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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  Go Buy One - You Wont Regret it! - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By WRM - April 4 - 2:13 am

  My wife wanted her SUV back after a year driving an economy car. I bought her a Montero Limited and she loves it - it is just the right SUV for a woman, she says. It is easy to drive, has a great warranty, 5 years of roadside assistance, it is comfortable, roomy, has easy to use 4WD, etc. She was so happy I brought this truck home. She had a Ford Explorer last time and said the Montero beats the Explorer by a mile. This SUV is well built, rides smoothly, looks great, and I like it too. I stand 63" tall and I can ride in this SUV no problem. Take the time to test drive this SUV and compare it to what you want to buy. Oh, my wife loves the rear tail gate. It swings out like a gate and is very easy to use. Try it out!

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  Best car in the world... on a dry road - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By thehouseattheend - April 2 - 12:23 pm

  I absolutely loved my eclipse. I bought it brand new in June 2001. I have over 217,000 miles on it. Last summer I had to replace half an axle. The radio stopped coming in and the a/c stopped working at about 90,000. But nothing else major and I am rough on my vehicles. I hear if you put weight in the back it handles better in the snow. I recently crashed it. I am having a hard time finding another vehicle. I might just buy another eclipse. It is very comfortable to drive. I am 511" and not a stick girl either. Be careful with the black paint. It discolors and peels off and the dealers wont deal with it.

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  For the price nothing competes - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By real person - March 29 - 3:23 pm

  Ive been looking for a small cuv and used honda and toyotas are overpriced. Both are great vehicles but you can purchase a brand new outlander sport for what dealers want for the other vehicles used so they are basically taking your trade in for free. The outlander sport has a great warranty and rides really nice for a small cuv. The cvt trans is definitely different than what Im used to but you can also manually shift it. The 4wd system is really advanced because you can run it in fwd (front wheel drive), auto four wheel drive or lock 4wd when the weather is bad. It stays in 4wd lock until 25 mph the automatically switches back to auto 4wd. I previously had a subaru and really didnt like the fact that it didnt have a similar option. Fuel economy looks to be below average compared to similar vehicles but I opted for the bigger engine so I knew that. Some folks may argue that they dont have as good a resale but you are paying at least 3 to 4 grand less from the start, so the way i look at is how can it be worth more in the end. I keep a vehicle at least 10 years. I really dont think you can believe the expert reviews completely. Better off looking at the consumer reviews. Update 1 Year and 15,000 miles. Put in a k&n air filter getting consistent 29 to 30 mpg. Rear tires seem to wear more than the frontship but will easily see over 20k with them which is good for a factory tire. No real issues except seat cover coming loose. I just put it back in the track with a stick on adhesive. Could not see bringing it back to dealer for that. Do alot of winter driving and they lIke to use rocks as anti skid. This stuff easily nicks the lower edge right in front of rear door wheel wells. Notice 2017 come with a sort of moulding or flare. Mud flaps are probably a good option. Not regrets with the 2.4. Plenty of power and does 70 to 80 straight down the highway every day. Again for the price nothing competes! Update almost 23k latter. Averaging just shy of 30mpg combined driving. Just changed out the stock tires. Could of run them a little longer but were getting a little skittish in heavy rain. All in all good vehicle. Real only complaint is a little bumpy with the short wheelbase. For the price nothing compares.

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  Sweet - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TUrbo99jetta - March 21 - 7:16 pm

  I love my 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. I wouldnt have gotten anything else. I comparison shopped it with a Toyota Celica and a Volkswagen GTI, but nothing compared to it. I got mine in Sliver Blue and its awesome. I just wish that the Infinity stereo system was a little bit better.

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  exceptional small suv - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By renae - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Driving this suv was like driving a sedan. It not only handled well, but I had an excellent view from every angle. Some may say it doesnt have a lot of "pep in its step", but it wasnt a problem for me on the freeway. I would like in the future for mitsubishi to offer in its pck. an alarm system and auto on daytime running lights. I love my outlander and so does my husband, and yes I would purchase it again.

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  I am IMPRESSED - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GNNR - March 19 - 11:50 pm

  Love my 08 Black GTS with Sun/Sound and Nav/Tech. It handles great, firm and sporty but not harsh, with precise steering and excellent balance with little hint of over or understeer even hard into a curve. Fit and finish on the exterior is excellent, same on the interior (I question the carpet and crushed velvet lint brush interior cloth). The NAV system is precise, the stereo very good with lots of power but decent clarity. Mileage so far is great too. The MT/Paddle CVT setup is actually pretty good, but almost demands you manage it manually if you want a sporty drive. Definitely could use more HP, 10-20 more.

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  Buy one, its worth it! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By loveit - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. Its my first vehicle, and i adore it. Its my baby! :) Its so easy to drive. I wouldnt have chosen any other car.

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  Great! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Deidric S. Cave - March 18 - 12:16 pm

  I owned many cars before becoming a full-time biker. I bought the 2003 Galant for my wife right before my travels took me overseas. This car makes me want to get behind the wheel again. Its styling is superb, in my opinion. Its a blast to drive. Even though I bought the basic DE model, Im suprised with the comfort package that comes standard with the Galants... big 16" wheels and room for a growing family of four. This car is pretty good on gas too. Id recommend this car to anyone.

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  Amazing! - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tabby - March 15 - 3:36 pm

  I just bought this car used a week ago. I love it, it handles just the way I like, like the Lancer platform it was built on. Hugs the curves just the way I like. Holds the road with almost NO body lean. Its incredibly fun to drive. My first SUV, and Im in love with it. Lots of room and plenty of cargo cubbyholes. Plenty of room for my big dog to ride in the back. I have the Sun & Sound package and I love my Infinity sound system. Great gas mileage for an SUV.

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  great - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By navymom - March 15 - 2:00 am

  driving the outlander is the best car ever....comfort is great , the ride is smooth.....i bought what i wanted and needed without buying what i didnt need..this car is great