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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  Great value & features - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Casey - March 27 - 11:34 am

  Im in my 13th year in the car business and I dont work for a Mitsubishi dealer. This is the best SUV in the class. The engine and transmission are time tested and solid. Yes its still timing belt driven but this engine is going to last!! The ride quality is smooth and quite. The upgraded Rockford Fosgate sound system is fantastic, spend some time playing with all the different sound options and find the one that sounds best with your music. Plus you get one of the best warrantys out there.

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  What a Deal! A quality Vehicle - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fratomdev - March 27 - 1:46 am

  I researched every mid level SUV out there on every car site I could find. What got me to look at the Outlander was that I couldnt find any complaints from people that bought a used one. The same was not true for the RAV4, CRV, Ford Escape or the Forester. I originally was going to buy a 2007, but decided to test a used 2006 LS AWD. Both my wife and I felt the 2006 was quieter and road better. I havent driven in the snow, but I am sure it will be great up here in Syracuse where we get 160" a year, thus why I wanted an AWD. The interior is big compared to my Camry. The quality is impressive.

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  Love It!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By KellyY - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My friend has a 2001 and absolutely loves it. I have been on the sandy beaches and off road camping with her and our children, ithandles great in any situation.

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  montero limited 2002 - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By micheal - March 26 - 2:00 am

  very nice van, i really enjoy it it build is very sporty lookin i get very nice compliment

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  Great Car for the Money! - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By telkbear - March 25 - 6:33 am

  I have been very happy with Mitsubishi products in the past, so we thought it would be a good move to get another. I am glad we have! Lancer ES has surprisingly good power to get on and off the interstate when needed, and it is very easy on gas! Visibility is great with all of the large windows. The cooling/heating seems to be a good balance for the entire car. A smart buy!

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  Great car for the Price - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mbcowboy - March 23 - 7:06 am

  Great driving car, starts well in -30- 40C temps. Warms up quickly without much pre-warming. The CVT is great, has the power that i need. Has a lot of features for the price compared to other vehicles. I had compared different sub-compacts for price and driving quality and the Lancer was still the best.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mealster - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Outlander a few months ago and I love it. The ride is smooth. The front & back seat have plenty of room. The only downside is that there is not much cargo room. A little more would have been nice. But overall, no complaints about this vehicle. I just wish folks would stop calling it a "glorified station wagon". =)

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  VRX- fun to drive - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By BigSheek - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and new dash is eye catching. Sleek new lines but gas mileage could be better. Less than what was advertised.

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  My MS XS kicks butt! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Macadamia - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my MS XS! Ive had it for over a year now and have not had one problem (knock on wood) other than a factory recall which was fixed promptly. Sure, you dont get great gas mileage, but what do you want from a 4,000 pound SUV. It has just enough power, rides so smooth for a truck and looks better than any other SUV around (in my opinion)!

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  I Love This Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lauren - March 16 - 9:56 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is so much fun. When I first bought it I drove everywhere just for the sake of driving. I would find things to do just to get back into this car. It makes driving a wonderful experience that you wont want to end. Highway driving is the best, with terrific handling and controlled speed this car can do almost anything. It definitely is a winner.