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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  Emissions - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Toni Macchiarolo - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Since we have purchased this vehicle and spent almost 40,000.00 we have a a fowl "egg-like" smell. After numerous tests they are now telling us it is from the fuel and the emission on the truck - and their is nothing they can do - no recalls nothing! It is horrible smelling! Very unhappy with Mitsubishi! Do not buy a Montero, they are happening with the 04s also!

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  Perfect!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By jackoo - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 03 Corolla for this Vehicle because of their promo for nurses which availed me of the 0 APR, this has been my dream car eversince! Ive been watching this vehicle slamming its competitors in the rallye drakar-paris race, Not everyone can have this kind of truck separated to the usual designs of most SUVs with its musculine look and superb proven performance!!!!

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  wow what a car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By butah - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Only had it a month but what a fun fast sporty great car!!!!! The dealer I bought it from was great to work with and I thought they treated me very well. I was looking at the 2004 altima and a honda but this car blew me away.

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  Should you buy it - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By TONYSSAM - May 22 - 1:40 am

  The lancer drives very well. Its as quiet as any of its competitors, as corolla, etc. It soaks up most of the bumps with minimum effect in the passenger car. Its engine, a dohc with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and its continuously variable transmission both work to make the ride pleasant. Ive had two prior generation lancers and they all were highly reliable, with minimum repairs and breakdowns under severe use. The car is very safe and sturdy - uses very strong steel. The only flaw is that the epa fuel economy is already below its competitors and below the prior generation lancer 2007. And when you drive it - it seems like its below the epa estimates also - especially city.

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  It Makes Me Smile - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By very cool machine - May 21 - 11:50 am

  The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Coupe is a joy. Its very fast and fun to drive.

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  Why buy any other SUV? - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DTogo - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Wife had a 97LS then upgraded to a silver 01, which sits nicely next to my silver 00 Eclipse. Despite the luxuries, I just hauled enough hardware to floor and tile two bathrooms. Much smoother and quieter ride than earlier models, with quick acceleration and smooth gear changing. Ergonomics of the dash and control knobs are well-designed, easy to find and use, with the expected quality feel of Japanese cars.

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  Lets remeber what kind of car this is! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By aka0014 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I paid 15,500 for my O-Z (with the $500 college rebate=$15,000). What Civic, Focus, Sentra, and/or Corrolla can you get at that price with the 0-Zs extras and all around looks. Secondly, the car is a compact car. If you add more horsepower then it loses its purpose-a good, fun, affordable, attractive fuel efficient car. Of course we all want more horses under that hood. So just order the parts and put it in-problem solved! This car is totally worth the money and then some. Compare it to the top three in its class, and youll see how it by far surpasses the exterior/interior design and amenities that lack in its competitors for the same price.

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  Good experience owning this car - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Bill - May 20 - 9:43 am

  I purchased my Diamante in 2000 with 44k. It ran relatively maintenance free until about 2004. Since then have replaced front and rear struts and radiator. Have replaced brakes three times since purchase. Currently have 112k on car. Overall this has been a reliable vehicle with good performance and comfort. I am thinking about replacing this vehicle because of family needs, but I will miss it. I would purchase this car again.

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  Reliable, family oriented, fun - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By chrisgr1 - May 17 - 11:42 pm

  Excelent SUV, handling, room space, cargo space. AWC is really impresive. Cheap plastics insight. Emphasis on Utility

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  Great Car for Less Money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Prashant - May 16 - 5:10 pm

  I bought my 2003 Mitsubishi Galant in Sept. 2004 for just $9,800. It had 27,000 miles on it when I purchased it. The drive is really smooth, especially on winding roads. The gas mileage is decent. This car is way less expensive than Toyota Camry / Honda Accord models with comparable features.