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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  Good car for money, BUT... - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By christmas_tree - June 24 - 3:06 am

  Really liked the car when I purchased it with only 24,000 miles in 2004. By the time it had 40k miles it had the very common heater core leak... by the time it had 50k miles rear/driver side abs speed sensor failed so abs brakes are non-functional since then, neither is the traction control... both ABS and TCL light stay on all the time now. By 55k egr solenoid failed, not too costly to replace if you do it yourself. By 60k miles the rear springs are worn out, with 3 passengers in the rear the rear bottoms out, replaced shocks which didnt help at all. By 80k antenna motor failed. Bottom line, even though I like the car I wouldnt buy a Mitsubishi again, with the other options.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By R C - June 22 - 2:16 am

  When I saw this SUV, I knew this was the one. It was different than all the other SUVs I had looked at! The interior looked like a German Interior and not Japanese. I really like our Mitsubishi Outlander, it has been a very reliable SUV. Performance is ok for normal drivers, but if your like me, theres not enough horsepower! My wife loves her SUV. It has been such a good vehicle, that Im going to buy a new Mitsubishi Lancer GTS for my daughter. Good luck!

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  2003 OZ - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By O-Z - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003OZ.Its not bad compared to other vehicles in its class, but since the OZ is the Rally Racing it could use a stiffer clutch, and a short shifter wouldnt hurt.The seats are not that bad, but could be lowered just a tad.There is a wind whistle when i reach 100kph,took it to the dealer and they did nothing. They said theyll call me when the part it need will arrive.Its been almost two weeks and no call yet.

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  Happy so far - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RocGalant - June 5 - 8:33 am

  I bought this car w/ 16mi. on the odo. And put just under 2k to so far. I really like the front grille and tail lights for 09. Im about 61" and it fits me perfectly. I had a 02 Eclipse and 00 Linc Continental. This Galant is perfectly wedged between those cars in terms of performance, ride quality, features, gas mileage and size. The Galant gets me from A to B with good sound from the 140w system, decent pep when passing hwys, great safety features.

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  Perfect for Our Young Family! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By crosstrack21 - June 1 - 6:20 am

  Weve been looking for something our two year old would enjoy as much as my wife and I would. And we found it. My wife loves the sunroof, and I love the sound system (subwoofer is my favorite part!). Our daughter sits high enough to finally see out of the window and I have peace of mind with the Anti-skid control and enough airbags for any situation. The gas mileage is great for an SUV, but obviously not as good as our Nissan Altima. The XLS model is worth the extra money! We love this SUV! It has the best warranty available and the customer service is extremely pleasant.

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  Keeps Locking UP - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Donna - May 27 - 6:20 pm

  Ive had the OUTLANDER long enough to put 6500 miles on it. I love the getup and go it has. Love the handling and the comfort it offers. The center armrest isnt very workable and the drivers side cup holder next to the window broke the first time my knee hit it. Ive had a big problem with the steering wheel locking up. This is Saturday night and Im stuck at the house because the steering wheels locked and I cannot get it to unlock.

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  Liking this one!! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chridan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is great, havent had any problems with it and we drive it everywhere. The only concern is how the value has dropped, it better hold up cause we are stuck with it.

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  A Great (not so) little car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kyntara - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Lancer Oz for 2 years now and have never had any problems with it. The gas-mileage got better and better, getting 32 miles per gallon now instead of 28, after putting Michelin Tires on it.

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  Left without a dealer - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Mike - May 23 - 1:50 pm

  I like my Mitsubishi Montero Sport and did not really expect to get the gas mileage as rated. My first trip to Upstate NY from South Carolina I only got only 16 mpg. The vehicle is great and I like it, but what in the world am I supposed to do for my free oil changes for the first 45,000 miles as well as warranty service when the closest dealer is 35 miles away. Had I had any inclination of this, I would have bought another brand. My local dealer closed 5 months after my purchase. Mitsubishi USAs resoponse is, there is really nothing they can do.

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  Glad I made this choice!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By jkjhooks - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Lovin the Sport. Ive heard all of the bad reviews about the lack of power and the sluggish transmission...hey, if youre looking for a speedster, stop looking for SUVs. There is ample power, and I feel that the steering is sharp. Ive been on some long hauls already with it...4000 miles so far, and I still get enjoyment out of the winding roads.