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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  Something Different - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Scott - May 2 - 9:40 am

  There are too many Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, and Nissan Altimas out there. I wanted something different. Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante cutting edge? No, but it is a solid vehicle that has no weaknesses and it provides a lot of bang for the buck (if you buy used and avoid the depreciation hit.) I have had a lot of success with Mitsubishi products in the past. I am very happy so far with my Diamante ES. The car looks good to me and its engine, drivetrain and handling are very smooth and predictable. I have not experienced any mechanical problems so far after 15,000 miles. The car has an adaptive transmission feature where if you hop on the gas, it downshifts quickly and holds the shift point to a higher rpm. However, if youre gentle on the throttle, it shifts at a lower rpms. This is a great car if you can find one, they didnt make many.

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  Just OK - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ben - April 30 - 4:33 am

  The 200HP engine is nonsense. When loaded with seven passengers it does not even accelerate. I am considering trading in for maybe the Isuzu Ascender or anything better.

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  The Best SUV Out There! - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By renee moonan - April 29 - 8:10 pm

  The driving expierence in the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero is delightful. It drives through everything possible. It may be the thoughest SUV out there!

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  Value plus - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By princmd - April 28 - 5:23 pm

  I just picked mine up today. After you factor price, 10 yr 100000 mile warranty, then Toyota, Nissan and Honda just dont make sense. So far, Ive enjoyed driving it around. Its comfy and the 4 cylinder feels as good as any on the market. If you are in the market for a comfortable, modestly priced, long term family vehicle, not another run of the mil "Camry" like the neighbors, then buy this car.

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  Almost 3 years going ...thats a record - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By loanshark_08 - April 28 - 5:19 pm

  I must say this car is worth my money so far. Most American cars I buy are usually in the shop more than I get to drive then trade them in and become upside down. In July it will be year 3 and that is the longest I have owned a car. This car gets me all over Texas as well as a daily commuter. The only negative I can say is it randomly wont start but then will fire right up. I thought it was a fuel filter but much to my surprise this car only has one in the fuel pump in the gas tank? Upgraded the sound system and w/ Bluetooth makes it one awesome lil car.

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  excellent car - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By arayclin - April 27 - 11:06 am

  This is an excellent SUV. I love it. Good quality, good workmanship.

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  Much Better than RAV4 and CRV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Great SUV - April 26 - 1:03 pm

  The XLS with all the options easily surpasses both the Honda CRV and Toyotas RAV4. It comes with features one only gets on much more expensive vehicles. Its exceptional value for money and looks great. I spent weeks researching small SUVs and am very happy with my purchase. This car is really a diamond in the rough.

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  07 Ralliart Joyride - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MitsuMan - April 26 - 9:46 am

  Bought my 07 Ralliart used with 13k miles. Still own a 97 Galant ES with 161k on it (awesome reliability). Have to say, I am absolutely blown away with the Ralliart; its the most fun Ive ever had driving. This car just begs to get out and run in the left lane. Cruises along smooth as silk at 40, 60, 80 MPH. Interior is immaculate and I love the leather and the high quality feel of the dash pieces. Everything about the car just feels right. From the way it drives to the way it looks to the solid, high-quality feel of the controls, seats, and movable parts. Overall, this has to be the best car you never really hear much about. Buy one and you will not be disappointed.

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  Excellent choice - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Sirgideon - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Mitsubishi. Previously owned 3 Subaru Outbacks. Loved the Outbacks, but they were just to small with grandchildren starting to arrive. We have taken the Montero on 2 road trips in excess of 1500 miles each. Have no complaints. It has done everything we have asked it to do. I have been a reader of Consumer Reports for quite a while, but am starting to question their "poor" rating on this vehicle. We have driven this in snow, rain and ice and have always felt very secure. We have used the 3rd row seat several times and have found it to be very useful.

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  OZ to RALLIART - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lkwdkuraj02 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 OZ, Lightning Yellow....enjoyed the car since day one....went in to get something fixed and walked out (after 5 hours) with a 2004 Ralliart.....I didnt even make a payment on the OZ....the Ralliart is so much FUN...the performance is excellent, handling is tight and solid, sportier clutch and short shift kit cant be any more of a joy to play with...