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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  Check out the GTS--its worth your time - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Hovey - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have only one beef with my new GTS-- the gas mileage isnt great. Id still recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty 4-door with some get-up-n- go!

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Debbie Q - May 24 - 1:53 pm

  I bought my Mitsubishi Diamante LS a year ago and have 22,000 miles on it. I have not had any trouble with it. I love the car, its really ashame that Mitsubishi is no longer making them. I would have loved to have gotten another in a few years.

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  Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Storms - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for people who want the SUV look, but the ride & handling of a sedan. Its very sporty and fun to drive, this is our fourth Mitsubishi and we love it.

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  Nice SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By nmt - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Very strong overall body built. Nice exterior looks. You would never be afraid to go anywhere with this truck on or off road.You can rely on its engine not to leave you cold on the road. Good suspension. The downside is the large turning radius. Cant maneuver quickly in a tight parking spot in one approach. The ac needs more time to cool off the interior in hot summer, unlike the Toyotas. Had some frustrating electrical glitches; like the auto lights on (dome light) when I open the pass door side. Alarm failed to arm during very cold winter.

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  Sharp and fun - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mose - May 23 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all other manufactures vehicles at this price range and were much more impressed with the Galant than the others. The Toyota was a close 2nd but they would not come off the price at all. We purchased the Diamond package and the sunroof package. The Diamond package gives a completly new look making the interior absolutely beautiful. A great sound system and stylish wheels. Head room and leg room is great for a sedan and fits our 2 child seats with no problem.

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  mitsu lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By diddle - May 23 - 10:00 am

  nice engineering at an affordable price. great warranty.

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  Hidden Gem - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Rob - May 22 - 4:03 pm

  This 2016 Outlander sport SE 2.4 AWD is the best kept secret. As others have said it is underrated for sure, it is quiet, good MPG, CVT transmission is far better than the DCT (duel clutch transmission) many makers are putting in their models. So called expert reviews are really lopsided on this vehicle, Before you buy one of the EXPERT best rated models, go with the consumer ratings and give this hidden gem a try, I did and I am more than satisfied I made the right choice.

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  Falling A-part - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Goober - May 20 - 11:03 am

  Since I purchased my car Ive had things just break off or fall apart. Gas tank latch is broken, It takes 2 people to fill up/open gas latch. Passenger front window motor has cable tangled up and same with rear driver side door. I have only 2 functioning windows out of the 4. Heater control knob has broken off "Plastic part" cigarette lighter has no power. My car is a dream to drive in the winter with no heat & windows down with rain coming in on you. The trunk can only be open by latch, key is useless in the winter trunk will not open. WOW what a car!

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  Better than I thought - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Fer - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Very good fuel economy. Easy to drive and comes with a powerfull enough engine. Transmission is very smooth. Its a little bit noisy at high speed. Comes with many options. Excellent financing options plus a 3 year bumper to bumper.

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  Great car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By murky - May 18 - 7:26 am

  I got into a wreck in this vehicle in the mountains of Virginia, and I must say, 10+ on crash rating. Completely protected me, AND the front end absorbed so much of the impact, that beyond the front fenders there was NO damage! Unfortunately, it was deemed totaled, but this car saved me in an accident.