont get e wrong looks arent everything. The truck is durable from impact dont get me wrong, I was in a big car accident, & even through the crash was big, my car came out the barely damaged. On the other hand the other suv was a total loss. Performance is what lacks mostly. Worst truck to go to the mountains. Going uphill took a lot of power & a full tank of gas, as well on the freeway the truck takes a long time to get to the speed limit & a struggle to maintain. The only faults on interior is that the center console tend to break easily.

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  Most reliable I have ever owned - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Alan - October 14 - 10:00 am

  So here is the deal. I have had a slew of other cars and non of them can match up to the reliability and fuel mileage of this car. I have owned it for about 3 years and I have only had to do the basic maintenance stuff (Brakes, tires etc). I also get 38 MPG at 65 mph on the highway and about 30-32 around town. Not sure why anyone who wants a small car would spend thousands more on a civic or corolla when this car is just as good or better in some regards.