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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  Like any other car... - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By gnnusa - October 4 - 2:00 am

  ...the Lancer 2003 has its own pluses and minuses. The only two things that make this great car an average car are - power and fuel economy. The display of power especially with auto- tran is abysmal. Fuel economy as compared to Honda Civic or even my old Saturn is poor.

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  Great but I Didnt have a need for it - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hal - October 3 - 1:33 am

  I bought my Mitsubishi Outlander in December 2004 and just now traded it in for a Scion Xb. I drive a lot and I cant justify 21-27 mpg for me. I dont have a family.

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  Downsizing from Minivan - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Terri - October 3 - 1:33 am

  I chose the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander due to the 100,000 mile warranty - no other manufacturer came close. I keep my vehicles for at least 10 years so this was the deciding factor. It is a great truck, handles well and coming from a Plymouth Grand Voyager and the size is very adequate for my needs. Of course, we would all like to see a little better gas mileage with todays gas prices.

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  Great car for the money - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Tonymarsol - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Engine, Transmission very smooth. Rides very nice and quiet. Handles well. Comfortable car all around on long trips. Like the sterio and moonroof. Should have brighter dash lighting.

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  Need more power - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By chadski - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Good vehicle but underpowered. The transmission needs to be quicker in response time in downshifting

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  Very Pleased w/ My 1st SUV - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By New2SUVs - October 2 - 9:36 am

  After a lot of research on Edmunds about the Outlander I decided to go to the dealership- after test driving the SE- I fell in love and the following week bought it (not NEEDING a new vehicle). I was driving a 09 Civic Si and was growing tired of a manual. The Outlander is one of the sharpest looking SUVs Ive seen and the room inside is amazing. My salesman was 64", 240lbs and with the front seats all the way back- sitting in the back seat his knees did not touch. IMPRESSIVE!!! The price was great for everything I got including the extras. I am very pleased. Only had it for a week and immediately packed it up to go camping- exceeded my expectations.

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  Love at first drive ... - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike in StLouis - October 1 - 9:20 pm

  I have owned this 2000 Eclipse GT since it was new. Okay, it was a dealer demo, so it had 3k on it when I bought it but Ive enjoyed every mile since. The silver bullet was a good choice for me. From the moment that I sat in the scooped out drivers seat, I knew that this was the car for me. I am happy to report that Ive had to do VERY LITTLE unexpected work and Im at 127,000 miles. Ive done the typical routine stuff, such as timing belts (important), tires, accessory belts, etc, but the really only unexpected repair came a few weeks ago in the form of a bad fuel pump. Let me say it again, 127k and this was my first unexpected repair. Im still on my original clutch!

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  Montero Limited - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By W Hurst - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall vehicle. We enjoy its ride, driveability, and room. Plus its unique design continues to turn heads.

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  mm good - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By nursesindy - September 30 - 10:00 am

  what it lacks in fuel economy it makes up for in looks, handling (both on & off road), comfort & reliability. I travel a lot of dirt "roads" & have used the 4 wheel drive a good bit & trust it fully.

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  evaluation - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By john kiff - September 30 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car from a mega dealer,it was second hand former rental vehicle. the price was right. i was inpressedwith the styling, inside and outside. a demonstration drive sold me. i have driven this vehicle 20000 miles,including two trips to fla. it has performed flawlessly. i have no fault to find, easely the best car i have ever owned.