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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  Fantastic Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jillfitz - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Almost 2 years and 20k miles later my Galant is still as perfect as the day I purchased it. Fuel economy is much better than expected - Ive seen 31 mpg which is several better than the EPA highway rating. Engine is smooth and has plenty of power for passing. The transmission is fantastic, I never feel it shift. All the controls are simple and logically laid out so they fall right to hand. Reliability has been outstanding. Never anything other than regular maintenance.

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  Great Buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mark F - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is a great car for the money. Plenty of interior room, especially in the back seat where many small cars are too tight for adults or even for kids in car seats. Back seat is very easy to get in and out of. The ride is also very smooth and quiet but still with good, predictable handling. The engine is very smooth for a big 4- cylinder and has plenty of power for moving about in daily traffic. The cruise control is nice because its too easy to exceed the speed limit in this car if your not careful.

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  Value for money - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ozlancernut - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have brand new yellow OZ-Rally Lancer . Inspiration on top! Every driver on a road looking on this beauty, breaking his or her necks! Tinted windows, OZ-racing rims, all body spoilers, and this car is fast, believe me. You only have to try smooth short manual transmission shifts. Its like a poem. Racing sound pleases your hart on 4000 rpm. The only issue tracking is bad! I mean really bad, my tires loose tracking when I force a car, even on strait road. Wanna more? AirIntake will improve performance for another dosen hp, for only 200 bucks. For my opinion it is the best car you can get on this price.

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  Poor reviews are not warranted - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Greg - September 14 - 7:00 pm

  We are on our third Montero Sport XLS and have loved every one. We have had no problems running them each 50,000 - 60,000 miles, except the 98 which had a drivers side window defect. We do a lot of highway driving and live in very mountainous/rural Oregon. They have performed well on long road trips and four wheeling on local rough mountain roads and trails. Consumers Report gave them a bad rap because they drove like a truck. Then Mitsubishi modified the suspension and they got a bad rap for riding like a car! It seems like Mitsubishi cannot do much to please that magazine. The materials inside and out are high quality. It has good fit and finish. This is a rig to think about keeping until the wheels fall off.

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  Solid, Reliable Automobile - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Morrissey - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Interior space somewhat limited - a 5 passenger automobile only if three of the 5 are 10 years old or less. The ride is somewhat noisy - I made the mistake of driving this car after having driven the Camry. With those two caveats, this is a wonderful automobile. After nearly three years of ownership, I have no other complaints - and I knew those two things (interior space and road noise) beforehand. It is well constructed, solid, and attractive. It has been money well spent, and has been as reliable as an anvil.

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  Love at 1st sight - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rmoose - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Saw the commercial & ran out to get it! Loved it even more in person. For a smaller suv, it has a look that definitely separates it from everything else out there. Engine power is more than adequate--Im not on the autobahn and Id trade a gas-guzzling v6 for this anyday. Interior is extremely roomy, especially the back seat. Friends have 4-runner & we have more passenger room than they do. More comfort too. Ive also been dealing with the whole drifting-to-the-right-fiasco. Mitsu really needs to do something about this. Overall, it fits exactly what I was looking for and I get many comliments on it.

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  good - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jeremy Gadner - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has been so reliable and i get looks from people just because of the excellent design of the body style. Its a fun car and i love my eclipse.

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  Best Car Yet - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By soclwrker - September 9 - 3:53 pm

  The Galant is the best car Ive ever owned. I get great mileage on the highway (30 mpg on 360 mile round trip), and between 17 and 20 in the city. Other than brake pads, once, and oil changes, this wonderful car has required nothing. I drive a lot of miles, and this car has been perfect. It is a great car and I highly recommend it.

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  Great ride! - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rrivera - September 7 - 1:36 am

  Im so happy I bought this car. It has been an awesome driving experience. And not to mention the saving in y monthly fuel. I give two thumbs up.

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  Beautiful Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By wiseold5 - September 4 - 8:16 am

  I recently purchased a Mitsubishi Raider. I must say that it has everything you would need in a truck. Styling, grace of handling, power, a roomy cab, and plenty fo comfort.