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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  Stay Away - Major Paint Defect. - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nathanas85 - March 24 - 3:33 am

  I researched for a mid-size SUV and upon my reviews test drove the Outlander, Nissan xterra, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Honda Pilot. I found after test driving the Outlander test drove more like a smooth sports car. I fell in love with the diamond black exterior paint and the spacey interior. Overall a great vehicle to drive, per performance wise. After one winter the paint chips near the rear panel on both sides of the vehicle. I have read other Outlander owners with the same problem, a paint defect, after I purchased the vehicle. I contacted Mitsubishi about the problem and just like other customers with the same problem, Mitsubuishi doesnt honor their warranty on the paint defect.

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  Great value. Fun cheap drive. - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By bigdav15 - March 21 - 7:09 pm

  Overall, a great fuel saver and a fun little ride. Some complain about the CVT and its "growing" or sounding like "an angry vacuum," but I enjoy its capabilities in the mountains and highway riding. Driving easy (45-55 mph under 3000 rpm) I average between 45 and 55 mpgs. Next to my old 2002 Cavalier 2.4, this is my favorite fuel efficient car to drive. If I didnt have payments left on a Jeep Patriot (CVT also) Id get a second one of these. Only downfall is sudden braking with curves, but a good driver will not present them self with this issue.

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  BUY THIS CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By The Docnzok - March 18 - 10:00 am

  If you have not looked into this vehicle, you are missing something BIG. I was in the market for a new vehicle and was there the day these were put on the lot, my wife and I looked all over for a used car with low mileage for under 25,000. We saw the sticker on the outlanders and were absolutley amazed at the 16000 price tag.

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  Ralliart Vs Evo - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By TicoRico - March 17 - 2:23 am

  I think this car is great for the money you spend. its 10 - 15 grand cheaper than any of the Evos (GSR/MR/MR Touring) for a difference of 50 HP (larger turbo) and different suspension, rims, and a transmission (Taken from older EVO) Your spending most of that 10 - 15 grand on the name, and the small differences listed above. I wanted the Evo, but i didnt want to spend 40 grand on the MR touring. This car is a great deal for the money. You could take that 10-15 grand you saved and make it alot nicer and or faster if you wanted to. The car is quick and fun, it gets decent gas and is big enough for a family, and can drive anywhere due to its all wheel drive and traction control.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dano - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Performance has been great,comfort is very good, I have a very long torso and dont fit well in many cars and SUVs including Pathfinder. Could be a 9 or 10 with an adjustable up & Down Seat Fuel Economy could be better in light of premium only fuel. Great SUV drives like a car! The design is good the materials not as good (plastic interior) Exterior build great would be better than 5 if interior was better. Reliability has been great so far. Caution on the trans see below do the maintenance. I had been told to watch for trans issues. Probably would be eliminated with a bigger trans. EXT Design AWESOME A.W.D. and stability control Awesome 1st winter was very icy handled very well.

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  Great Price - Great Performance - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By RicZ - March 13 - 11:30 am

  I bought the 2007 truck one year ago. I have never regretted it. What attracted me to this truck was the value. I compared all other 4 door trucks - none came close to the price. The nearest truck in its class was $8k more. Other than the Sirius radio, nothing fancy. Good fit and finish. Cloth seats are comfortable. Smooth and quiet ride. The low gear ratio gives it a gutsy feel. The 6 cylinders make the engine responsive - not enough to burn rubber, but confident to pass on the highway. The only downside is the gas mileage - not bad, but not good either. I average around 16-17 in the city and about 18-20 on the highway. Overall, Im very happy with the performance.

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jnwafor - March 12 - 6:43 am

  Originally I was looking to purchase a Mazda CX-7; however, after doing a test drive and seeing its low fuel economy I was not impressed. Then I set my eyes on the Outlander. This car is dependable, GREAT fuel economy, I can get up to 30 mpg highway when traveling to work. (Cant get anywhere close to that with a Mazda). It has decent pick up with its standard V6 220 horsepower engine, I can definitely pass with no problem and keep up with fast lane traffic.

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  MY DIAMANTE - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By csw2312 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My experiance with the Mitsubishi Diamante has been a good one, except for some minor problems.

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  not performing up to par but classy look - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JerDaStud - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My Galant LS is supposed to get 20city mpg and 26 highway mpg but consistently gets 16-18. Ive swithced to mid grade with no difference in fuel economy. The gauge is starnge too, it gets 100 miles or so from full - 3/4 tank; 80 or so from 3/4 to 1/2 and 40 from 1/2 to 1/4. It is also hard to find a comfortable temp sometimes...but the car is darn good looking, awesome interior design in the LS

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  good car - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By texaspumpkin - March 11 - 10:00 am

  When I got this car in 1/99 with only 11,000 miles on it, I was told by several people (including a mechanic) that it was going to be horrible purchase. Now over 80,000 miles later, it has really proven everyone wrong. It is still going strong after several long distance trips, a couple of years of alot of commuting, a little off road abuse, & my poor maintenance habits. Good 1st car, good for a young family.