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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  Soild, yet unrefined - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By City - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Soild vehicle. No high and no lows. Eats brakes due to its weight. Brakes always seem to feel soft. OEM tires are a joke, the Yokahamas make the Montero seem even more top heavy because they dont support the vehicle in turns very well. I upgraded to Goodyear Forteras and it make quite a bit of difference.

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  So Easy to Drive - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By aebsworld - September 6 - 5:20 pm

  I really love my car! Very basic wear & tear over the years. No major work needed! Ive driven my car to California, Arizona, Texas, and all over the Rockies here in Colorado! Does well is any weather on any type of road! Its so fun and easy to drive! Great gas mileage! I wish it had cruise control, but its the best purchase Ive ever made! Im so proud of my car! I love it!

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  Not What I Expected - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By DWilder - September 5 - 12:36 am

  Have had the truck just over a month and fuel mileage is not what I expected. Have been told it will get more after some break in, but dont really believe that. Thought Id get at least 24 on the highway but struggles to get 20. Take off power from dead stand still really slow. Transmission a little clunky. Traded in a 98 Ford F150 and got a pretty good deal but not much improvement on gas mileage. Truck does have nice body and does ride better on rougher roads. Interior features are OK. Like the white background speedometer panel. Has pretty nice interior room. Wished I had looked around some more since fuel prices are so high now and looked at something with better fuel mileage.

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  Review of 2005 Outlander - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Julie - September 4 - 8:56 am

  I am currently a little unhappy with the vehicle and the service. I am having an issue with an odor when the air conditioning is on. The dealer said it is condensation that is becoming moldy. They did not offer much help except to change the cabin filter, for a fee. It seems like this is a warranty issue. I havent had the vehicle for a year, why would the air conditioning be leaking and getting moldy? The odor is bad, especially on rainy days. I wish I knew if others had this problem. I am a little frustrated, its gross! Thats my big complaint.

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  Eclipse RS - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Holls - September 4 - 7:10 am

  This is the first and only car I have ever owned; weve been through a lot together. (It took a few years for me to finally stop scraping the front end, for example.) I was admittedly pretty hard on it the first year or 2, so the work done is even more remarkable considering that. Ive had to get a new fuel pump, radiator hose, timing chain, and brake pads. Its still fun to drive although the pick up has declined, and it seems like some piece of plastic falls off the interior all the time. The paint job hasnt proven hardy, either, and rain occasionally leaks through the hatch opening. Its hard for older people to sit down, but once they do its pretty comfortable.

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  My 99 Galant - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bearsfan22 - September 3 - 1:32 pm

  My Galant which is a V6 is a great car overall, i love everything about it. The style, looks, and more. But, mostly the one thing that i love about this car would be the power that it has. I have put a couple grand into this car for performance so mine is puttin out about 210-215 horsepower. I have put this car to the test on the highway and in the city. I would mention this car to a few people I know. But, sadly, its a 99 and 1999 Galants arent made anymore. But if they still were i would mention this car to alot of people.

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  Wow!!! I never thought I would be this happy with car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By galantbylisa - September 3 - 10:17 am

  I saw the one negative review on here about the glare of the interior and the blind spots in the rear flanks and how it is difficult to park.. and all I have to say is LOL! I am IN LOVE with this car and I NEVER thought I would ever write a positive review for a car in my life, but the Galant has driven me to it (no pun intended)! Yes, there are blind spots in the back (I have yet to drive a vehicle that does not have blind spots), and I have NO idea what he is talking about as far as the glare goes. The u-turns are a little more wider than say a Toyota Corolla (a car I currently still have), but not at all difficult for parking (unless you dont know how to park). HIGHLY recommended!

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  My Favorite SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Dugan - September 3 - 8:26 am

  I love my XLS! Handles great, hardly feel when it shifts. The A/C is outstanding, Im in marching band and after our 4 hour practices in the hot sun, getting in this A/C is great - it gets cold quickly.

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  Im Happy - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By bec76234 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very excited about this vehicle. You get the comfort of a car with the option of an SUV.

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  Car is now 6 years old, and my 1st year - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dadddydanny2 - September 1 - 7:03 am

  I have had this car for a year now, and this is just an update from the last review. I basically know this car in and out now! All I can say is that it is an O.K. car. You can expect the least in this car as far as performance and handling, but at its age, it drives slick and smooth. The body seems weak, but the look of the body has an old school feel as far as classic cars like the regal and classic caprice. The last issue that I had to deal with owning this car was the jamming of the heater door (to where the car had no heat). Prior was the A/C leakage, and a common issue is interior noise, and the brakes are always squealing. Overall, the price is what you are paying for.