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:

• 

  Paint chips and plastic - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jamie - August 5 - 8:50 pm

  I was a happy owner of the 04 outlander and fell in love with the look of the 07. Got a good deal on a sun and sound package demo... I thought, until I noticed the paint chipping and rust on the bottom of the back doors. Went rounds with mitsu only to find that since this is exterior damage that occurred after the vehicle left the lot, it is considered wear and tear. I figured the person driving the demo was abusive, but have learned this is a common problem with the design. This chipping paint is going to look terrible in a year or so. The finishes on the 07 are of a much lower quality than the 04 I previously owned, which has left me with a negative impression of Mitsubishi.

• 

  2003 Outlander - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gina M. - July 30 - 12:33 pm

  Great small SUV for the money. Dependable. If you dont mind a little bumpy ride, this is a very inexpensive SUV to own. I have owned it since their debut in 2003. Gets through the bad winters, high enough to see well. Not great for carry more than 4-5 adults. Small cargo area. I like the truck a lot.

• 

  Good Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jmac - July 28 - 11:00 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year now. I really like it so far! I havent had any problems with it. My only complaint is that the back seat does not have very much leg room, as I am 6 1", so my passengers sometimes feel cramped in the back, especially if its a long drive. I love the features mine has (see below). It has been a very reliable car so far and seems very safe. If youre looking for a Galant, I would definitely buy an LS or LTZ, the DS and ES just seem very cheaply made in comparison to my LS. Just remember, you get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap car, then youll have some problems. I see a lot of people mad about their Galant purchase on here, but mine is great!

• 

  A quiet, great-looking ride, many perks - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By CABLAW3 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car earlier this year and I love driving it, it is very quiet and smooth. The looks are exceptional as well, and the interior is very roomy (will hold LOTS of cargo, much more than it appears). The car needs more power and the gas mileage is very poor, but if you arent too concerned about $$$ as compared to the functionality of an SUV, this one does the trick.

• 

  Very Happy - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tjklark - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought our Monty with about 65K miles, have had only normal servicing done to it. Drives well, plenty of power, tight steering and suspension makes it handle like a car. Very sharp looking vehicle with enough "extras" to keep my wife and I both happy. Excellent stereo. Love the extra storage compartments and rearseat cupholders. HUGE improvement over our 95 4runner. Solid 4x4 performance in the snow and ice, not as top-heavy as other SUVs.

• 

  Very Reliable commuter - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MeanWillieGreen - July 20 - 3:03 pm

  Very able small-mid sized passenger car. I purchased used, and off the lot it is very standard - which is a plus. The cost of ownership is super low because the thing is so solid and reliable. Aside from a timing belt about 90K, I have had no mechanical issues at all. With 130K miles on it, it probably drives better than it did when I bought it. I need some more room, so I am getting another car, but if Mitsubishi made a Galant wagon, Id be on the hunt for one. I get about 28-30 mpg on the highway, which is good for such a big 4. Poor resale value, but as a buyer, I would seriously consider one.

• 

  Do your home work on this one - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By matthewse - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck but there is one glaring fault. 26K NEW and the resell value has deminished very quickly. Unless you plan on keeping the vehicle for 5 years or for its life you will be upside down in what you owe and what it is worth in six seconds flat even with a reasonable down payment. All in all i enjoy the vehicle but dont feel comfortable with the decision because of the resell value. Do your home work and make sure you will be keeping this for the long haul.

• 

  Its OK! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fra - July 17 - 6:10 am

  I got my 01 Eclipse because my previous car broke down and I needed a car quickly. I love the body shape, but I am really disappointed with the engine. This car is all appearance and no substance.

• 

  Sheep in Wolves Clothing - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dtone - July 16 - 7:23 am

  Had a Galant for two years. Traded it in for the Eclipse. Has the same 2.4l engine as the Galant. Comfortable seats, good gas milage, pleasant handling characteristics, surprising amount of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Looks sporty, but is more a Mom and Pop 2-door coupe. Sensible Midlife chrisis car for relatively short money.

• 

  Fanciful, Fast, and Fun - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Campoly - July 13 - 12:16 pm

  Looked at many competitors in this price range (Sky, GTI, Speed3, M-X5, etc.). All were nice cars if you are 54 and weigh 98 pounds. At 61" I found the Eclipse the easiest to get in and out of. The exterior styling of this cars is sleek and sexy. Back seat room is non existent but honestly, who really cares. Seats are comfortable enough. The non turbo V6 is strong with lots of torque and surprising little torque steer which makes for lots of acceleration fun. It doesnt have road rally/oval track curve hugging ability that the Evo or Vette has but for everyday around town and nimble freeway driving it is great fun and hard to beat.