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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  Love my Mirage - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By kdcka1 - October 24 - 6:54 pm

  I was attracted to this car because of the low purchase price and low fuel costs - I get up to 48 MPG ! I think it is adorable and fun to drive. It is liberating to not feel the money flying out of your pockets every time you go somewhere. I previously drove a Jeep and got about 15 MPG. It is full of standard features and does not feel like a cheap car at all. My Jeep was a 2005 loaded limited edition - and I do not feel deprived at all making the change. Great bargain, reliable, and feels like you spent more than you did. Great size to sneak into small parking spaces.

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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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  I love the Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By eduardo Machado - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Althoug the power is a little on the slow side, i love the way it handles, the way a can drive like ill drive a car, i can take turns real fast and do be worried at all, To conclude its a real good buy for the money, performance side, i already installed a K&N Cone intake and it feels a lot more powerful, soon ill be installing and exhaust system

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  Awsome - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Lance Iliev - October 22 - 7:13 pm

  This was my first vehicle I bought last year and Im still paying for it. Ill just say if you need a vehicle made right, go to Asia. Comming close to 60,000 miles it has not failed me yet. Great ride, fun for road trips. People I have driven places have complimented me on its proformance and looks(they wish they had bought it instead of there vehicle). A few months ago I was going to try to trade it in for something with a little better gas mileage but now I would rather keep it and upgrade it if possible. Still, I love it to death and expect to get much more out of it in the comming years.

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  HIDDEN GEM OUT THERE - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By AL - October 22 - 7:15 am

  I currently own a 2014 Rogue and 2013 BMW X3 Msport. Comparing the ride quality, this suv beats both vehicle. Even if its a CVT, comparing it to my Rogue, when accelaration is needed, it does not hesitate and I dont hear the engine rev so much as compared to the Rogue. The CRV and RAV4 are overated. There is nowhere that they are up to par with this vehicle. I believe the only reason why consumers out there dont even consider Mitsubishi when shopping a car is because of their bad reputation for the past 10 years but I will honestly admit that they have come a long way to improve it. I am so thankfull that I went to a Mitsubishi dealer "just to see" what they got and boy!!! I was in for the ride that instant. If you are shopping for a vehicle that fits budget and have the basic perks especially....""ride comfort and style...Then I highly recommend to check this vehicle "no kidding" they say that the exterior style is ugly? I dont think so! Iit better looking than a CRV or RAV4 and it looks bigger too! If you look it sideways, its similar to a BMW X5 although..They could have done better in the vehicles front fascia. Overall..Im a very pleased to own a 2016 SEL.

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  Best Mid-Size Car Out There - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dan - October 21 - 6:06 pm

  This Car is awesome. It has a beautiful exterior, very sporty looking. The interior is very attractive with titanium trim and 6 speaker infinity sound system. The alloy wheels are worth the extra money since the generic wheel covers are ugly. The upgrades are nice but are a little more expensive than they should be. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a quality, sexy, and sporty sedan. The 2.4L engine is awesome and it doesnt make much noise. The car is very sturdy and I feel very safe inside of it. Also comes with the best warranty in the business, 10yr / 100,000, 5 yr / 60,000 bumper to bumper, 3 yr free maintence. Mitsubishi has a winner with the 2005 Galant!

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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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  Nice Sporty Car For The Money - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jessica - October 17 - 2:40 pm

  This is my first new car purchase and so far Im really loving this car. The exterior styling is gorgeous and the interior is in two words "simple elegance," not too overly done but eye catching none the less. The front seats are very comfy but the back seat is small with no leg room, but that doesnt bother me since I dont sit back there! :) Its got a peppy engine for a 4-cyl. but does get a little sluggish with the A/C on in my opinion. It takes turns like nothing and the the brakes are also wonderful, It it the best vehicle Ive ever experienced. The Rockford Fosgate sterio is killer, a MUST have. All around I adore this car and its a huge step up from my 01 Grand Am. Buy one, youull love it!

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  Nice Car - 2011 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ttreakle1 - October 17 - 5:20 am

  not a bad buy for the money as you get all the toys that come with much more expensive cars