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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  Awesome Compromise - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TxFemme - June 7 - 1:40 am

  I bought my Eclipse used with 17K miles on it. I now have 29K and it has not so much as hiccuped. Its powerful, fun to drive, and I get compliments almost daily. The RF system is AWESOME, best stock system Ive ever owned (and there have been many). Its a relatively comfortable ride for a sports car and Ive taken it on several long road trips. The backseat is best suited for those under 54" but at least it has one. The curb weight gives the car a substantial, safe feel. The stock tires are not as sticky as Id like in slippery conditions. Probably the main negative point for me is the turning radius. Also, the powerful engine combined with FWD equals major torque steer at times.

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  Shoulda bought a Subaru - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By captain766 - June 6 - 6:37 pm

  I only had 2 concerns requirements for a new car, higher seating position and descent MPG. With those requirements I completely expected the performance would not impress. The Outlander Sport certainly delivers on that expectation. Very unimpressive. The MPG rating of 28Hwy, 24 city, 26 combined is just a pipe dream. I am averaging 22 MPG and my 100 mile round trip commute is 90% wide open interstate (no traffic to content with). I always watch to make sure the ECO indicator is lit and still only 22MPG. Took the car to the dealer. They checked it out, test drove it (with same results as my experience) and called Mitsubishi Tech. Their answer, "Yup, thats what you can expect"

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  Very Poor Quality Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By BHL311 - June 6 - 5:03 pm

  I feel sorry for all Gallant owners! You think you have such a great car now, wait until four or five years from now when your clear coat breaks down and Mitsubishi wont do a thing about it because it is out of warranty! Be aware and stay away from Mitsubishi if you have not purchased one yet! It is a joke! Not only did it happen to me it happened to another person in the same apartment building! Stay away from Mitsubishi! They dont believe in QUALITY!

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  Looks Great! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By 7Mick - June 5 - 7:50 pm

  Overall I love this car. Like many others though. I too had the transmission problems. Even after the fix. Still not right! The car is so great to look at. Kind of a Beemer front and a Volvo back. But very unique. Drives like a much bigger car with its smooth ride. I am a chauffeur and when I get out of my town car I dont mind jumping into this car!

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  nice car but needs power - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lancer_Racer - June 4 - 10:00 am

  its a real fun car to drive but it lacks at top speed it needs more horsepower. if you do get this car for racing plan to put a lot of work into it.

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  Get it used, folks! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ballistic - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This was my first car purchase, and economic value was at the top of my list. All the comments on Edmunds went something like, ``Great car, but it loses all its value, dangit! I put two and two together, and decided to get it used. Im getting 22.4 miles to the gallon on a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder, which I would expect to be closer to 6-cylinder territory. In any case, its a bit low, given the relatively poor performance Im getting from the car. On the up side, it handles nicely, and it looks pretty sleek. I would have preferred a manual transmission car, but nothing about this Galant is compatible with the manual transmission ``feel.

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  Very good--not excellent. - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DACNA - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The interior is flawless. Honda could learn something or two from this vehicle. The seats are supportive and very comfortable. The rear seat and space is remarkable considering its a mini-ute. Yes, cargo and power are down, and fuel consumption is not the best. But the torquey punch is great. This engine races to the redline so first gear upshifts need to be guarded while going through the gears. The Freelander is the only other mini-ute to offer a manumatic shifter, albeit a 5 speed.The stereo is clear, accurate, and thumps. The styling is great til you get to the rear (too quasi- econowagon) You should pay about $200 over invoice; I did.

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  2childhood - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 2childhood - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Good performance. Great looks. Really turns heads. Wouldnt trade it for anything in this price range.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mitsu Believer - June 4 - 1:10 am

  I am a car guy. I bought the Ralliart used surprisingly. It looks great, drives and is simply a rocket ship. The Liquid Silver is a great paint and the wheels are nice. Leather is comfortable. The Navi is okay with accuracy but the features of the Navi and radio are terrific. My wife even enjoys the ride of the car. Winter is almost here and Im curious to see how it handles snow. I am averaging between 420-450 miles a fill up.

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  2004 Outlander sport xls - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By teddyjames - June 3 - 1:30 pm

  Purchased my outlander with 93k, now at 109k. So far no issues, smooth ride, decent gas mileage overall solid car for $7500. I was told there may be suspension issues with this model, but nothing too serious from my experience so far. Its put a smile on my face and would recommend to buyers looking to spend under 10k on a crossover with lots of room for storage. If this car had either a turbo or V6 it would be 10x better lol.