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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  Expected beter fuel consumption - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By leo - November 6 - 2:46 am

  Very good handling, good finish like the interior and outside design very good reliability never been in shop, but fuel consumption really not what I expected for a car of this size - really thirsty.

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  Best Money I ever Spent - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lionesse2015 - November 5 - 5:21 pm

  This is the most awesome car I have driven to NY and Ga on many occasions. I bought the car used with 14k mikes on it today 12years later and 13 years old its at 214k. Awesome on gas unassuming and just an all around dream. I am in the market for a new car right now and fear I will never find something as good as my outlander.

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  Very good, could be GREAT - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Peter D. - November 5 - 12:13 am

  My wife has 07 LS 4wd. She likes it and I drive it once in a while so when time to replace my vehicle took a look at 08 leftover. The fun thing about this car is you have to drive it. It doesnt lull you to sleep and since I drive a lot I need to be awake. Gas mileage varies and so far best is 25 mpg in 2wd then 24 in 4wd. My XLS drives fine especially in the messy snow, wet and ice weve had this winter in NJ.

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  The First Ralliart in the Southeast - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Drew - November 4 - 7:23 pm

  I owned my car for about 24 hours and I know thats not quite long enough to know all the in and outs. But this thing is amazing. I driven an Evo, and for the $10,000 price cut, this will not disappoint. One thing though good luck finding one.

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  Worth Checking Out! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Andrew - November 4 - 5:10 pm

  I have owned my Galant for nearly 6 months, and I still find myself staring at it. The exterior was designed for all ages. I feel proud owning a Mitsubishi considering it is built in Bloomington, Illinois by UAW workers. Ask anyone who works at Mitsubishi and they will tell you that they are proud of what they build. The engine is very responsive and the torque put out is amazing for a 4 cylinder. The 8-speaker Infiniti sound system is amazing. The interior turns many heads at night with the blue dash lights. I was also attracted to the Galant because of one of the best warranties around, 10-year- 100,000 thousand miles. Plus I get 3 years maintenance and roadside assistance.

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  I love this car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kurtis Kelley - November 3 - 11:19 am

  i absolutely love this cari an a die hard chevrolet fan but I saw this little spieys car had to have it I own newer monte carlo with the big v-6 and this little 4banger will leave it in the dust Im a retired 40 year old military vet and Id buy another eclipse today

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  Great Whip, Wide Turns - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dcomes1st - November 2 - 6:23 pm

  I love this car and would not trade it for anything. Even though this is my first new car ever, I work in the auto industry and have seen, driven and sold many different vehicles. The 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is one of the best mid-size sport sedans. I think the gas mileage could be a little better, but then again thats coming from someone who is used to driving a 4 cylinder.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By PMB - November 2 - 3:13 pm

  I have owned more than two dozen new cars in my lifetime, and this one wins hands down for being the most reliable one. Nothing else even comes close!!! I had it for almost six years and had to trade it in at 165K miles due to insurance premiums on multiple cars. It still ran like a dream, and I hated to see it go. Of course, I faithfully changed my oil with high quality products every 3000 miles. This one is really easy to do it yourself.

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  great car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rallyrally - November 1 - 9:13 am

  All in all this is a great car. Good gas mileage and fun to drive especially when every one thinks your an Evo or something. Inside is simple nothing catchy but easy to use and comfortable. Sound system is great! This car is safe too! I wrecked it and the only thing wrong with it is the body! Ill miss this car!

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  Mirage no more.... - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By pilkerton21 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This car was not what I expected. After actually being in it for a time period, it is very small and uncomfortable. I have also had to replace the dash which quit working all together(speedometer, odometer, gas gague, and temp. gague.)only a year after purchased, and both rear hubb assemblies this past summer. I would not buy one again.