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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  Very satisfied - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dan - November 19 - 11:03 am

  I thought Id update my review after 18 months of driving mine. Im still very satisfied with this car- very sporty, great exterior looks, and excellent mileage. I dont know how other people are driving but Im still getting 30 hwy. and 25 city. My biggest gripe after having this car for a while- THE PAINT!!!!!! Geez, you cant drive thru a dust cloud without the dust scratching this paint! Please, use a better paint/clearcoat Mitsubishi! All in all, Id still give this car an overall solid 8.

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  Love it!!!!!!!! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Nibseysgirl - November 17 - 8:16 pm

  I bought my Galant right b4 Christmas this past year...My present to me...YAHOO. Its the first "new" car I have had...I am so glad I got it. Have had no issues to speak of except that the windshield washer reservoir is broken (big whole in the bottom..didnt know that till I went to put fluid in...good thing its CHEAP...watered the ground) I have literally had to do nothing to this car since I bought it but replace worn windshield wipers and put gas in it. I think this is the smoothest nicest car I have driven. I love it...

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  Wish Id chosen another car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By lindag3 - November 3 - 10:07 pm

  I just got my Mitsubishi Galant 2 months ago (used) and thank God I got the extended warranty with it! I just took it in to dealership last Tuesday and the ABS sensors werent showing on the dash. They ran into needing more parts and I dont expect it back until end of this week (almost a two week repair!). Thank God for the courtesy car I am able to use. I sure hope this isnt a sign of things to come with this car. I loved it at first but this isnt good two months into a loan! I hope to trade it in as soon as that opportunity comes up. It wasnt great in the snow so I bought two snow tires for the front which did make a difference. The dealership has been helpful I must say.

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  2008 GTS Lancer w/ Sun & Sound - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By zunescene - November 1 - 11:50 pm

  I really like the appearance of the car and how it feels spacious inside. The paddle shifters are really really fun. The CVT does not like to run in high rpms or go fast but it does like to conserve gas. I like to switch between auto and manual depending on my mood.

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  A fine vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Ping - November 1 - 2:03 pm

  I just finished driving it hauling a 1500 lbs 5 by 8 moving trailer from Florida to California in 4 1/2 days. The longest day was acroos Texas, 750 miles day. No problem what so ever!! If you can be really gentle on the gas pedal like myself, 24mpg with that kind of load is possible. On the hills it struggles a bit. The sweet spot for the rpm is arond 2200 to 2600. I found that at the 4th gear this would give you 50~63 mph and really efficient. 32~35mpg on the high way is possible if you do this constantly. I had the car for more than 3 years now. Admitted, it is not a luxury car, but its practical and you can almost say its fun to drive.

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  Good engine, poor interior - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Alex - October 28 - 5:16 am

  This car has a smooth, powerful 4-cyl engine tucked inside a body of average quality. It runs quietly, great acceleration and quick handling, with plenty of power for nimble highway and city driving. The frame is moderately stiff, and the ride can feel a little rough at higher speeds. The exterior design is cool, looking almost like a Volvo wagon from the rear. However, the paint job is horrible, easily scuffing and flaking after the slightest scratch on the bumpers or quarter panels. The console and dashboard designs are logical, with controls well spaced and easy to access, but the function of the cheap plastic controls is terrible, as is the design of the windshield defrost vent.

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  10 years and running strong - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 01montero01 - October 27 - 9:23 pm

  My family bought our 01 Montero used in 02 w/12k mi. My parents used it as a daily driver from 02-05. The bought a Pacifica in 05 and the truck stayed parked in the driveway for over a year. In 06 I turned 16 and got the truck as my first car.Ive gone from 46k mi to 143k mi in 6 yr. The only issues I had,the rear heater pipes explode and dump all the raidiators contents onto the road. this can only happen 2 times bc new part is thicker. At 16 with no mechanical experience I replaced the broken pipes for the total of 17$ for both pipes. Also routine fixes for cars over 100k mi, Alternator & Timing belt and oil pump. Overall, very reliable fun 4x4 ok on gas 16 mpg avg. Love my MITSU

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  Great Car dont overlook it - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cs - October 26 - 1:13 am

  So I drive a ton, and I mean a ton 25k per year. This car is a daily commuter for me. Why do I love it? The car is just has everything I need. Killer stereo, great seat comfort, easy to drive, even the stock tires have worn well. Easy and affordable to maintain and it takes 87 gas with no issue. I get 25 mph in my daily L.A. fwy/traffic commute which is pretty good. Great NAV sys, as well as a hard drive that records my cds automatically. Environmental stats, and a calendar that reminds me of birthdays. Heated seats, solid control, good ac, wipers work well, brakes are solid. For what you get this car is clearly the best value in the crossover SUV market. Take a look, you wont be sorry.

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  First SUV after 2-doors coupe - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ironvet - October 24 - 10:10 am

  Bought it second hand after arriving in Dubai. It is a small one compared to the others going around here. Very nimble driving at speed, but CVT transmission should be more responsive. Very comfortable and often we use it in place of the big Mitsubishi Montero we also have. The Outlander drives and feels like a car and I get most times 27mpg (highway) although mpg is not an issue here.

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  unsatisfactory - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mattmo101177 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  seems slow and unresponsive, although my other car is a v-6 dodge.Hard to get into.