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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  This has been my FAVORITE car ever.... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DerbyDogz01 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is/was my very first "brand new" car. I loved it the day I drove it home, and still love it today. The best part about it to me is how fun it is to drive- mine is only 4 cylinders, but I zip around just fine in it.

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  awesome SUV,dont belive the so called experts! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dorin balan - July 20 - 6:54 am

  I have the 2017 GT V6.This SUV is made 100% in JAPAN,so quality is excellent.The so called "experts",claim that the GT model is a gas guzzler which I can assure you IT IS NOT,im getting 28 to 29 miles per gallon hwy and about 23 city.compare the rest of the V6s out there and youll find that actually this does way better than most.im also amazed how well the seats are designed.Went on a 1000 mile trip and both me and my wife were amazed how good we felt after 5,6 hrs in the seat.Power from the V6 engine is good,the 6 speed automatic works flawlessly and the paddle shifters are a lot of fun.The only thing that I wish it had is a panoramic sunroof instead of the regular one that comes standard on the GT.Definitely would recomend buying this SUV,go take a test drive for yourself and Im sure youll agree.

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  Luv it - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Joe DA - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Greta ride. No problems . Grteat mileage. Could not be happier.

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  Wow, What a Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Glenn - July 18 - 10:33 am

  This car is fun to drive, comfortable and affordable. Its a great choice!! My Kids love it too, cant wait to go somewhere in the car!!

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  Fun To Drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pcs15394 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car after trade in of Leased Galant. Price was right, had to wait to get the Pearl White with Sun &Sound Package but I am glad I got it. The only problem I have with the vehicle is that the steering wheel placement blocks top of speedometer, Sunroof did not open as wide as I expected, and power is lacking a little.

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  I wanted a Mustang - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Sarahzsmyl - July 11 - 4:46 pm

  I really wanted a 2007 Mustang, but I started comparing, and chose this one. I couldnt be happier. I got an Electric Blue Lancer GTS with the nav system. The car runs smoothly, handles well, and looks great. With 18" wheels, the ride can be a little rough, but thats ok. The car is gorgeous. I get looks where ever I go. Ive used three tanks so far and get good mpg, about 32 hwy and 26 city. The paddle shifters are fun, but prefer to use the stick to hold it into 2nd gear for acceleration. And so far, thats the only real draw back, it can be hard to get up to speed in auto-mode. But, kick it into manual mode, and all that goes away. I dont regret my choice at all.

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  Not in the shop much - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jo - July 11 - 5:06 am

  I cant believe Ive had the Outlander for over five and a half years now. I only planned to keep it three or four years but it is still running well and not giving me any headaches. It has not been in the shop for much of anything besides normal maintenance. It handles very well in the snow - I will not go back to FWD. The gas mileage has stayed around 22 mpg.

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  2nd Eclipse - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chuppy - July 10 - 10:16 pm

  This is my second Eclipse and I couldnt be happier. I drove an SUV in between the two, and I loved that car, but you cant beat the gas mileage of a 5 speed eclipse! I cant wait until the new ones come out this summer...

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  Loving It! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tinia - July 9 - 7:23 pm

  I have never purchased a Mitsubishi before because I thought I was in love with Toyota. Based on Edmunds reviews and more importantly, consumer reviews, I decided to give the Gallant a try. The sticker price was excellent compared to Toyota and Honda and I am extremely pleased with my purchase. I had no intention on purchasing an 07 model but with the rebate and other offers, I could not resist. I am a LARGE woman and I can get in and out of the car with NO problems. The performance is great on the road and I love the way people stare!

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  Real Good Car for the Money - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Kyle Phelps - July 9 - 5:56 pm

  I bought my Diamante used it had 33,000 on it, and it was between this one and a Honda Accord, but I love this one cause of all the features styling and overall its an eye catcher. Also it sounds real good. and I have drove Lexus and Caddys and this is far the best one i have owned with low maintance. I did have to have my heater core repalced at 45,000 but warranty took care of it and this is an all around FUN car to drive.