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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  2002 Montero LTD, aka "Ozzy" - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By asalini - March 25 - 10:00 am

  We shopped around for 6 months before finding this great SUV. The only one my husband felt comfortable in (most others didnt give enough head room). We love everything it does.

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  I dig it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By franchinboy - March 25 - 9:13 am

  Ive had this car for about 3 months now and I love it! Definitely not a mom SUV. Im a 29 yr old male who has previously owned a Mazda RX-8 and Audi TT. Great transition vehicle for me. All the upgrades are worth it, wouldnt have gotten it without them. This car is very fun to drive too. Ive never noticed any road or wind noise. The 3rd row seat is small, but my wife rode back there once, she is 57, and said it wasnt bad. Just couldnt do for a long road trip. Front seats are very comfortable, back seats a little more stiff. Fuel economy is great IMO, a lot better than my previous Mazda. All around, a very cool ride.

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  Great car, practical! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JT - March 25 - 7:18 am

  This is my first Mitsubishi. We had a Mazda5 2013 for almost 3 years but decided to sell it after bad crash rating released recently and major warranty work on the engine tappets (not a good sign). So we were looking for an SUV with third-row thats not a full size or V6, and it boils down to Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan Rogue (with 3rd row option and run-flat tires since the third row takes over the spare tire space). We test-drove our friends 2015 GT and was quite surprised with the car and I was glad to find many improvements was done to 2016 version. The Rogue is out of question since we would rather have spare tire than using run-flat tires. We ended up getting the cosmic blue 2WD SEL with roof rack, and exterior package. The car is primarily driven by my wife and she couldnt be happier with it and I also really enjoyed the car. I drove it to the mountain and the Bay many times, the performance is good. Im not sure why the the reviewers from certain auto mag and review sites gave it such low mark (biased-much?). The engine power is decent, dont believe when reviewers slammed about how slow the car is getting into freeway ramps. I lived in CA and drove to the SF and the bay many times and it gets to the ramp fine even in fast paced traffic. Maybe those pro reviewers are so spoiled with testing high end cars and have snobby attitudes against more affordable car for the masses. I also used to own 2007 Acura MDX with technology package and I enjoy driving the Outlander more than the MDX to be honest. I cant say anything about the warranty yet but the 10-year 100k miles warranty should give you peace of mind. All in all, this car deserves a look, its a great people mover, fun enough for weekend driving and its priced great for its class. PS: look for real world reviews in youtube and websites. This car is actually selling well in Europe and not sure why its hardly heard in US (I would blame Mitsubishi North America marketing department for this). The plugin Hybrid version is selling like hotcakes in Europe and will come to US sometimes next year.

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  Excellent - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By shunter - March 25 - 7:16 am

  I recently have taken a 03 Gallant ES with 85k on it for 5,000$ cash from the owner. Its a very nice car. Drives grate, very smooth and reliable: Its a Japanese car! Most people just know Honda and Toyota but in fact these brands are not much better than other Japanese brands. I recommend this car to every one who wants to have a great car for the price. Exterior design is really beautiful and fantastic. The interior has everything you need. I love my Galant!

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  Montero Lmtd - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ashley Nycole - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Awesome handling on and off road. Exceptionally easy shifting (while driving)into 4whldrv. SAFE! Great for kids and adults. Incredible aesthetic design and beauty (interior and exterior)...unmatched! Massive sun roof, very Fun! Comfort like a big Easy! heated seats, plush leather, seat adjustments. Back seat even comfortable on Beach!!! Worth all $42,000!!!

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  Reliable Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Nish - March 21 - 1:50 pm

  I have had the Galant for four years now and it has served as a reliable car. The only complaint I have is that the fuel economy has gone from about 27 mph to 21 mpg over these years.

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  40k driven in a year, and still rocking it! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Nik - March 20 - 11:12 pm

  I love this car. Seriously. Ive had my fair share of crummy cars in the past, to the point that it left me paranoid. After having had the outlander sport for a year and driving it 40,000 in one year, I can happily say this car is a champ. Not only do I drive for business and need it to be reliable, but its really comfy and looks fancy for the cost. Ive been able to fit a recliner in it with the seats down, and one trip had two medium size dog crates in there too. Its surprising how much it can fit. Then theres the gas mileage. Last fill up cost me $27 and it goes about 320 miles on that. The sound is great and I love the subwoofer in the back. Then theres the panoramic sun roof. Anytime a friend gets in the car thats the first thing they notice. As for the finishings, so far the interior holds up. Ive had cars (vws, Hondas, and nissans) that break apart or seems come apart. So far the outlander is in one piece. Oh! And Ive accidently hit a few things and no Damage shown on the car. Major plus! I cant say enough positive things. Only downside, is if the car is packed with people, cargo, and ac blasting- the acceleration struggles a bit. But not surprising. If youre short like me (under 5ft) the drivers seat goes up and gives you a clear view of the road. If youre tall like my dad (61") you can adjust it and feel comfortable too. I highly recommend this car.

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  A Phenominal Value for the $ (tempered) - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By BC - March 20 - 9:36 pm

  This is an amazing car for what it is. Value and character. For one of the few AWD cars on the market with a straight 4 and the turbo provides amazing power from 20-120+mph and is a dead accurate vehicle. Shifts are precise, engine is solid, turbo is ample. Just a true joy to drive when you are in the mood. However, its not a great highway cruiser or Sunday driver, its a harsh and loud ride with little insulation and driver amenities. I use this car for a 65 mile commute daily (round trip) and it has its downfalls. Noise, moderate fuel mileage, VERY SMALL GAS TANK and loud overall with performance tires. But it is what it is: performance car with power to spare & character to match!

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  2002 Eclispe GT - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By hogman - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Eclishpe since November of 2001. I have driven it about 10000 miles. I have had no problems with it and I enjoy drivingi it. The one thing that I have had to watch is my speed. The first week I had it I was going to a meeting I wondered why everyone was going so slow. Looked down and I was doing 90 in a sixty mile speed area.

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  Still love it after 10 years - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By niftybergin - March 19 - 9:14 pm

  I just turned over 155,000 miles in my Sportback, bought new in 2004. Have to say that I still love this car! Ive kept up with the annual maintenance, use fully synthetic oil and high-test gas, and it runs great. Smooth and quiet. One major repair -- the A/C -- in all this time. Everything else has just been regular maintenance. Love that it has good pick-up when I need it to and that its got enough power to handle mountainous roads. Even after 10 years and 155K miles, I still get 25 MPG city / 31 MPG hwy.