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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  FANTASTIC Car - 2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV
  By stuartdanoff - April 20 - 10:03 pm

  This car is just GREAT. I wanted a "town" car because I dont drive more than @ 65 miles at a time. This is the car. First day was a scorcher (94 degrees) I put on the AC full blast and drove just about 65 miles in total comfort. Smooth ride. Perky pick up, adequate radio and roomy front seat...I am 5 foot 11. Then I returned home, plugged it in to my 240v charger, had lunch, read the mail and drove out again on the partial charge. NO GAS !!!!!! I am very satisfied. Love this car.

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  Bang for Buck - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Carknut - April 19 - 11:30 am

  Actually, this car is just a solid deal all around. Hands down better than any other compact on the road. I have driven it 12,000 miles in the last 5 months - averaged 360 miles per tank, love the seats, and overall ride. The best thing for performance in this car is the automatic tranny (wish I had a manual though). The auto is perfectly mated to the engine, so that it effectively uses the entire power range. I love driving the car, and I have no regerts with it. Youd be smart to pick one up.

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  Looks Great..Runs Great..Great Price - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By GJS - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Purchsed this truck with only 20K miles, it has been great every step of the way. NO to Low mantance, oil, tires and brakes. Fun for the family, we go to the mountians and the beach, plenty of room and plenty of fun. I cant say enough about the car (for the price.)

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  Not A Problem At All - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Danman - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I had Purchased This Auto Against My Better Judgement, After Reading Reviews At Many Websites All Against The Transmission Function And Ergonomic Flaws. Well It Has Been 5 Months And It Is One Of The Best Decisions I Have Ever Made On A Car That Has Awesome Styling And Great Pickup On The Highway 6000mi On The Odometer And Counting Bottom Line Go With Your Impulses!

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  Fun to Drive, But... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SiNTHETiC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my GTZ for a year and half. Since date of purchase the car has received one new side airbag, TWO new rear speed sensors, a new battery, the weather stripping over front head lights has been replaced, and the Inifinity radio no longer ejects or accepts CDs. Additionally , I had to have the brake rotors turned and the pads replaced myself since the Dealership would NOT warranty them! The car is great to drive, difficult to own.

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  Great SUV!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By john e - April 19 - 8:56 am

  After looking at several brands we checked out the Outlander thanks to Edmunds information. We love it. It is sporty, great fuel economy, handles great and has a killer sound system (optional 650 watt). She was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee w/a v8 and does not miss it. A Honda or Toyota this size will cost more and the Outlander is made in Japan!

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  Finally Got a Good One - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tracy - April 18 - 4:00 pm

  Although Ive only had it a month.... I love it! It is my dream car! Its very classy and sophisticated yet still sporty and stylish for young peoples tastes. Im still figuring the fuel economy, but so far, its better than my past 2 Chryslers and my Ford. Im a bit curious as to the transmission.. it doesnt shift as smoothly or as quickly as when I first drove it. Handling is very fun (on dry roads anyways, shouldve gotten traction control). AC is awesome, sun/moonroof is awesome, stereo sounds great except for a rattling speaker, overall I love it!

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  Lancer CVT is really weird - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mitsumistake - April 17 - 12:38 pm

  I bought a Lancer SX recently and have clocked 1600km and the CVT has behaved very strangely from day one. It lurches about dramatically especially when cold. Taking foot off accelerator produces sudden jolts, sometimes quite violently, and it then seems to want to brake on its own and slows down rapidly while coasting. Braking often produces a sensation like the car is fighting against the braking and wanting to surge forward. This is the weirdest drive Ive ever had and have had no support from Mistubishi - the first 1500km service last week I gave the dealer a very concise report on this problem, and they had the car for TWO DAYS. They said the problem was fixed, but it has not.

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  Terrific little SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Lady Faire - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Read the reviews on this and other SUVs before I made my choice(s). Drove the Honda CRV and thought I had a winner. Went immediately down to drive the Outlander while the experience was still fresh in my mind and the Honda was totally blown away! The Outlander is more solid feeling, seems much roomier, is MUCH quieter on the road and handles beautifully. Some of the reviews I had read complained of a lack of zip or get up and go, but I have not noticed any problems at all. Jumps right out there with the big boys and keeps up just fine!

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  hope this helps someone - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 2 Time Montero Owner - April 15 - 4:56 am

  The things that keeps me from selling my montero with fuel prices on the rise is that it is awesome to drive, handles great, great driving visibility which makes me feel a lot safer driving in different types of conditions, comfortable driving on freeway or on a dirt road, and is as easy to park as a car. Im not afraid to be a little rough on my montero because I know it can take it. Very cold A/C, lots of headroom, turns and handles like a car, high ground clearance. Downfalls are that the 3rd row seats are not intended for adults, is hard to wash, and carpet length is hard to vacuum. The good things still outweigh the bad. It is an awesome driving suv.