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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  Happy with my 01 - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dookie! - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought an 01 XLS 4spd in 11/01 due to the rep. of earlier Montys and a 0% loan. ~66k miles later despite a few faults Im quite pleased. The bad: Needs more power. Towing ~3500lbs of car/trailer Im thankful for climbing lanes! ~17mpg avg. w/OEM tires (~15 now w/265/75LT ATs). Excessive driveline lash. Plastic skidplates. Resale is miserable, but Ill be keeping it. Local dealer network sucks. The good: Not a single problem (Im diligent about maintenance). Brakes went ~55k and work very well (better w/aftermarket pads & fluid). Great ride and handling. Killer sunroof! *Very* capable offroad, but Ive installed real skidplates, 2" OME lift, and tires

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  Very nice for the money - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jspin77 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2000. Overall the car is great (for the price). I have not had a single problem yet and have almost 60k miles on it. I was very impressed when I slid in to a curb and hit one of my tires (very hard) and the alignment was still rock solid. I have one minor glich with the stereo. Sometimes the display goes blank but if you just turn it on and off, it comes back on. Also, when the hatchback opens and it has water on it, the water goes into the trunk. Make sure you get the aluminum gas cap, I just laugh at all you and your plastic ones.

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  For those with good taste - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Alfred - July 6 - 2:26 am

  I have owned my Lancer GTS since late 2007 and it is my first car. I did get it keyed by some ****** dog a month after I bought it (hopefully karma got him). Besides that, this car is excellent. I am in love with the 650-watt sound system it has and its navigation system. As for the paint, It has chipping and scratches over the front bumper but thats because I live in the northeast. I have had no mechanical problems so far which is a testament to Mitsubishis renewed oath to quality. I would recommend getting aftermarket performance parts to beef it up. I think that the 5-speed manual is better since the automatic does not exploit all of the engines power. No rust so far ha!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By myke - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had our Outlander about 6 weeks now. Havent found anything wrong yet. Starts right up, runs great. Comfortable, easy in, easy out. Bought it primarily to be an economical cruiser around town, handles that flawlessly. On the highway, Ive had it up to 80, cruised at 70, felt safe & secure. First foreign vehicle, extremely pleased with it so far.

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  Review Title - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Macho - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Handles badly in bad weather.

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  140k later - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Brian John - June 26 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this with 17k on it, the dealer had replaced the brakes already. At the time it was the only 7 passenger SUV built on a car frame. It drives great but eats brakes and tires. Gas mileage is 18-22 with less aggressive road tires. I had an issue with the antifreeze disappearing because of a broken cheap plastic T that hooked up to the rear heat. This blew out the cam seals. Right front wheel bearings exploded under 100k. Overall, a good family truckster that should go another 150.

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  My first foreign buy - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Todd2 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. Would buy again, and really like the rate/incentives thru Mitsu Motors. Distinct style going down the road. Great climate controls cruise and stereo. Needs a little more front leg room. Interior trim on doors and seats coming off and loose. Love the hiding third row seat (dont use it much anyway). Needs a V-8. Oil change is very difficult.

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  Great car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By brianhinzy89 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  i bought the car about a year and a half ago and it was in great running condition and since then i have been driving it like a bat out of hell and it has held up very nicely i have only had to do routine maintenance and a few cosmetic repairs and the 3.0 V-6 has plenty of power during races and not to mention its easy to work on

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  Outlander paint problems - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By brad - June 20 - 3:33 am

  Bought 07 Outie as alternative to Rav4. Liked a lot about the Outie - value, exterior and interior styling, instrumentation, sliding rear seats, tailgate and fun to drive temperament. Not bland. Thirsty in the city, unable to get mileage #s anywhere near what Mitsu quotes, however very happy with highway economy. Paint chipping is something terrible. I have driven vehicles for half a year before first chip, this car had significant paint erosion after a couple of weeks city winter driving pavement. Rocker panels and rear wheel flares need to have some rock guard and durability agent put into the paint. Took vehicle to Mitsu dealer after two weeks ownership and 100s of chips to no avail

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  Such an awesome car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kyle - June 19 - 4:23 pm

  I just wanted to weigh in to let potential buyers of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart know what a great car it really is. I have had this car for about 2 years now, and have driven it really hard. The build quality is impeccable and its reliablity is outstanding. My car handles like a race car and the more miles you put on it, the faster is gets. Its gas mileage is reasonable considering the power and torque you get from the 4 cyl engine. I have had Toyotas and Hondas, and I feel that this Mitsubishi is just as good if not better, plus it has a 10 year / 100,000 mile warranty and free maintenence to boot. In my opinion this is the best 4 door sports car on the road for under $20,000!