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 Owner - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Shorty - June 18 - 6:43 am

  First Mitsubishi, and very happy. Great car for small family (I have the third row seat option) and ideal for economical trips. I live in a hilly area, and the power is very adequate. With care, and respecting speed limits I get over 30 MPG on a trip, and over 19 in city driving. My driving is approximately 35/65 city, highway. Comfortable, and fun to drive. Road noise is very low, and handling is quick, and responsive. Based on this experience, Ill buy Mitsubishi again!

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  Overall an excellent, well balanced SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By macuis - June 17 - 11:10 am

  Ive driven cars exclusively since my learners license when I was 16. From a 1985 Ford Tempo GL, to a 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE, it was time for something different. Now that Im 24, I was looking for something with a little more cargo room, a little more power, and a little more comfort for driving friends around. So I decided to take a look at the compact SUV market, and had 4 on my list: Hyundai Sante Fe, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Sante Fe has a smooth, quiet ride, but didnt have many options. The Rogue was pretty stylish, but felt underpowered and cramped. The CR-V has it right, but more expensive. For me, the Outlander had a good balance of everything.

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  Owner Impression of the 2003 Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cturner291 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Just recently bought a 2003 XLS front wheel drive model and first impressions of it are favorable. It has a well thought out design, solid Japanese quality, and very quiet and extremely smooth ride on the highway. Handles well in tight traffic and is fun to drive. It has a comfortable interior with lots of leg room that wont have you cramping up with back problems after 300 miles or so. Peppy but not great acceleration out of the small 4-cyl. but is more than adequate for most normal driving and the gas mileage savings offset the lack of the V-6.

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  GTZ......Vroooooooooommmmm !!!!!!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Hooked on Pontiac - June 17 - 2:00 am

  At the lot looking at the toy Eclipses for the wife. Couldnt really decide on one.. She pulled a Galant out of the Hat....Never would have thought she wanted that sporty 4 door! Have to say the GTZ Galant looks and acts sportier than many sports cars! Already have taken it on a long trip. No usual back aches, butt aches...NOTHING! We have owned a lot of nice luxury cars. This is the first one that she has remarked to her mother that it "Drives like a dream!"...Made me look pretty good. Mommas happy....so Daddys happy! Go GTZ !!!!!!!!!!

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  A Land Cruiser at Fraction of the Price - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By quandarypeak - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I finally began shopping for a new vehicle this month, but have been reluctant to spend the $40-50k it would take to equal what I already have paid for in this 99 Montero with all the options. Well-built, reliable, all the comforts, more room than most ... and with a little care, it still looks new, despite occasional the high alpine adventures! I looked at an 05 Toyota Land Cruiser today. My Montero is same size, most features (except DVD navigation) and I paid less than 60% of what the Cruiser goes for. Good value all around. Hard to part with this good buy.

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  3 Month/2200 Mile Review - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fushigi - June 14 - 1:40 am

  Tomorrow marks 90 days of ownership. So far I have no complaints at all. Best MPG: 24.7; worst 17.3; averaging 20 using regular gas. I expect improvement once its fully broken in and the weather warms up (no winter-blend gas). Driving is a simple pleasure. Ive used the paddle shifters for passing power a couple of times; its a nice feature even if it wont be used daily. The audio system is just amazing. The auto-rip of CDs is a great feature though making your own play lists takes a little getting used to. Not sure if I could ever buy another car without a rear backup camera now (can spot small children behind the car easily; essential in my area). S-AWC works great in snow/slush.

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  FUN FUN FUN!!! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 300c_kid - June 9 - 8:06 pm

  I love my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT! What a FUN car! I traded in my old Eclipse for the new one. I love the engine and way it sounds. The manual transmission is a joy. The suspension handles excellently and absorbs bumps. The car is finished immaculately inside and out. Mitsubishi used great materials. I recommend it to all my friends. It feels like such a much more expensive car! It should have AWD, but one gets used to the FWD configuration. Its gas mileage is pretty good. I got the V6 with a manual transmission and am getting around 20 mpg driving it hard! I love the sound of the engine...I hardly ever turn on the radio. I have no complaints at all. I am estremely happy with my Eclipse!

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  Vehicle Rating - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Cahill - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Steering is my only complaint. Seems a little spongy on the highway.

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  A JOY TO DRIVE - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By CARBUFF - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD ENJOY DRIVING A CAR SO MUCH...THE ONLY NEGATIVE IVE FOUND IS THAT MY WIFE GETS TO DRIVE IT MORE THAN I DO. GREAT ON ROAD TRIPS AND FUN IN TOWN, THE MOST ENJOYABLE VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. A DEFINITE KEEPER FOR YEARS TO COME!!

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  NEW OUTLANDER SPORT 2.4 Litre - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By crofoot50 - June 2 - 4:55 am

  just picked up my brand-new 2015 outlander GT sport with the 2.4 L engine and the paddle shifters . the power this vehicle has for an all-wheel-drive model is amazing I cant tell you enough how great this car is to drive need to stop down and try it out what a difference from the original vehicles they have been complaining about with the small underpowered 2.0 motor . I just got it and cannot stop smiling get to your dealer and road test one with the paddle shifters. The only complaint I have is the real window visibility in the rearview mirror is kind of hard to see very small rear hatch window.