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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  Wonderful car and fantastic value - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jim_photog - October 10 - 2:55 pm

  I have a very basic Outlander Sport. Just the type of car I like. This is a wonderful car with gas mileage in line with the numbers (27 - 30 mpg for my daily driving). I love Mitsubishi for their reliability. This car has great acceleration (not sure what Edmunds did not like). I drive in rush hour in Chicago with significant traffice going at 70 - 75 mph. The Sport has no problems merging, accelerating to pass, handling, etc. I have had to respond quickly due to some silly drivers and this Sport responds great.

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  Pretty as a Pearl - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By LoveMyMitsu - October 10 - 1:26 am

  I was considering the Chrysler 300, but didn’t like it after the test drive (the viewing is really limited especially for the blind spot. Driving home a little depressed I stopped by the Mitsubishi dealership and was impressed with the style of the Gallants...went home did some research and a week later bought my car! The Dover Pearl color looks awesome and Im saving to put some 19" rims. I love the smooth fast ride. Gas is pretty average (28-32 bucks to fill her up) I got a crazy deal 0 down 0 APR which was nearly impossible at the Chrysler dealerships. Overall, I love my car, love the price, and love the warranty.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Consumer - October 9 - 7:53 pm

  So far, it is a good car, but then again i have only owned it for one month. hopefully itl keep me satisfied. stylish but hard to see out of the rear window because of spoiler. love the fog lamps, 7 speaker 200 watt sound system is entertaining. wish there was a rear window wiper. overall, so far it is a good car.

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  Alfalfa; my ride - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jer Howard - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My best friend called my car alfalfa, I gave him a weird look. He explaned that the antena resembles alfalfa. It is the most comfortable car Ive ever been in. Thats because the seats Mitsubushi buys have been hands down awarded the most comfortable. I drive 365 miles one way every weekend, in any other car Ive ever been in it would be unbearable. But I cant complain with the Lancer.

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  Should have purchased another car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jads mom - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt find a carseat to fit my sportscar after having my son. Mistubishi was offering a great deal (I thought). Appearance-wise the car is ok. Other than that I wish I had made another choice. Nothing about this car is impressive to me and now that I want to trade it in, I find that my $22,000 car is only worth a little more than $8,000, even in excellent condition and I still have tons to pay on it!!!! Im beating myself over the head for buying this car new or used!!!

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  Tons of Fun - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By serendipity - October 7 - 10:00 am

  We love everything about it!

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  interior lighting - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By larry - October 6 - 12:26 pm

  I owned a 2005 endeavor and was very happy with it except the gas mileage. I purchased a 2008 outlander XLS v6 3.0 awd and was sorry to see that there are not any interior lights in the glove compartment or on the dials for the temperature settings, and fan speed or positions for the vent direction. Cannot set any of the 3 dials at night while driving or go from 2wd to 4wd.

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  Not for off road use - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By spudhikes - October 6 - 2:30 am

  Perfect on the road, crappy off of it. Tiny rocks get caught between the brake rotors and the brake rotor covers. Had them emptied six times in one year. Drive dirt roads with the occasional rutted out section 3 times per week. Broke the suspension over and over again. Everything was perfect on the road, but off of it caused problems. Sound system was great. Heated front seats were amazing. Seats easily stain, even from water. Plenty of room for a 65" guy. Cant complain about anything on the pavement. Cant suggest you use it off of the pavement. Second Mitsubishi. Will buy an older montero most likely. Mitsubishi still rocks, just had the wrong one for day to day use.

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  Good Buy - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By GLEN HOBIN - October 5 - 9:06 pm

  I have had my eye on this type of vehicle for some time and decided to take one for a test drive. The Outlander is smooth, comfortable and very quiet. I have been driving minivans for the past 11 years and it was time for a change now that it is mainly just my wife and myself when we take a drive. I am counting on getting better fuel economy as well.

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  Fast and Fun, but FULL of Problems - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Leepoffaith - October 4 - 10:56 pm

  My 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is good looking and very fun to drive, BUT it is plagued with problems. Ive replaced the oil sensor ($125), had the brakes re-surfaced 4 times (stock rotors are horrible), motor mounts, had to have the heat shield removed because it was making noises, there are rattles all over the car, I have 2 bent rims (each would be $400 from the dealer), the stock tires are junk, the clutch rattles when disengaged in netrual, and the transmission likes to grind for no reason! Not to mention the bearing rattle that everyone has. Do your research! There are many websites out there that will tell you all the problems these cars have. Listen to what they say and then make your own decision