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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  2014 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Great Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By austintech - December 18 - 8:45 pm

  When you compare any vehicle priced under $25k that comes with 5/60 bumper to bumper warranty, 10/100k power train warranty, comes with back up camera, heated seats, bluetooth, roominess and 26 mpg combined, there arent many that can compare. With the 2014 Outlander SE, you get all this and reliability of Mitsubishi. Yes, its not a sports car. Yes, it doesnt have cutting edge design. Unlike other vehicles in its class, its very quiet, is comfortable, handles reasonably well, and has all the safety features youd expect for lots more. We researched lots of vehicles for what we needed and couldnt come up with a better solution for the money.

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  3 Years Gone By - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By upshombre - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The Montero Sport is a very heavy SUV for its size, which made the larger 3.5L engine very important for light towing. This is the only vehicle Ive ever owned that my wife and I are able to use the same seat adjustments, however, in the lowest seat setting, my head is almost to the headliner, a drawback to having a moonroof. After 3 years, the only repair work has been the replacement of the power- antenna, twice. The overall quality of workmanship is outstanding, inside and out.

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  The Logical Choice - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Maxabishi - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Checked the rest, bought the best overall bang for the buck. Unbelievable price, 14,000 with Convenience Pkg, WOW

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  A Smaller and car like Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Seymour - December 15 - 10:00 am

  A decent car with montero like off road ability, lacks the montero s 3rd row seats but looks more sporty.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Duncan - December 10 - 1:06 am

  Excellent off road performance; especially in snow and ice. Top interior features, comparable to a Lexus. Could use more power, maybe a turbo diesel engine for mileage and performance. Uses 93 octane, probably a good thing but it does cost more, and makes me more fuel conscious. All around I am pretty happy.

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  Better car than value shows - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Lumpy Mullet - December 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have owned a 2000 for almost 2 years and find it to be an excellent car. Only negative is resale value.

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  Form over substance - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By barrow - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I do quite a bit of renting (for business) and therefore get a chance to try out quite a few cars. I was quite excited when I saw this car available. It is quite attractive. The shiftable automatic was quite fun at first. But after the novelty wore off, I pretty much just stuck to the automatic mode. The 4 cylinder model was not very quick. The quality of the car also left something to be desired... as both latches for the trunk cover broke after only a couple week. The ergonomic also was not a high point. Conclusion: if you want a sexy car for not a lot of money, this is it. If you want a reliable everyday car, look to something else.

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  Superb Value - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mngoodtimes - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent acceleration for a 4- banger. Wish the MPG were a bit better, have been averaging 22 miles with combo driving. Its been freezing here in MN so Im hoping the MPG will tick up a bit in the spring/summer. Drivers seat is very comfortable and has great leg room (Im 61, 220 lbs). Rear leg room space is great but the seats are a bit low. My 10 yr old has starting using her booster seat again in order to see out the window better. Purchased new, the 2009 Galant ES was $22K. I purchased mine a couple weeks ago with 49k miles for $9991...not too shabby!!!

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  first 300 miles - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Stan - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the car is nice. It is relatively quiet (except for acceleration) and comfortable. Gas mileage is lower than it is advertised. On average it has been 18 mpg in the city and 21-22 mpg on highway. Mitsubishi dealership experience was so-so.

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  Sporty & Powerful (V6) - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ray - December 2 - 5:46 pm

  My 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS is fun to drive, especially during warm weather with the sunroof open. It is as powerful as many of the V8s were several years ago. Its price wasnt too bad for a sports car. The cost of insurance is kind of high though.