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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  The one and only, Diamante - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Michael - May 9 - 1:10 am

  I love the Diamante, shes my Mitsu~ I live in Seattle, Washington and the weather here is really weird. Sometimes it rains a lot, snow once in a while, and occasionally, itll be sunny. But nonetheless, through it all my Diamante has been amazing. Over 150,000 miles and still running strong! What I like the most from the Diamante is its uniqueness from other cars. Everyone these days is out sporting a Honda Civic/Accord or perhaps, a Toyota Corolla/Camry. Its soo boring! Thats where the Diamante comes in. Diamante brings a new experience to the road that only a selected few may experience. Diamante is smooth and sleek; made for those that enjoy the finer things in life.

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  Solid Basic Transportation with Benefits - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By kflan2phx - May 8 - 6:04 am

  Bought this crossover in lieu of a Ford Focus looking for a cheap commuter car that could haul what I wanted to inside, including 8 ft 2x4s. Drove it for a year in Ohio weather, then headed across country to Arizona. ** Have loaded it significantly and it continues to handle well. ** Tires have lasted well, no alignment issues. Engine and transmission are smooth (not boisterous) and run out of steam around 65 - could really used a sixth gear. Generally use PHX highways around 70mph. No maintenance issues - oil changes is all Ive done other than one visit for a recall adjustment by the dealer that was free and painless. ** I bought the package shelf and cargo area liner at discounts via Mitsubishi and the original dealer, they are worth getting. Did not get protection for the door sills or hatch sill, should have done that, quite a few touchups needed. Seats are comfortable. AC works in AZ. No snow traction issues in Ohio. ** Technology rating is low due to not much here, but what is works - bluetooth, etc.

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  Exceptional vehicle despite poor reviews. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By C Sigrist - May 5 - 9:45 pm

  After researching which car to buy for months, I finally decided on the Outlander SEL 2WD. Most of the automotive magazines hate this car and Im not sure why. I love my Outlander! I have a fairly significant commute; about 60 miles a day so fuel economy was an important factor. The Outlander gets the best mileage of any other non-electric SUV out there. I put it in eco-mode and Im getting an average of over 30 mpg. The acceleration is not zippy but it is fine. I also opted for the safety package which gives adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance. I really like having both of those features. I would never have thought to buy a Mitsubishi but happened to be looking at a used car at a dealership and the salesman convinced me to test drive the Outlander. This vehicle is an exceptional value. The purchase price is considerably less than any other similarly sized SUV out there. It comes with a great warranty and roadside assistance. Do yourself a favor and go test drive one.

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  Long Term Montero Sport Report - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By audioguy - May 5 - 9:13 pm

  I got burned on a used minivan and had to quickly trade for something else. Mitsubishi had a large financial incentive on the 02 Montero Sport (which hurt them later on) so I bought one. While my wife can have the luxury and creature comforts in her ride, I use my car to get me where I want to go. And based on that alone, the Montero Sport does that reasonably well. Its basic transportation, nothing more or less. Its ride is OK, nothing spectacular. The interior comfort is OK, nothing spectacular. The engine and tranny are OK, nothing spectacular. Its a gas hog. I wrecked it in 2004 and it was expensive to fix the front end. I hope to get 125,000 miles out of it.

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  2000 Mitsubishi Galant ES Cheap Parts - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Galant ES - May 5 - 4:56 pm

  This car only has 73,000 miles on it and it runs great but, the parts are way too cheap and the value goes down like a rock in water. I see one of these cars in every corner. They are very common. Exterior parts arent glued too well. The interior parts are arent either. Not lots of room in the back. Ive seen lots of these cars with the exterior paint fading. To be honest I do not think this car is one of the safest out there. Besides all that, the transmission is great Ive had no mechanical problems with it. Just the brakes. Ive painted it once already. This is like a Honda except it has cheap plastic parts.

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  Good Car, but Kinda Boring! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By E-Bar - May 5 - 12:10 am

  Ive had nothing but luck with my Lancer OZ, however after three years I am kinda bored with it. It gets great gas mileage (27-33 mpg) and has had no mechanical problems. It does eat tires and front brakes, I dont drive out of control or use heavy breaks. I live in the country and dont do a lot of stop and go driving. I wish that I had more room to haul things and passenger room. I am 510", however having somewhat tall people in my car is a problem. For a good little commuter this is a perfect car. For someone looking to start a life and a family you may want to keep looking.

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  Not a good car at all - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By appared1992 - May 3 - 1:23 pm

  I have had this car for over a year and I have experienced problem after problem with it. 1. The shocks went out. 2. The transmission went out. 3. The car wouldnt shift correctly. 4. The air conditioner went out. 5. The "Service Engine" light is constantly on. 6. The rim to the wheel cracked. 7. The headlights barely light up anything, even in the darkest part of the night. 8. It always leaks when it rains. I have spent over $12,000 fixing this car, and Im about to spend another $1,000 to fix the air conditioner. I only recommend this car for people who like to spend money on their cars.

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  understated - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By hanse - May 2 - 10:00 am

  good better best suv that ive driven ive read lots of con about this vehicle but its not true

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  Having fun driving it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By lionaness41 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded a Full size SUV in for my Montero Sport and in the few days I have had it ,its been like Heaven. The pick up in it is great.It is everything I had and more, minis being able to seat 8 people. I was worried about going from a big SUV to a smaller one But after driving my Montero Sport I wont go back to the big Suv. The truck is a 5 star to me with good pick up , easy to handled, and alot of fun to drive!!!! My kids think we are the coolest family in town in our Montero Sport!!!! And no more 42 gallon gas tank to fill!!!

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  Be cautious of 1.9% financing from MMCA - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jlarimer2002 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Mitsubishi Motor Credit of America (MMCA) reeled me in with the special 1.9% financing rate and then sold my loan to another company within 30 days of my purchase. I was never sent an initial monthly statement or notice that my loan had been sold prior to my first payment due date. I had to make my first payment over the phone which cost an additional $10.00 for the ACH fee.