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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  Montero #2 - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By saundra Anderson - May 12 - 4:13 am

  The Montero handles like a small car with SUV capabilities. It tows 5000 pounds without a problem. Its third seat is a bit cramped for an adult though. I dislike the spare tire on the tailgate because it makes the trailer hitch difficult to access. I plan to purchase Montero #3 soon.

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  BEST SPORTS CAR EVER - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PROMAR - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Im very happy to say that i bought a mitsubishi eclipse.This vechicle not only rides and drives well but it makes you feel like your in a rocket. It has ample power to all wheels and very responsive engine with torque. I love my car and it will smoke the competation such as the toyota celica and acura rsx. 4 cylinder sports cars just doesnt cut it.

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  Extremely Happy! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By euler21 - May 8 - 6:33 pm

  I just got my Outlander LS 4WD a week ago, and I think I just might be in love. Ive always owned GMs, but I needed an SUV for the headroom (64"). Most SUVs have terribly boring styling, but this thing is beautiful! It just looks like nothing else on the road. I traded in an 04 Grand Prix, and I love the fact that I can fit in a vehicle, without it feeling like a massive SUV.

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  Galant ES - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kh - May 8 - 11:00 am

  I bought my Galant ES new in August of 2000. After 8 years and 170k miles, this car still runs great. I still get 27-28 MPG and it starts as easily as it did in 2000. The only maintenance I have done besides brakes, tires, oil, is timing belt at 85k and plugs & wires at about 100k. I am starting to get some rust on wheel wells and around the bottom of the doors, but Ohio winters will do that to a car. When this car finally does quit running, I will definitely consider another Galant, just wish they got a little better MPG.

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  Another Satisfied Owner - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rhuang - May 5 - 11:03 pm

  This is my first purchase of a new car. I owned several used car and been to leasing for few years. Ive been shopping around since Dec 2007. I read many reviews and done a lot of research before test driving the CR-V, RAV4, Element, RDX, and the Outlander. After test drove the outlander, I have a second opinion about Mitsu. It turns out that the Outlander has the best value, best warranty, and best incentives in its class. I pull my trigger on March and have been satisfied after driving 1200 miles. The car looks sporty and has many functions I like. I love my ride.

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  Better the 2nd time around - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By citymauler - May 3 - 6:43 am

  This is my 2nd Lancer and so far its great. I owned a 2002 with 167,000 miles on it and never had any other issues than normal wear and tear repairs. The new 2008 Lancer by far handles better, looks better, and after all is a Mitsubishi. You can count on this car staying solid and tight when the miles get up there.

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  Loving My Mitsu. - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By John Reyle - May 3 - 4:03 am

  I drive in town and travel the interstate. Im disabled,and this vehicle is comfortable, has plenty of room and is easy to get in and out. The more I drive it the more I like it. I was looking for a 6cyl. but found that the 4cyl. has plenty of get-up and go for city or out on I-75. As a mech. and instructor for more than 35 yrs I think Mitsubishi did a great job redesigning the Galant!!

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Paula - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive. Has more room in it than my prior Ford wagon. Handles like a fast car. I had to make a sudden stop (a child on a bike rode out in front of my car) Its stops on a dime. Needs better drink holders. Wheres the keyhole to the trunk? Thats my big problem. No keyhole to the trunk. Have to open it from inside the car. Also, the emergency flashers button is placed on the front dash between the two a/c vents- accidentally turned it on a few times and couldnt figure out how to shut them off. Trunk is roomy, but the board over the spare tire is not secured to the car so it occassionally comes out of place.

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  My GS - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SBH - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The sticker said 22/30 MPG. I get 29 around town and around 35 MPG on long trips. That combined with a 16 gallon tank makes for long legs. This car has a great ride on long trips. Very smooth. You have to gas it a little more from the stoplight when the AC is running but that is to be expected with a 2.4L. However, the power band is rather surprising in 2nd and 3rd in between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM.

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  Great value, great vehicle!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tapachick - April 30 - 8:44 pm

  I researched small/mid-size suvs for months. I test drove Hondas, Toyotas, Chevys, Fords, Mazdas and for some reason, the Outlander was the last vehicle we looked at. I dont think Mitsubishi promotes this vehicle enough. But... we fell in love with the estimated MPG, body style, and most of all, the price. My 64" husband loves the head room and comfortable seating. It handles great and Im getting 22 mpg in city driving in Southern California. You cant beat the warranty and I expect the MPG to get better since Ive only had the vehicle for 4 weeks. Great value and a great looking SUV, were loving it.