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:

• 

  A good used car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gps - November 28 - 4:10 pm

  I picked up a 2002 with 78,000 miles for around $5500. Car has decent/good performance for its class. As others have commented, the fuel economy could be better. Still for the price (about $3k less than a comparable Honda/Toyota) it was hard to beat. Ive had no issues at in in the last six months and odometer reads 82,500. Having driven an Eclipse for the past decade (finally died at 172,000) I was comfortable with the brand. For everyday commuting etc. Its a great car. I didnt buy it to turn heads. I wanted something reliable w/out paying a premium and this car was it.

• 

  very reliable - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By rascaljim - November 24 - 2:50 am

  I bought this car at 107,000 miles, It now has nearly 140,000. I have only had to replace a couple belts, otherwise no problems at all. Unfortunately its probably gonna be totalled out by an insurance company for body damage.

• 

  2 years of feedback - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By MonteroSportDenver - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my XLS Sport for 2 1/2 years and absolutely love it. Purchased it used after comparing to 4-Runner, Grand Cherokee & Pathfinder. For the $$ it was the best option far and away. Save $10K over comparable 4-Runner. It is very dependable, great in the snow & ice and overall well designed. Would definitely recommend it to a cost- conscience buyer. Only concern is that its suspension gives a stiffer ride than its competitors but its well worth it off road.

• 

  8.8 - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ryan ward - November 16 - 10:00 am

  this car is a really fun car to drive, its smooth, quiet,and it handles well. yes the engine is not that fast, but it is not the slowest car out there. the car is stylish and i think that it is diffrent than most of the cars in its class. though the jetta and the mazda 6 are better overall cars, for the money, the lancer is a really good buy.

• 

  2008 SE new car comments - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Darrell - November 10 - 12:50 pm

  As for the new 2008 SE Outlander this one is a disappointment. Sluggish off the line. Yes it is a 4 cyl. But no low end torque to speak of. The CVT is my first and am not impressed in one area. Slowing down it feels like the brakes are being applied. My first Mitsubishi with mechanical problems from day one. Turning left a clank. Same for turning right. Rear end screech when backing. Knocking noise mid vehicle. The dealer said they could not hear the clanking so did nothing. How about putting it up on a rack and turning the wheels? Said the screeching was the brake rotors. Normal. A first for me on any Mitsubishi. Average fuel consumption is not what we want. We want exact MPG.

• 

  Love my Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Miko - November 10 - 10:00 am

  When we were looking for a family vehicle we were testing Minivans and had decided to get a Honda however we fell in love with the Montero. I feel that this SUV rides more like a car than other SUVs weve tested ie: the Pilot, CR-V and Endeavor. If you have older kids this was a better fit. There is lots of room in the front and second seat. The third row seat meant for two additional passengers is really poorly designed, my ten year old has a hard time. It is really comfortable when we travel with the family. There is plenty of room for bags and luggage. Overall we really love this SUV.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ERNIEALLSTAR - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I AGRE WITH ANOTHER REVIEW COULD USE A LITTLE MORE HELP ON INTERIOR ACCESSORIESS IE..CUP HOLDER AND SUCH..EVEN A CELL PHONE HOLDER...BUT IN GENERAL...CARS HANDELS GREAT..NO PROBLEMS...WOULD BUT AGAIN..SECOND GALANT I HAVE OWNED.HAVE OWNED GRAND AMM AND 6000LE...JAPAN RULES CARS

• 

  Really enjoy the car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By David M. - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to replace my 2004 Mazda RX8 which was no small task especially considering I didnt want a dedicated sports car. I tried a lot of cars and kept coming back to this car. It is not the fastest but the AWD, the dual clutch transmission, and the look really sold me. It is fun to drive and handles fairly well and does not beat you up with an overly stiff ride like most sporty cars. I regret not opting for the Recaro package as I have a bad back and the standard seats cause discomfort on long drives (seat upgrade is in the works). I wish it had telescoping wheel, the turn signal is ridiculously quiet, and the horn is the weakest I have ever heard. Great car for the money. Love it.

• 

  Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS 3.0 4A - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MJBurns - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, handles well, great gas milage. Love the stero & 6 CD changer. Noisy car, always feels like an "air leak".

• 

  Sweet - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ahn - November 2 - 10:00 am

  With the 5 speed manual the car is very responsive. Can be a little uncomfortable on long hauls. For whatever reason we get water in the trunk when it rains and we are driving, not when it is just sitting, the seal is in good shape and I made adjustments to the lid but to no avail. The gas pedal can be uncomfortable, cruise control really helps in that aspect, we had one installed. The car performs better with higher octane gas, and in turn it gets better fuel mileage.