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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  Some Good, Some Bad - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jenniewray - May 16 - 5:50 am

  When we first got the Lancer in mild weather it was fantastic - we felt like we were driving a luxury car! We first noticed an issue with the radio/speakers a few months ago. The radio didnt actually start to make noise until the dial was at 15. Last week, anytime anything other than talk radio the speakers are now crackling. Since winter started the rear door windows are taking FOREVER to defrost (over an hour) and interior parts are rattling (locks on the doors, back window, silver stripe on the passenger door). We called the dealership and they told us there was nothing they could do about the rattling or the defrost issues as when it gets cold thats what happens. Nice response!

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  Value - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By old and slow - May 15 - 12:03 pm

  I researched this very competitive market in depth, many good choices but none were a better value when considering everything. MSRP $24,705 Invoice $23,333 Sale Price $22,199 and received full Blue Book Trade In Value for my trade in. Also, 0% financing for 36 months. Lastly,5 yr bumper to bumper, 5 yr road side assistance, and 10 yr power train warranties. Mitsubishis however dont hold their value as trade ins, so a negative if you will sell or trade in after a few years, with low mileage.

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  VRX Baby - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By bucs35674 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great Car, Quick response in all aspects of driving, very fun to drive. However I am a little concerned about the resale value.

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  Endearing Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Valrud - May 14 - 2:00 am

  A solid and sporty upfort vehicle. No rel frills, just plain honest performance and style. After over 3500 miles, no speaks, rattles or noises. Vehicle came with NO exerior defects. Stays on the road, for an SUV type vehicle like glue has got hold, I like the crossocer typr suspersion and frame configuration. Overall a pleaseure to drive and own.

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  Zippy Car!! - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Synthplaya - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a great car. . Ive always wanted an Eclipse, so I went ahead and bought a 98 GS. Its a 5 speed,and I am having ALOT of fun. Sometimes I wish it had a little more power (140 hp isnt TOO bad)..However, this is one of the easier and popular import cars to modify/upgrade. Ive seen some pretty wicked 95-99 eclipses with body kits and turbos..all aftermarket stuff. My only gripes are the few minor repairs ive had to have done to it. The Check Engine light was on due to some wires gone bad, and a little corrosion. Overall, Im pretty happy about my purchase, and i look forward to having this car for years to come!

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  Mr Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Chomp Club Inc - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck with a few exceptions.

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  A fun city car - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By ecidloc - May 11 - 10:21 pm

  I have owned this car for more than 7 months and everything has been performing very consistently. I like this cars interior layout much better than most of its Japanese competitors, like Honda, Subaru, Mazda and etc. The exterior is also one of the sharpest. This car is excellent for city driving, nimble, reliable, fuel efficient and easy to park. Dont listen to Edmunds review, this is a car meant for day to day driving, it should not be reviewed as a sports car. If thats what you are looking for, look else where.

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  mits outlander sport nav system - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By sysmark - May 10 - 4:58 pm

  Purchased a 2011 mits outlander sport with nav and what a ripoff! The maps are outdated (2009), will not locate or direct to streets that have been built since 2005. Even my old Tom Tom sees these roads. Paid $2000.00+ and you get a 2009 map? I called the dealer (said that is the latest ) and Mits directly and have not heard a word from them. DONT BUY THE NAV IF YOU ARE BUYING A NEW MITS AUTO!!! I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL MITS AUTO BUYER SINCE THE 90S (3000GT VR4, MONTERO, OUTLANDER, AND NOW OUTLANDER SPORT) Make sure you ask the right question before purchasing.

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  Initial impressions/Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mark Breithaupt - May 9 - 10:30 am

  I had a radiator leak that was repaired promptly. Towing was quick. Customer service was fast and courteous. I like the ride and feel of the interior. Any concerns I had are put to rest by a positive experience with this first repair.

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  never again - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By fool me once - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The car has a noisey bumpy ride.It over heated at 33000 miles without any warning.At this time I am batteling with misubishi they wont cover the claim because it was a defective thermostate,not covered under their warranty,and the extended warranty wont cover because they say it should be covered under mitsubishis 5 year power train warranty I just had the hub bearings replaced at 40000,miles. my mechanic told me the car is under engineered with light wieght parts on a heavy vehicle I also found out that the dealership makes more money selling questionable extended warrantys over better ones. Ive spent 4,300 on this car this year at 40,000 miles