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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  2006 Lancer - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bagsy1 - October 30 - 1:50 pm

  I recently was t-boned on the drivers side. The Lancer was totaled but I walked away. I am completely satisfied with the saftey and reliablity of the car.

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  Luxurious, powerful but inexpensive SUV - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By frederikfly - October 26 - 3:36 pm

  This is a lot of car for little money. Bells and whistles usually found on much more expensive cars/add on packages. Powerful but still fuel efficient V6 engine, sturdy frame, AWD, great ground clearance, high end features that really make a difference in safety and comfort (e.g. backup camera, dual zone AC, keyless entry and start). It will handle pretty much anything with ease, passengers, heavy cargo, towing, and challenging weather conditions or even off road. Fun to drive thanks to solid road feel, spacious interior, peppy engine and virtually no blind spots. After test driving Escape, Outback, Highlander and Pilot the Outlander feels like combining the best aspects of all of them.

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  Jos Baby - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jorn96 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I was able to "test drive" it for 3 days. I fell in LOVE with it. Superior handling and response. Better warranty than the Camry and better price. It is so comfortable to drive. I like the all wheel disc brakes, I KNOW Im going to stop. Its a very classy looking car, with nice lines and a flow to it that makes you think more sporty than sedan. I drive for a living so I needed the great warrenty. The salesmen were also more willing to talk to a female than Toyota was!! That in itself was a bonus! Get with the program, Toyota... you lost a life- time customer to Mitsubishi!!

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  Chris review - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chris Torres - October 23 - 11:25 am

  Dont get steered away from the are if you hear the injectors are ticking.

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  My 3.5XS rocks! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Macadamia2 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised when I saw the (currently) low 7.2 rating. Ive had my MS 2 years now and love it more than ever. I have yet to see another SUV (except for a much more expensive Cadillac Escalade) that I think is sexier or cooler-looking!

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  The best small sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Geralt - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The best small car to drive. Handling, fun and design are outstanding.A lot of room inside. The engine has enough power to enter 70 mph highway line and commute everyday. Has good fuel economy and handling is awesome. Youll take 25 mph turns with 50 mph and not feel it. Reliablitity poven by German TUV. For 5 years old cars Lancer is better then some Mercedes or BMW! Great mitsubishi.

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  Very Pleased - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By boehm421 - October 19 - 9:04 pm

  Recently purchased my Outlander Sport after looking at the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon. Read some reviews indicating it is very loud and under-powered. I have found the power to be more than adequate and engine noise to be a non-issue as well. If you are a lead foot, engine noise will be louder than usual due to the CVT transmission. The car makes use of higher RPMs to power the car for quick acceleration. This has to do with the fact that a CVT does not "shift". Its basically one large gear. The car feels well made. I am very happy to own this car after trading in a Mercedes Benz ML320. I do mostly city driving/ short trips and get about 23 mpg, which is a vast improvement for me.

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  nice - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By superduckyaya - October 17 - 10:00 am

  nice car, fun to drive

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  The wizard of OZ turns heads - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By michield - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer OZ Ralley is a head turner. A sporty car with a youthful aroma. Some critics say its under powered with only 120hp in a 130hp class but the torque at 130lbs is what you feel. I tested the corolla, protoge, and sentra before deciding on the OZ. I didnt find any noticable difference in power or acceleration when driving. I suggested that if you want to turn heads by the OZ. If you are more conventional and wish to save a few pennies in gas by the corolla.

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  My favorite car (by a wide margin)! - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By ilhavenese - October 15 - 2:18 am

  I bought this car brand new & have owned it for 12 yrs. In that time it has had all regular maintenance done according to the owners manual, & Ive had 0 problems with it. The car drives as nice 12 years later as the day I bought it. Im up to 133,000 miles & would drive this car anywhere in the country with confidence. Ive owned a Galant (replaced the Galant; I wanted a manual transmission & Galants no longer came in them), Prelude, & currently also own a 1969 Mini Cooper (classic version as opposed to a new 1), & this is by far my favorite car to drive (even with the fun appeal that the Mini has). Of the cars I own, this 1 handles the best, is 100% reliable, & averages 40+ mpg.