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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  Just Okay - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Taxi driver - August 24 - 12:53 am

  I find this Montero Sport to be just okay. It rides rough, even with new tires and alignment. It is very noisy with the back windows down at speeds greater than 35 mph. The V6 engine is ok, but it does not have much power. Also, the back seat doesnt have much room. I bought it for traveling with the kids, but am very disappointed.

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  Dissapointed - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Krocar - August 20 - 10:13 pm

  I purchased my Montero Sport in Sept. 04, when it only had 14,500 miles on it, with some hesitancey, due to low the mileage because of the year. The dealer assured me that there was no need to worry and showed me a carfax report of the vehicle that was prestine. I now have 31,000 miles and it ALREADY needs a new transmission! It was to-good to be true!Also has very minimal power. the truck looks great, but as the old motto says..."looks can be deceiving".

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  need a grill - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By xiang - July 24 - 4:30 pm

  notice the lower front bumper has a large open space in the center, where u can directly reach to the cooling system. A tiny rock went through hit the cooling tank. replacment costs $1000.............other than that the car is ok

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  Rain Rain Go Away - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By wishididnotbuy - July 18 - 8:27 am

  Bought a 2007 Raider and when it rains...it rains inside the truck on the passenger side floorboard. According to Mitsubishi, I am the only one with this problem! Lucky Me

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  Poor paint quality, Nice car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DIXIENDFW - July 17 - 4:53 pm

  Overall, I like my outlander, but my paint started fading within 2 years of owning it. I took it to the dealer who told me it was because of the "texas sun". Needless to say, it is paid off now, 4 years old and looks pretty shabby on the outside. All the plastic parts are more pink than red. I am not happy. But, the interior is nice, laid out well. I have room for my car seat and one other adult in backseat. Cargo room is sufficient for a smaller suv. I am unhappy that at 50,000 miles I am considering A NEW PAINT JOB.

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  Ill think Ill keep it - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By keeper - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Researched for over 6 months before buying, liked design and 4WD. Had minor paint problems (chipping) and have replaced brakes(30k). Some road noise but drives better than any comparable SUV I tested.

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  Blocked visibility - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By blocked vision - June 13 - 10:00 am

  After 6 weeks, sun visors fail. When in use, they will drift down, blocking forward vision. Mitsubishi dealer replaced my visors with new ones. After about 4 weeks, they do the same thing. I find it hard to drive toward the sun, holding the visor in position with one hand and steering, shifting and using turn signals with the other hand. Other Mitsubishi models have better visors. Mitsubishi seems uninterested in fixing this problem on the Lancer.

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  Entry level toy - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Buddanos - June 7 - 10:00 am

  In my review to buy an entry level "toy" a sports coupe the Eclipse, Celica and Cougar were in my list. To olish my driving skills after several years of driving minivans! I picked the Eclipse GT mainly for the payment facilities, 2)head room, 3)sportronic-I prefer manual but that was a compromise for my wife, 4) shoulder room, 5) trunk capacity, 6) reasonable engine performance.

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  Falling A-part - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Goober - May 20 - 11:03 am

  Since I purchased my car Ive had things just break off or fall apart. Gas tank latch is broken, It takes 2 people to fill up/open gas latch. Passenger front window motor has cable tangled up and same with rear driver side door. I have only 2 functioning windows out of the 4. Heater control knob has broken off "Plastic part" cigarette lighter has no power. My car is a dream to drive in the winter with no heat & windows down with rain coming in on you. The trunk can only be open by latch, key is useless in the winter trunk will not open. WOW what a car!

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  Just another Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By bigspender - May 14 - 10:00 am

  OK car. Drives ok and handles nice. No power unless someone gets out and pushes. They are very proud of it as they MSRP the o-Z at 18,000 and the dealer tries to sell $2000.00 more of scotch gaurd and pin strip.