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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  Excellent - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By shunter - March 25 - 7:16 am

  I recently have taken a 03 Gallant ES with 85k on it for 5,000$ cash from the owner. Its a very nice car. Drives grate, very smooth and reliable: Its a Japanese car! Most people just know Honda and Toyota but in fact these brands are not much better than other Japanese brands. I recommend this car to every one who wants to have a great car for the price. Exterior design is really beautiful and fantastic. The interior has everything you need. I love my Galant!

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  Incredible reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By M. Taylor - March 24 - 10:08 pm

  Mitsu has a poor image here in the US but the Outlander was a great car for my family. We purchased ours new in the summer of 2003. It was the XLS model with AWD and all factory options. It was originally my wifes car and she chose it over the CR-V and RAV4 due to our positive experience with a prior Mitsu SUV (Montero Sport) and the availability of a sunroof along with heated leather seats. A year later, we got her another car and I took over the Outlander. We traded the Outlander in for new car in Feb 2016. It had 302,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. The Mitsu was extremely reliable for us with the interior and exterior holding up well through the those 13 years. My only gripes: slow acceleration, average fuel consumption, and timing belt had to be changed every 60k miles.

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  Rough in the Diamante - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Mauricio - March 24 - 8:13 pm

  I bought my Diamante with 77,000 miles for cheap. Its a dream ride. Its quiet, powerful, smooth. But its a heavy car, so the brakes go fast and they are not strong enough for the car. The transmission is not strong enough either. Over a long period and it starts to fail when down shifting. It seems like its a common problem on high mileage Diamantes. A lot of little things have started to go wrong. The AC started failing. The trunk didnt open from inside anymore. The leather seat started ripping, etc. They are excellent cars for a while. The drop in the bucket was the failing distributor at 99,000 miles. After that, I had to sell it. Too bad, they are not easy to find and I miss it.

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  Never Would Have Made It - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Toya - March 23 - 6:10 pm

  I got my 2000 Mitsu. Mirage DE in April of 2001 after I wrecked a Honda Accord and I was not happy about it. It was plain and cheap (I was 18 and wanted something sporty). However, when I got it, it only had 15,000 miles on it and Im still driving it today over 7 years and I have a little over 192,000 miles on it. I put rims on it to make it look nice and a sound system for my entertainment. I have never ever had any major mechanical problems with it, it took 5 years before anything went out on it and I got it fixed immediately, I get my oil changed every 3 months(just because) and I love my car. Ive taken good care of it and it is taking good care of me, and its great on gas.

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  Buy This car if you want to be safe - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By luvarabhorse - March 23 - 3:37 am

  I have had this car for nearly 70K miles. It is incredibly reliable. The only thing wrong is its comestic defects, like the finish becoming dull with age. I have had problems with the air conditioner, like many of the other reviews state and currently need a new air compressor. If you want a car that will save your life should you ever get into an accident get this one. It gets great gas mileage on the highway, but not so great mileage in town. Reliable reliable reliable though! I love my car

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  Montero Lmtd - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ashley Nycole - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Awesome handling on and off road. Exceptionally easy shifting (while driving)into 4whldrv. SAFE! Great for kids and adults. Incredible aesthetic design and beauty (interior and exterior)...unmatched! Massive sun roof, very Fun! Comfort like a big Easy! heated seats, plush leather, seat adjustments. Back seat even comfortable on Beach!!! Worth all $42,000!!!

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  Reliable, 2nd time buyer - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mickey3145 - March 21 - 11:56 pm

  My daughter is driving my first Montero Sport, 180K miles and still going. We have never had any serious mechanical problems. We have done normal maintenance and it still runs and looks great. My 2003 is the same. I currently have 40K miles and it is great car for my business. I also have an Endeavor and love it!

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  Reliable Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Nish - March 21 - 1:50 pm

  I have had the Galant for four years now and it has served as a reliable car. The only complaint I have is that the fuel economy has gone from about 27 mph to 21 mpg over these years.

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  40k driven in a year, and still rocking it! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Nik - March 20 - 11:12 pm

  I love this car. Seriously. Ive had my fair share of crummy cars in the past, to the point that it left me paranoid. After having had the outlander sport for a year and driving it 40,000 in one year, I can happily say this car is a champ. Not only do I drive for business and need it to be reliable, but its really comfy and looks fancy for the cost. Ive been able to fit a recliner in it with the seats down, and one trip had two medium size dog crates in there too. Its surprising how much it can fit. Then theres the gas mileage. Last fill up cost me $27 and it goes about 320 miles on that. The sound is great and I love the subwoofer in the back. Then theres the panoramic sun roof. Anytime a friend gets in the car thats the first thing they notice. As for the finishings, so far the interior holds up. Ive had cars (vws, Hondas, and nissans) that break apart or seems come apart. So far the outlander is in one piece. Oh! And Ive accidently hit a few things and no Damage shown on the car. Major plus! I cant say enough positive things. Only downside, is if the car is packed with people, cargo, and ac blasting- the acceleration struggles a bit. But not surprising. If youre short like me (under 5ft) the drivers seat goes up and gives you a clear view of the road. If youre tall like my dad (61") you can adjust it and feel comfortable too. I highly recommend this car.

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  09 Lancer sports - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jldixon - March 20 - 11:03 pm

  Very dependable,low maintenance and average interior. Has great reliability. Ownership since new.