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:

• 

  So far so good - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By NBolay - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving the OZ for 1.5 months now and I am impressed. Ive yet to achieve the suggested fuel economy, but I drive at high revs. and have a rooftop bike-rack (lots of drag). Space is accomodating, style works great for me, and handling is well above average. Two 400mile road trips so far and still feels like new. Last attempt was against high winds, but 105mph is not much for a top speed, but its not like I get to drive that fast anyway.

• 

  Good value for your money - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ugly - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a little over two years and it has been excellent, fingers crossed, no major problems to date. I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles,I have it serviced, as recommended, and the only thing I have had to replace is the battery, oh and maybe a bulb!

• 

  2001 Mitsubishi Diamante LS - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Joe D - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Diamante Ive purchased. I had a 93, 99 and now a 2001. Each model had been a pleasure to own and drive. I believe that this model offers premium features at a very reasonable price. The transmission is flawless, the design eye - catching and the engine is powerful and quiet. The 1.9% financing was a bonus. The interior is very well trimmed with much attention to detail. The sound system is superior and quite easy to use. In summary, this car has all the features that anyone could ask for with a price tag under $30,000.

• 

  1996 galant - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vette5960 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  brakes are horrible

• 

  Best japanese car Ive owned - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By fritzandseamus - October 8 - 2:00 am

  OK, so its not a Honda or a Toyota, but that could be a good thing. Styling is great, especially with a spoiler and it will kick butt with the V6. Want to spend 10-15K more for a second faster in the 0-60 range? Then I guess this car is not for you. Want a stylish car that you can probably pass down to your kids after 80-90K miles? Then this one could fit the bill.

• 

  A good sporty car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dacarson - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The car has generally been quite good, except I am concerned that the clutch is not wearing well. The interior is a little short for tall people (I am 62"). The mileage has been excellent getting 24-25 mpg around town and 30-33 mpg on the highway.

• 

  Good choice! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sailor86 - October 7 - 7:13 pm

  This was not the first car I checked out but I have no doubt in my mind that I selected the best car for the money. It starts up every time (after changing the battery cables), runs great, keeps up on the highway without wobbling or trembling. It is actually a better ride than my mothers Taurus. All accessories work. Im nothing but satisfied with this car. After checking out other models in its price class, I was much impressed with the materials and workmanship of the interior. I am well pleased with the driving experience this car affords me. Nothing but joy every time I start up the engine.

• 

  Better than Reviewed - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Michael Blades - October 6 - 12:21 am

  I read a bunch of reviews but wanted something specific: a car that could hold an extra smaller kid when I needed it and 30 mpg on the highway. Alternatives were a minivan...nope. A ton of cash...nope. Or a Journey or a Rogue. The Journey with leather seats and AWD came out with less mileage and more $. Plus they have not been reliable and have a short warranty. The Rogue back seat was ridiculous, plus no leather with that extra seat option. -So I went back and forth on the Outlander because it got middling to poor reviews, particularly with Consumer Reports. But I realized the poor reviews came in areas I do not care about because I drive like a grandma. Acceleration slow? So what. Some lean on corners? Who cares. I stick the thing in Eco mode X 2 (AWC Eco and the Standard Eco) and get 34 on the highway with an AWD vehicle on a nice day. -Its also comfortable and quiet and my 35 mile commute in the am is incredibly pleasant. -The warranty is king, and I took it to the life of my payments (84 months...at 0.9%..Yeah, seriously) for 1200 bucks. -The safety ratings are outstanding. -It looks good with a metallic coppery brown exterior and beige leather interior. -Im happy.

• 

  driving in the snow - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ronny2 - October 4 - 8:36 am

  I was told at the sale of the 2008 Lancer that it would be "fine" in the snow. Much to my dismay, it was completely the opposite. I first discovered just how scary this car was on a snow covered slight uphill driveway when the whole front end slid to the right! There was absolutely no traction from the tires and when I called the dealership, they suggested I get snow tires to the tune of $1300. They did offer to mount/balance them at a discount, however I was very disappointed. I was unable to drive my NEW car during predicted snowstorms and when I got caught in a few "dustings", I was unable to get up my driveway and once barely made it down the road! Has anyone used snow tires? Did it work

• 

  Water in Dash - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ADRIENNE - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I was disappointed when poor manufacturing or a design flaw caused substantial water to accumulate in the dash of the car. When I brought it to the dealerships attention, the problem was resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. I purchased my car in October of 2002 and the water had been accumulating the whole time I owned the car. It was only after there had been a torrential rain and I heard what sounded like a wave pool in my dash that I knew something was wrong. The water started seeping onto the floor of the passengers side of the car because there was so much water in the dash.