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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  I love my Montero!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Mary - February 12 - 10:40 am

  Gas mileage is bound to be an issue with a vehicle this size, so I accept that. I was shopping for yet another minivan when I spotted this beauty at the dealership. I told the salesman,"If this comes with a third seat, Ill take it." Magically a third seat was produced from out of the floor! I piled all my kids inside and drove around town. I was instantly hooked. Ive never had a vehicle that I loved like this: reliable, trouble-free, beautiful, rugged, and accommodating. You cant go wrong!

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  Great Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Fred Wittmer - February 12 - 9:26 am

  Our 05 Montero Limited is a great vehicle. It rides like a car. It has plenty of room with great amenities. It gets pretty good gas mileage on the highway, but it is no so good around town. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Great, Fun, and Safe - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy in Ohio - February 12 - 3:53 am

  Bought this car on the spot after a test drive, I am very pleased with the car, I have just turned 50,000 miles on it and it still drives like the day I drove it off the lot. It has great acceleration, I have had it in the Smoky Mountains and love the handling. Needless to say I recommend this car for anyone who wants to enjoy their daily drive.

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  Lancer GTS CVT, neck breaker - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ElectroBuff - February 9 - 12:03 am

  Let me just start by saying, I never was a Mitsubishi fan. Most of their cars were small and dull. I actually went to the dealership to test drive a 2007 Mazda CX9. The price wasnt right so I found myself walking off the car lot, but I had to go through the Mitsubishi side of the dealership to get to my car. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a Graphite Gray Pearl Lancer 4dr CVT with paddle shifters and the Sun & Sound Package with Navigation and a 30GB hard drive calling my name. Needless to say I went home that night with the car. And it has been breaking necks every since. This car is pound for pound untouchable by Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, ScionTC, Chevy Colbalt, Acura NSX.

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  Overall, very satisifed - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Nick - February 8 - 12:06 pm

  My wife and I bought our Mitsubishi Outlander as our first child was about to be born and both of us had coupes. We searched and searched and found ours. Neither of us like the big gas guzzling SUVs, but needed something with a little more space and access, The Outlander has just enough of everything...gas mileage / space / style.

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  The ALL purpose Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By mrhouse - February 5 - 6:23 pm

  This is my third Montero. I love these vehicles and they have a great history. Classy and rugged at the same time.

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  The Best SUV for the money!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DonMitsu - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Nothing like it for less than $40K

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  Powerful, comfortable, and reliable! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GT OWNER - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I was trying to decide between this car and the Acura RSX (not the Type S). But for the same price, I felt I got a little more style, 40 additional horses, a wider selection in color and a reliable car that I can trust as much as the Acura.

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  great crossover worth repeating - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Colin - February 1 - 9:25 am

  Trade in a V6-GT and got a 2016 SEL. Ride is improved, the sport mode work great, and I did not miss the V6. We own CRV, and Forester, and tested RAV4 and Escape. The winner is the Outlander. It is more than just better value. It is a very good car. The car is made in Japan, and except brake and tire, there are no service needed for the 105K drive. 2016 Outlander ride is better than the forester. The acceleration is better than CRV. It is not muddy like the RAV4. Mazda is always louder than all the above. The 2016 SEL did not have HID headlight, but still plenty bright. The Bluetooth is not the best, but it work. It did not have big sun-roof like the Outlander sport or forester, but not deal breaker. The y are selling well, so we settle one in black. Overall, a happy repeat buyer after two weeks.

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  2D One - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By screens123 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second one,this is for the wife,Blk/Blk V-RX great handling w/sport look and power to boot....