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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  Very Nice True Off-Road Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By BigRed1 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  No problem at all with stability or power issues. As nice as it looks, this is a real off-road vehicle, not an enlarged autobahn sportscar like the X5. The steering and braking systems are a true pleasure to use, along with the Sportronic gear shifter. The field- of-view is outstanding. Unbelievably roomy for passengers in back(forget that 3rd row seat, use the space for lots of gear). Fog lights and big windows work great in low visiblity conditions.

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  My fun car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By kay juneau - April 4 - 8:26 pm

  I loved my car. IT has been excellent but one thing I dont like is the whole dash cracked on it other than that I would not give nothing for my car ever. I like my eclipse so much I kept it and bought myself another one, a 2007. I hope that I will enjoy it as much as my 2003 I still have.

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  Gotta love it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jim - April 4 - 3:13 am

  Weve had our GT now for about 600 miles and love it! We thought about other SUVs but our last one , a 2003 Outlander, was flawless so we thought why beat ourselves up? We love the looks, and driving its a blast. We owned a Subaru WRX before, so we know fun driving! Gas mileage can be fairly decent if you can drive like an old lady. I tried it once and got 27.2 on the cars computer! It just hurt to drive that slow though. Road noise is a minor complaint but the Rockford Fosgate stereo takes care of that.The third row seat is a joke but we dont need it so who cares? Like the drop tailgate too. Theres too many good things to talk about so Ill just say we give it a 9.5-10!

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  A Little Work - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By natrenslandss - April 2 - 4:50 pm

  I would say after installing the a turbo oversized exhaust and a cold air intake it was fast light weight, mine has 160 hp now but still working on it. Great car all over I have love it.

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  Mitsubishis rebirth - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Burg82 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Galant is an exceptional value and a great car to drive. Pick-up on the LS Galant is terrific w/ no lag time. Handling is more like a sports car rather than a 4dr sdn. Styling is sporty yet practical. Roominess is great for a family of four. This vehicle is the best vehicle I have owned to date.

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  The best value for your money!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SWERVIN - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This car by far has one of the most powerful V6 engines and has smooth ride to go with it. Not to mention the great warranty that the car offers. 10YR/100k MILES POWERTRAIN, 5YR/60k BUMPER TO BUMPER, 3YR/45K FREE MAINTENANCE!!!!! No car out has this strong of a warranty. The redesigned looks of the car will definetly stand out of the crowd.

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  2003 galant V6 - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gina - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive! Looks nice and has a great stereo. I get a lot of compliments and looks. My neighbor thought it was a Lincoln LS. I love that it has keyless entry and a moonroof.

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  This is a Home Run for Mitsubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ryan - April 1 - 1:16 pm

  We test drove the Toyota RAV4 v6, Nissan Murano, and the Outlander XLS. After reading a lot of positive reviews of the RAV4 we test test drove it and it was a bit of a let down. The engine was great however everything else was not. The interior design is very old ladyish. My wife and I agreed on this. Also, the great gas mileage that the RAV4 sports is offset by the required premium fuel which translates into a 2.5 miles per gallon reduction from 29 to about 26-27 mpg when price adjusted for premium fuel when compared to outlanders regular unleaded needs. The Nissan Murano was nice, but way too expensive and interior felt too ritzy and not sporty enough.

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  Too bad its overlooked - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Charlie B - March 30 - 2:00 am

  So far I have really been more than satisfied owning this vehicle. It handles well and is comfortable. I like its distinctive looks. Iread many reviews while doing my research and I find that it exceeds all expectations. I will certainly look to Mitsubishi for future purchases.

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  Fun, Quality Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Deideldorfer - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Despite having only 120HP, this car is surprisingly quick; it must be due to the 130ft-lbs of torque. This is the most comfortable car Ive owned, with lots of leg room up front, and a big trunk. All devices are well-positioned and easy to use. Interior and exterior styling is a little bland, but classy.