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:

• 

  I fell in love - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jendel - March 27 - 10:00 am

  When I first went out looking for a new car I had no interest in the Eclipse at all. Then I drove it....and fell in love! Everyting about this car is great from the sleek exterior to the sunroof.

• 

  2001 Mitsubishi Diamante LS - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By ross - March 27 - 2:26 am

  I really only have had a few problems with my 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante LS. The transmission is slow to react to my lead foot sometimes. I had a Mitsubishi Eclipse with an auto transmision that was much better. Also, tthis car should be rear wheel drive with so much horsepower and torque!

• 

  Best small suv - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Michael Boyer - March 26 - 2:40 am

  I test drove and researched most of the new small and mid-sized SUVs available: Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav-4, Mazda CX-7, Acura RDX, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the just released Land Rover LR2. I was really pumped about the LR2, but came away disappointed, with an SUV like drive, cramped second row seats, and small trunk. The CX-7 was the most fun to drive, but the Outlander is not far behind. It has a nicely revving engine and the manual shifting is very smooth. The Outlander simply was the best fit in terms of driving comfort and response, utility, and value. I passed on the nav but got the sun/sound and luxury. I have only driven 300 miles or so, but am very pleased so far.

• 

  Snappy - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By polok420 - March 26 - 1:06 am

  When I went to get financed for a car they said this is all I could get. (had a dying 95 escort). Wanted sporty and got it in sleeper mode. Has awesome handling. I have driven trucks and SUVs before but this handles like a car. Its interior could use a little help. Every thing rattles when have the bass up on the stereo.

• 

  Canadian Opinion - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By CNDN opinion - March 25 - 7:43 am

  I bought the Gallant in 04 with just over 20,000 km on it, it now has almost 180,000 km. Not a problem or a let down yet, just had to do some regular stuff to it. Replacement parts are expensive and the gas mileage could be better but its fun to drive. The Galant is used as a highway commuter mostly, and handles great in the wind and heavy snow. The resale value is crap so if you buy one, be ready to keep it until its paid for.

• 

  Reliable cheap - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By reliable cheap - March 25 - 7:26 am

  I bought this car hit (salvage) fixed up put 34k miles, since I have it didnt have any problems yet! Nothing special in the car but its really reliable!

• 

  Very Comfortable - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nmbw235 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Im a 5Ft female and I have found this car to fit my size perfectly. I have owned a Tracker and Forester recently (both totaled in accidents by a 17yr old driver in the other car) but I can see great with this car and Im not on top of the steering wheel which I was in the other cars. I have also previously owned two Colts which were built by Mitsubishi and they never let me down. I am expecting the reliability of the Outlander to be the same. I have owned it for 5 months so far and am very impressed with it. I park at a local commuter train parking lot and have noticed other commuters making an effort to see what model car this is. Very stylish.

• 

  CR Magazine Rating is Questionable! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By du sais - March 22 - 4:53 am

  Ive been a subscriber of this magazine and I have been pretty much dependent on their evaluation when purchasing stuff, until I purchased my Montero Sport. The reason for this purhase - I got a very good deal, cheap considering that its a limited 4x4 . Being aware that this vehicle is considered poor in their rating, I was surprised when I happened to drive it. It looks like the CR ratings are backwards. We have five adults in our household and in our garage theres an 02 Honda CR-V, 01 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 (which I drove most of the time before the MT Sport), &and a 04 Toyota Sienna XLS AWD. I find the MT Sport much better in acceleration and cornering than my 4Runner. Also, its ride is far better than car based CR-Vs. I have had no recalls or trouble with my Mitsubishi yet.

• 

  The Best Truck Ever! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By krilugo - March 21 - 1:43 am

  I bought my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero XLS on 01/2002 with 9 miles on it (what it took to drive it from the dealership to the gas station and back because they gave it to me full of gas!) I live in Tampa and have family and friends all over south florida that I visit all the time... this car has 60,000 milles on it now including off road miles (mud and beach baby) and I have never had to take it to the mechanic! I have never tried to hit the switch and have it not start, it has never left me in the stranded...not even for gas.

• 

  My New Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Linus - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I would have given this car a perfect "10" but for two things: 1. I wish it came in a V6 option. 2. I wish it had XM satellite radio as an option. Otherwise, this car is perfect in every way (OK, maybe Im exaggerating, but I really love this car).