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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  Best Value in its Class - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dante - September 15 - 12:16 am

  This car has been fantastic. Mine has 4,000 miles so far, no problems, firm supportive seats are great on my back. I am averaging 29 mpg with air running constantly here in AZ. Dont believe the hype over Honda or Toyota. I test drove Civic and Carolla and the Lancer blows them away as far as seat comfort, ride comfort, torque off the line power, and standard features, all for thousands less. Get an ES with the convenience package. It gives you everything you need, power everthing, AT, cruise, all for $14,000!

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  galant - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By quiz - September 14 - 2:00 am

  bad changed engine, radiator, crank pully, exaust, tires, all around 115,000 miles. really bad experiance. Also the overdrive is busted

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  Nice - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By toy4red - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my car and have only had it for a week, but am very impressed. This is my first new car and am very excited.

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  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By NS - September 14 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND ECLIPSE, I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTLY NO PROBLEMS WITH EITHER CARS, AND I DRIVE ALOT OF MILES, I HAVE ALMOST 30K MILES ON THIS CAR AND IT IS A YEAR OLD. IT JUST RUNS AND RUNS

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  Great car for the money! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tulsa Honey - September 13 - 4:10 pm

  I have owned several Mitsubishi. Only money I spent on my cars have been the expected maintenance items. A very economical vehicles.

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  Check insurance price before you buy - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tony - September 12 - 1:00 pm

  We bought this car for my 16 year old son thinking it would be a nice car for him to drive back and forth to school. The car looks and drives wonderful, plenty of power and great gas mileage. Our shock was when we went to get it covered with our local insurance agent. The price was outrageous! I now see on the internet, it is right at the top of the list for most expensive cars to insure. Dont make the same mistake we did; Check with your insurance agent first!

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  Great All Around Compact SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OTO - September 12 - 10:26 am

  The vehicle handles like a dream, better than my previous (sports) car! And yet it feels extremely comfortable.

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  my 02 ES LanceR - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By EazyEn16 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a monster of a car in Japan. They tone it down for the US, dont ask me why. Lancer is on the cutting edge of what young people are looking for. Thats why i was so drawn to it. Im an aftermarket kind of guy, looking for performance out of my car. I know i could keep up with any Honda. Even though i just bought my car,like 4 weeks ago, Im in love with it. The guys like it, and my gf loves it too.

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  GREAT VALUE AT A REASONABLE PRICE! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TIto - September 11 - 10:30 pm

  The reviews are way too harsh , do they think its supposed to drive like a Porsche?, that is just not gonna happen!! This car rides and accelerates adequately on the streets and highway for a regular driver, even with a load of people I was doing 80mph without noticing because of how smooth it drives. Very comfortable even for an obese person as I am .

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  Great Car for the Money - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By LauraW - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has a bold appearance,Its something that makes people want to look,with features such as a rear spoiler,sleek headlights and clear coated rear lights and sunroof- the frame is not boxy at all. This car will make you feel like your driving a sportscar with all the amentities plus its all wheel drive and slapstick gearshift.Finally,an SUV for people in their 30s. It has a 4 cylinder engine- HOWEVER, you can go up a hill with your a/c on full blast and you lose no power! It has a spacious and comfortable interior with ample hauling space when rear seats are down. If you like your music, Then the 240 watt infinity stereo will send pulsing bass through