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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  more than I expected in every way ! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By charles - November 18 - 12:21 pm

  Looked at a lot of SUV,s Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia. I was replacing a Chevy Captiva that was almost out of warrenty. Never considered a Mitsubishi before but seen how long the warrenty was on them. After reading the critics reviews on the Mitsubishi Outlander I almost didnt consider it. I sure glad I took the time to go look at one in person and drive one. I was sold in a mile ! The Mazda was noisy and road ruff. Ford Escape was ok but didnt like rear seat room or the packages they offered for the price. Hyundai and Kia are only a good value if you buy the base ones. GM Trax was really nice but again was too small. Toyota Rav 4 was very unimpressive and pricing was very high for what you recieved and the warrenty was half as long as the Mitsubishi. Nissan, well what can I say, again high price, worst CVT transmission I drove, Lots of consumer complaints . If you go and drive the competition then drive the Mitsubishi and consider price and warrenty I think you will be driving one home like I did !!

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  My outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By anthony - November 16 - 5:56 pm

  Everything about this car is amazing. One being the exterior and interior design, my Outlander had the 18 inch rims which looked great with the labor black paint job. The car is so fun to drive. I even got this monster up to 125 mph with friend. The average gas mileage for me was about 24 mpg on the highway. I also have a 2003 highlander and its no match, this outlander is just amazing.

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  The best blend of everything - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Brad - November 15 - 8:16 am

  I bought it when it was 8 months old with 19K miles, after a stint as a rental. As wary as I was at the time to buy a rental, I have been overwhelmingly pleased with its performance since. This SUV is solid, well-built, comfortable, and rugged. Still gets great gas mileage (24 on hwy), and has very low maintenance demands, even for a 4WD. My Montero now has 101,000 miles and is still running strong. It is a strong performer off-road and in the snow. I am able to easily navigate 2-4 of snow (no exaggeration) when many of my neighbors more expensive SUVs and trucks remain idle or stuck. It has outlasted 2 other used cars in my household and I fully expect another 100K without concern.

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  Environmentalists rejoice! - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By dkuethe - November 11 - 1:22 am

  Mirage is ONLY car in its class in North America in 2014. Other "small" non-hybrid, 5-passenger cars do not have acceptable fuel economy. Mine: 20 km/l (47 mpg) for 65 mph and slower combined rural and Albuquerque driving. At Western US highway speeds, 70 to 75 mph, with full load and air conditioner in the summer 16.6 km/l (39 mpg). A bit over-powered for fuel efficient car. Can climb a 6% grade at 120 km/h (75 mph) with a full load at 1700 m (5600 ft) elevation — with alacrity. Engines achieve best efficiency just below maximum power, so most of time it is operating with lower efficiency. Feat requires over 50 kW (66 hp) so engine probably exceeds 56kW (74 hp) rating.

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  Love our new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport GT - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By MKR - November 10 - 4:31 pm

  We love the size and colors available. It has a lot of pep with the 2.4 engine. Good style for what the newer SUVs are today. The ride is very comfortable. Dealer was good and we got a deal that we were happy with. We added the rain guards over the windows as they are great when it is raining. Easy to understand most of the controls and the dealer went through the controls inside before we left the lot. They set-up my Bluetooth phone. We are very happy and this will last us many years. We are retired and dont do much traveling and we have a second SUV. I agree that you need to test drive this to make a decision. Dont sell this SUV short.

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  Expected beter fuel consumption - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By leo - November 6 - 2:46 am

  Very good handling, good finish like the interior and outside design very good reliability never been in shop, but fuel consumption really not what I expected for a car of this size - really thirsty.

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  Very good, could be GREAT - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Peter D. - November 5 - 12:13 am

  My wife has 07 LS 4wd. She likes it and I drive it once in a while so when time to replace my vehicle took a look at 08 leftover. The fun thing about this car is you have to drive it. It doesnt lull you to sleep and since I drive a lot I need to be awake. Gas mileage varies and so far best is 25 mpg in 2wd then 24 in 4wd. My XLS drives fine especially in the messy snow, wet and ice weve had this winter in NJ.

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  The First Ralliart in the Southeast - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Drew - November 4 - 7:23 pm

  I owned my car for about 24 hours and I know thats not quite long enough to know all the in and outs. But this thing is amazing. I driven an Evo, and for the $10,000 price cut, this will not disappoint. One thing though good luck finding one.

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  Worth Checking Out! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Andrew - November 4 - 5:10 pm

  I have owned my Galant for nearly 6 months, and I still find myself staring at it. The exterior was designed for all ages. I feel proud owning a Mitsubishi considering it is built in Bloomington, Illinois by UAW workers. Ask anyone who works at Mitsubishi and they will tell you that they are proud of what they build. The engine is very responsive and the torque put out is amazing for a 4 cylinder. The 8-speaker Infiniti sound system is amazing. The interior turns many heads at night with the blue dash lights. I was also attracted to the Galant because of one of the best warranties around, 10-year- 100,000 thousand miles. Plus I get 3 years maintenance and roadside assistance.

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  I love this car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kurtis Kelley - November 3 - 11:19 am

  i absolutely love this cari an a die hard chevrolet fan but I saw this little spieys car had to have it I own newer monte carlo with the big v-6 and this little 4banger will leave it in the dust Im a retired 40 year old military vet and Id buy another eclipse today