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:

• 

  I agree; do not listen to paid "expert" reviews. - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By norfla71 - September 1 - 1:35 am

  Just bought mine last night; traded out of a 2017 Jetta S and what a difference! Frankly, I wanted the Outlander first but got a better deal on the VW; however, a good deal is not that good if you cant live with the car daily. We needed something bigger for road trips and box store runs that would fit a family of 4 and 2 dogs. After 3 days (2 night test drive included) we are over the moon, as they say. Had I listened to any number of negative reviews, rather than reading actual, real world owner reviews, we would have paid several thousand more for much less vehicle. The pros are awesome MPG (averaging over 35 combined, but I drive to keep the tree green), lengthy standard features list (especially in SEL trim, which is why it we chose it over a cheaper SE), comfort (front seats, ride, NVH; my 7 mile old Jetta already had a nasty rattle in the drivers door that no dealer could fix), great ingress and egress, very good infotainment system (base system rocks; IMO not worth upgrading to the optional system), easily garage -able and very good value for the dollar. The cons are mostly nit-picking; that smaller size limits interior space. However, we bought it knowing that 3rd row was not going to be used, and needed more space than the Sport model had (Sport also cannot tow, and we need that capability). It lacks all the current active safety features, which are included only in an expensive package. At least BSM and RCW should be standard. The camera lines do not turn unless, again, you upgrade to that expensive package, which included 360 surround. You have to take your eyes off the road to scroll through SXM folders as the wheel control will only scroll through whats on the current folder. Finally, there needs to be more info available in the dash. Even basic vehicles these days come with a minimal TFT screen, and it would be nice to see whats playing on the radio or what speed my CC is set at. Overall, as another review said, this is an undiscovered gem in a crowded market. Im hopeful the Nissan really infuses some cash into this brand, and cant wait to see what the next gen will look like (though it will, most likely, also compete in a higher price bracket, taking another affordable option off the market).

• 

  RZs OZRally Review - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ROBERT ZIEGLER - August 31 - 11:00 pm

  Comfortable on long trips and great fuel mileage. Headroom is very good. Sound system much better than expected. Excellent air conditioning.

• 

  Sound Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bg - August 31 - 9:06 pm

  Bought new in 2001. Runs well, strong pick up. Only major problem was after 3 years, the black paint became pitted and top of car had all white spots. This is my second new Galant, the last one was a 1996 model. The 96 model ES had a 4 cylinder but was more comfortable.

• 

  2002 eclipse gs 5spd - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By shelbyli - August 23 - 10:00 am

  i bought the car as my first true car out of high school. wanted it for a commuter car to college and was perfect for it. every time my friend get in the car they are amazed to how comfortable it rides i even had one offer to buy my seats for his car. the stereo is great for stock better than most after market. the 5 speed is sporty and shifts the best out of all the manuals i have driven. although a little low in hp the car is still fun to drive and can still smoke a civic. the gas mileage is decent as long as you dont keep the throttle to the floor. i have had no major problems from this car and it still shines like its brand new, makes friends jealous. 96000 and still strong.

• 

  My Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MitsuDriver04:-)5spd - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Its a really Good car, So far i love it. I have the base model (ES) and it comes with a lot of things standard like power windows, power doors, keyless entry, Am/Fm/Cd stereo that is one of the best stock car stereos i have ever heard.

• 

  Ups and Downs - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By John - August 15 - 4:53 am

  I love my Lancer OZ but she has been a headache. Note to drivers: do not get into an accident. After an accident and the car has no value left to it and the problems are irrepairable. It still drives like a dream with 50,000 miles but it has noises like you wouldnt beleive. Horrible in the snow and rain but on nice days, handels and zips like a dream.

• 

  Great Car, but weak - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ipeechmango - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved the car since ive had it, but a couple weeks ago I got into an accident going no more than 35 probably, and its totaled. Weakly built. And it was a hard impact, the airbags didnt go off.

• 

  DONT BUY IF IN SNOWY STATES - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By winter wonderland - August 3 - 11:40 am

  I love my new Lancer but there are flaws that i have noticed. Because i live in Maine we sand and salt the roads in the winter. This sand and salt has been chipping away at my paint. It is chipping off in front of my rear tires. Much of the paint is worn off and because it is the design and paint is not under warranty i have to fight and i dont think i will win. I did buy Mud guard prior to all the paint chipping, but the mud guards only drop like and inch. In snow storms it STINKS the tires dont grip i think it is because there is not a lot of weight but. The seats are hard and the arm rest is half the size that i am use to. i have realized that the car kinda jerks when you go up a hill anyrpm

• 

  What a Car!!! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jamie - August 3 - 8:20 am

  What a car!!!! 150,000 miles and still going strong. Oil changes and gas are the biggest expenses. The interior is still great.

• 

  ralliart wagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By 2fastdogs - August 2 - 10:00 am

  very agile and easy to drive. ample room for 5 adults. with the rear seats folded down gives me plenty of room for my two greyhounds. the motor is very responsive even with an automatic.