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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  Great Little SUV! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tmo411 - December 25 - 3:05 pm

  I just got my Outlander recently, but Ive put 500 miles on it already. It handles great, and the V6 is very smooth. It also has a nice engine growl when you gun it a little. I got the GT model, but without all the bells & whistles. The stock stereo has a 6-CD changer, 140 watts and 6 speakers - plenty for my use. The seats are cloth centers with leather backs & sides - they felt more comfy than the full leather. You can aim the HID headlights, and theyre really bright. I love the paddle shifters, too. The back seat has plenty of room for my 6+ sons to sit in, so they like it.

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  Goody - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Derrick - December 24 - 1:56 pm

  My Montero Sport has been a solid performer over the years! It has good pick up and steering response. It is a little short on the turning radius though and it started to burn oil at 60,000 miles. Otherwise this truck has had very low maintenance cost. It has plenty of leg and head room for taller than average driver and passengers. The stereo is adequate and the heat/air is better than average.

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  economical and fun - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Immortal - December 23 - 6:16 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. 63,000 miles and still running strong. No repairs other than tires, brakes, fuel filter, etc. Gets on average 30-32 MPG. Extremely well built, well designed engine compartment, comfortable ride. Does not fair well in accidents though, my g/f rear ended someone at 20 mph and did over $4000 worth of damage to the front end.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rakesh - December 23 - 10:50 am

  This is my 2nd 2000 Galant. I bought the first one in 2000 with 27,000 miles on it and drove it until had 108,000. Besides brake jobs, a new alternator, and tires, it was a great car. I bought my second one last years, with 93,000 miles on it. It now has about 115,000 miles. I just replaced the brakes. I would definitely consider buying one again. You could pick up a nice Galant for cheap and really rack some miles with no heavy maintence.

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  We Love It But There Are Problems - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By argentum - December 22 - 12:20 pm

  This car reminds me in some ways of the pony cars of yesteryear. Its heavy, wide and long and low to the ground. But of course its way better. The 6 cyl is more responsive than most of the old 8s. The car handles far more sweetly and the inside is quiet. Even though the ride is tight, its not too hard. And all around mpg is always over 20. There are problems though. During fairly hard cornering on right turns there is a noise from the left side that sounds like a blown cv joint. Slowing down at highway speeds produces some serious vibration especially in the steering wheel.Interior fit and finish is awful.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mastersarge - December 22 - 10:13 am

  The Outlander was purchased just before the great snow storm of 2010 in DC: Could not be timed any better. The Outlander rode on ice and snow as though the roads were clear and free. Handling is as good as you expect from a SUV. The sound system is wonderful and the finish is perfect. All the controls are easily accessible and conveniently located. The only item we wish we had: a compass. great feature: how many miles left on a tank of gas.

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  2004 Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rockford - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the Outlander, but the mileage leaves alot to be desired. We get 20 city and 23 highway. Is this what others are getting?

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  Best Kept Secret - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By bozo - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I had not intended to purchase a Diamante until offered one from the dealer. I think, in the luxury sedan class, it is the best kept secret for having all the bells and whistles of much more expensive models like the 5 series BMW or the Lexus 300 series. It also has a great ride, handling, and "kick".

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  Trade for this SUV now! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Rolando Espejo - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The interest rate is what drew us into purchasing this. 3.9% APR Simple Interest loan for 72 months! But it is an awesome SUV with off- roading heritage not other makes can claim. It is made in Japan so assembly is tops. Very solid. No annoying creaks from vibrating parts. Very handsome looking.

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  An Awesome Car! - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy Mitsu Customer - December 18 - 7:06 pm

  The 2008 Mitsubishi Gallant Ralliart is so much more car than I ever expected. Looked at Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, VW Passat and Mazda 6 and this car blows them all away. The navigation system is awesome and the stereo is one of the best I have ever heard! Not to mention this car is FAST!