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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  Runs Like A Top - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By summer - January 14 - 3:46 pm

  109,000 miles and this car runs like a top. Other than oil changes and new tires (once), Ive never had to do a thing to it, and I am not good about regular maintenance. The exterior is showing some wear - passenger side door handles are loose, body side trim came off in the car wash. If you are looking for a car that will start every single day and get you where you need to be all the time, this is the car. The resale value is bad but works to your advantage as the buyer. Im looking for a newer one now. Ive never owned anything as reliable as this car. Gas mileage is OK, accelerates quickly, ride is good.

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  Bought another one! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John White - January 13 - 10:31 am

  Best value for your money. Good looking vehicle. Had a 2016 with 14K miles with no issues whatsoever. Liked it so much, We bought a 2017 also!

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  good deal for the $ - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steven G. Johnson - January 10 - 6:50 am

  peppy 4 cylinder, dealer added leather to the ES which we liked. Fun to drive and a good deal for the money. We traded a 2003 eclipse 5 speed and this car is quicker

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  First Time Like it. - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fawad Q - January 8 - 1:50 am

  Well i went to buy a Tibron but end up with 07 Eclipse, Nice Car, First time own a 2dr. Sport like car. Its not really a Sports car but its act like it. Sound System, design, Wheels, All around is good car. I did some long trips and very comfortable. It has more room then TC, Tibron for back seats, and really its an Head turner. I bought in 4 cyl. wish bought it in 6 cyl. and 6 speed Manual. Next Time. So if you like style Modifications Oh yes! Forget about Honda, Toyota, Get this one with 10 years of warranty... wowo... see you around.

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  280+K It just works and works - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By EP - January 7 - 8:59 am

  Find reliable independant service shop for seals and timing belt service. Dealer in BR is worse than terrible!

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  Have 500 miles on it! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Wayne O. - January 6 - 11:22 pm

  If you have never driven a CVT it will take you a while to get used to it. We had a turbo charged vehicle with a 6 speed tranny before and it would really take off after the turbo lag. It takes a while to accelerate with a 4 cyl and a cvt. Other than that the car is really great. The Rockford Fosgate premium stereo system really rocks. I do wish the power lift gate was foot activated. Have not taken it on a long trip to check mileage but computer is saying around 30 mpg. Our much smaller car before would be lucky to get 23. The 3rd row seats are really only good for kids but nice to have in this size vehicle.

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  GSX ONLY - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By vantweek44 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this car.. There are a few fixes that should be done, better bushings in the shifter. A bigger turbo for sure,also the tire size is a bit big Mybe a 17x7 in stead of 17x7.5.. Overall this is my first import and Im hooked Thanks DSM.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kwonda - January 1 - 2:00 am

  My Mitsubishi is a greatly styled car & very dependable. Most powerful 4 cyl. I have ever owned. I would buy another!

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ryans93 - December 20 - 11:38 am

  We have owned the Lancer since it was new and it has been a fantastic car. It still looks great, gets good gas mileage, is fun to drive, and little has gone wrong with it. The build quality is excellent and the interior has held up extremely well with almost no rattles and still tight after 9 years and 150k. Other than regular maintenance, few problems have arisen on the car, and its been very reliable.

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  Love this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Dennis Castor - December 20 - 8:30 am

  I love the way this car handles and the power it has when needed. It still looks better than most cars on the road today. If I had to do it again I would still buy it. The mileage on the hwy is a respectible 22 mpgs...The only downfall is in the city where it drops to about 12 mpgs.