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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  What a car. - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Whitey92 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Ill tell ya this is my first car and it has given me no major problems. I got it around 70,000 miles, and it purrs. Only problem at 75,000 miles on cold winter night altenator belt snapped while on highway, got home safely battery was drained but only problem. Fast car has got some sack if you know what I mean. Handles amazingly.

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  Good value SUV but very boring. - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By daydream - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Maybe all SUVs are boring. But I find this one to be really plainsville.

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  more than I expected in every way ! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By charles - November 18 - 12:21 pm

  Looked at a lot of SUV,s Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia. I was replacing a Chevy Captiva that was almost out of warrenty. Never considered a Mitsubishi before but seen how long the warrenty was on them. After reading the critics reviews on the Mitsubishi Outlander I almost didnt consider it. I sure glad I took the time to go look at one in person and drive one. I was sold in a mile ! The Mazda was noisy and road ruff. Ford Escape was ok but didnt like rear seat room or the packages they offered for the price. Hyundai and Kia are only a good value if you buy the base ones. GM Trax was really nice but again was too small. Toyota Rav 4 was very unimpressive and pricing was very high for what you recieved and the warrenty was half as long as the Mitsubishi. Nissan, well what can I say, again high price, worst CVT transmission I drove, Lots of consumer complaints . If you go and drive the competition then drive the Mitsubishi and consider price and warrenty I think you will be driving one home like I did !!

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  My outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By anthony - November 16 - 5:56 pm

  Everything about this car is amazing. One being the exterior and interior design, my Outlander had the 18 inch rims which looked great with the labor black paint job. The car is so fun to drive. I even got this monster up to 125 mph with friend. The average gas mileage for me was about 24 mpg on the highway. I also have a 2003 highlander and its no match, this outlander is just amazing.

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  Galant offers pleasing alternative - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mike Smith - November 16 - 11:16 am

  I have had my Galant for a little over a year. The car is absolutely beautiful and very fun to drive. I have put about 17500 miles on it as of this writing and the vehicle has held up great. The gas milage is good. The front seating could be a little bigger and the road noise can be a bit loud at times. Overall Id recommend this car to anyone considering a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry but doesnt want to pay extra money for a label.

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  These are awesome! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Rick - November 15 - 3:03 pm

  Hi folks! These Monteros are really great SUVs! They are very stylish. We put 67K miles on ours without a single problem. Their seats are roomy & it is loaded with features. Some Hondas need tranny work, some Toyota engines have sludge issues, some Nissans need frequent sensors, but we have had Mitsubishis since 1983 & they are so trouble-free. The ride was choppy & unnerving though. Power is adequate if you dont tow, but underpowered a bit if you do. Mitsubishi is under appreciated & they build an outstanding vehicle!

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  The best blend of everything - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Brad - November 15 - 8:16 am

  I bought it when it was 8 months old with 19K miles, after a stint as a rental. As wary as I was at the time to buy a rental, I have been overwhelmingly pleased with its performance since. This SUV is solid, well-built, comfortable, and rugged. Still gets great gas mileage (24 on hwy), and has very low maintenance demands, even for a 4WD. My Montero now has 101,000 miles and is still running strong. It is a strong performer off-road and in the snow. I am able to easily navigate 2-4 of snow (no exaggeration) when many of my neighbors more expensive SUVs and trucks remain idle or stuck. It has outlasted 2 other used cars in my household and I fully expect another 100K without concern.

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  Environmentalists rejoice! - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By dkuethe - November 11 - 1:22 am

  Mirage is ONLY car in its class in North America in 2014. Other "small" non-hybrid, 5-passenger cars do not have acceptable fuel economy. Mine: 20 km/l (47 mpg) for 65 mph and slower combined rural and Albuquerque driving. At Western US highway speeds, 70 to 75 mph, with full load and air conditioner in the summer 16.6 km/l (39 mpg). A bit over-powered for fuel efficient car. Can climb a 6% grade at 120 km/h (75 mph) with a full load at 1700 m (5600 ft) elevation — with alacrity. Engines achieve best efficiency just below maximum power, so most of time it is operating with lower efficiency. Feat requires over 50 kW (66 hp) so engine probably exceeds 56kW (74 hp) rating.

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  Love our new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport GT - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By MKR - November 10 - 4:31 pm

  We love the size and colors available. It has a lot of pep with the 2.4 engine. Good style for what the newer SUVs are today. The ride is very comfortable. Dealer was good and we got a deal that we were happy with. We added the rain guards over the windows as they are great when it is raining. Easy to understand most of the controls and the dealer went through the controls inside before we left the lot. They set-up my Bluetooth phone. We are very happy and this will last us many years. We are retired and dont do much traveling and we have a second SUV. I agree that you need to test drive this to make a decision. Dont sell this SUV short.

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  35,000 mile review - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TexasGal - November 7 - 5:43 pm

  I previously owned a Mitsubishi Montero Sport which I drove for 10+ years. Hated to get rid of it so I thought another Mitsubishi would be a good purchase. Gas mileage has been 18 mpg consistently, less than what I got in my MS (which was 19-20 mpg). It it a bigger SUV. Seats are comfortable and great room inside. I have used the back for moving large items and have taken several trips with dog crates so if you need cargo storage, this vehicle can handle the load. Because I loved my Montero Sport so much, I do compare the two vehicles.