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 CAR BUT COULD BE BETTER!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By texanite - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for almost 2 years now and have had no problems with it so far. Overall the car is awesome. Of course this car is like with everything, you could always make improvements.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By nopohboy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle rides smoothly great features.

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  Whats with the fake wood trim? - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By EZPiano123 - April 27 - 1:33 pm

  This is a very affordable starter car. The standard transmission on this car is sensitive but still fun to drive. Stock speakers are nice, all I had to do was increase the flow of power to them with a new deck. The only thing that bugs me about this outstanding vehicle is that damn wood trim in the es model. It doesnt mesh with anything else in the interior of the car or the exterior. I just wanna rip it out and paint it to match the gun metal-ish color surrounding the deck. Grrr! Besides that, an increase in power would be nice and Id like to get a cold air intake installed to get the gas mileage over the 30 mpg hump. And the tiny tires NEED to be replaced. Overall great car.

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  Love my Outlander GT - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Robin - April 27 - 6:19 am

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  Hard to think of getting rid of it - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By very impressed - April 25 - 6:33 pm

  We bought this car with 60 miles on it in 2004. It now has 206,000 on it. It is amazingly reliable. Especially considering how we have abused it. It has been rear-ended and ditched. The only thing we have done is replace the belt that needs replaced @ 70,000 miles, replaced a bearing in the clutch @ 140,000 miles and recently had to replace the battery for the first time. I really cant say enough about this car. The thought of getting something else that wont be as reliable is hard to take. If I werent a mother of 2 I would just get another one!!! Our Infiniti G35 sedan is another story and probably adds to my anxiety about replacing it. Keep up the good work Mits.

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  Mitsubishi is a good option - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sumncguy - April 23 - 10:06 pm

  We bought our Gallant new in 2008 and have over 130k trouble free miles on it. NO. Let me say this again NO Major problems with this car. We simply do the planned maintenance. One downside is with the wrong tires, the car is loud. Alot of interior noise. Something just started rattling around in the trunk area .. sounds like something body related. I had a mitsubishi engine in my 1999 Grand Voyager and we ran that to almost 300k. 2 FOR 2, Mitsubishi has been good to me. A great alternative to the overpriced Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans.

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  So much fun - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 4gcrazy - April 21 - 8:43 pm

  Ive had this car now for 3 1/2 years, got it with 64,000 miles on the odometer. it now sits just above 102,000 miles and has never let me down. Im in the military and have moved state to state for years now. I have never had to replace a part in the engine; other than the normal stuff. recently i have begun to upgrade some parts of the engine and she still keeps on trucking taking what ever i throw at her. (dirt trail riding, a little bit of puddle crossing , and alot of track time) All in all i love this car. my first wife as I call her.

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  I Like It - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Laura - April 21 - 2:03 am

  I used to have a Subaru Impreza Outback Sport which I absolutely loved. However, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a nice change because of the larger interior space and more height for better visibility. For those who are taller, the slope of the windshield can make it a little difficult to see. It handles fine, but if you are changing from a car, be prepared for different handling. The steering is very responsive.

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  Proffessionals are wrong! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By G. R. E - April 19 - 8:43 am

  Could not disagree more with the Edmunds review. Did they even drive the car or base it on past models? For the money this is the best vehicle available in its class. This is our fourth Mitsubishi and if this one is as reliable as the others, and I see no reason why not, we will be happy campers! No, it does not accelerate like a Corvette, but that is not what it was made to do. I am pleasantly surprised with how our 2.4 gets up and goes. Was hesitant about the CVT also but not only no problems but it is fun. A top of the line CUV with all wheel drive for a little over twenty grand that has a ten year warranty? Show me a comparison! I am willing to bet 99.9% of the naysayers have never driven one!!

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  Nice Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By applelwa - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Taking into consideration the discounted cost of the endeavor verses other SUVs, the unique style, quality, performannce and enjoyment to drive, you have a great combination for ownership.