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 car I ever owned - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By haida10 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I doubt my future purchases will treat me this well.

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  Its OK, but not my Acura - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By nothappy2003 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Man I must be spoiled by my Acura RL which turns on a dime. This GTS has a very poor turn radius. Also, the gearing needs revamped. A lot of wasted gears. I usually just use 1,3 and 5. Thats all that is needed. Also my wife almost killed herself because she reached down to the console tray for something, and when she pulled back and the parking brake got caught on her sleeve. going down the highway at 80 miles an hour and pulling the brake is a recipe for disaster. After a 360 degree slide she was OK, no thanks to the designers at Mitsubishi. I think the interior needs a major redesign!!!

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  Sweet Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By The Jaje - September 6 - 2:13 am

  After reading the Edmunds review on this car, I had to see for myself, so i went to the dealership (after playing phone tag with the salesman) and they had two on the lot... an Orange and a Silver. Well, thats that, I drove out of the dealership an hour later in a brand new Orange Eclipse on May 28th. It has been a dream come true. Its incredibly fast, but the ride is so comfortable that you hardly notice any roughness in the road. A real step up from my last car (95 Lumina). I think I am in love with it, its just a very well built car which is incredbly fun to drive. Go out and test one for yourslef, you will feel like i did.

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  Excellent choice - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By hramos - September 5 - 4:06 am

  I did a good amount of research before deciding on the Outlander. The three crossover SUVs that were in the running was the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Outlander has a smooth ride and is quick! It can pick up speed on the highway fast and before you know it you are hitting 80 or 90 but it’s so smooth you won’t notice it. Cool looking inside and out. Great car for the money.

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  So so - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By So sad - September 3 - 8:20 pm

  Not unhappy but not thrilled either. It is a truck with nice seats that you cant get rid of without a lot of time. The 3rd row is annoying waste of space and the paint protection is very poor. The car looks old now with a new paint job needed below the waist of the car. Nice engine though

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  Wonderful Wheels - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By golfergod - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a Ford van. Heaven replaced the hell we were driving. We could not be more pleased. This is a wonderful ride. We also have a Hyundai Elantra which is okay, but the Lancer is a quantum leap above the Hyundai. I know of no other car that gives you this fine a car for the price. We paid $4,500 under the sticker price.

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  Thee Most Awesome Car Ever - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ma Baby Galant - September 3 - 10:00 am

  My first car. . and it has not let me down. . I love the oomph from the engine. . the brakes couldnt be better. . Ive had a few close calls. . where Im very thatnkful the brakes were as good as they are. . I havent had the car long. . but I wish when this one goes bad I could get another exactly like it. . .

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  follow up to earlier review - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By mattwc1 - September 1 - 1:43 am

  I believe a truly accurate review on a vehicle should include proper time/mileage increments. I currently have almost 150k on my 01 ES Sedan. My opinion has not changes since my last review. I average between 31- 35mph on mostly highway commutes. This vehicle has not let me down. The engine while slow is smooth and reliable. The transmission works well with the engine. The car is much more comfortable than its size belies. I do agree that cruise control would be nice, the paint chips easily, and a tachometer should be standard. However, considering that I have not had a car payment in 5 years and the car is so easy to keep and maintain, I will gladly live without. only 1 non pm fix; AC line

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  My Cute Car! - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Mitsubishi Lover - August 31 - 2:00 am

  ever since I sat in this car in the car lot I knew I had to have it and Id love it... and a few years later... I was right! I love this car! its sooo fun! I dont know one person that has complained about my car when I let them drive it.. they love it!! :) Plus its extreemly cute I wish I had 2! the green one I have now for work days and a humm mabie a black one for the weekends! :) I have too much fun with this car! you would too! GO BUY ONE! :)

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  Love My New Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By EdwardTN - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Looked at lots of SUVs and chose the Montero for all of the standard features that seem to be options on the others...which made the price tag very comparable. I got the XLS with the touring package. I live on a mountain and the Montero performed unbelievably during a recent snowstorm. I literally drove straight up the mountain around stuck cars and trucks as if there was no snow at all. The infinity sound system sounds great and the sunroof is HUGE! I especially like the escaine seating surfaces, whch can best be described as perforated suede. I will update my review, but so far I woould definately recommend this vehicle to anyone.