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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  Good Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Javi - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, though I would probably recommend the GT or GTS for the bigger engine.

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  The One to Beat! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By aralliart - March 16 - 1:00 am

  Mitsubishi has a superior car in the Lancer Ralliart. The tires should be 17". I had a little rattle in the dash but that was temporary. I have had this car for two years and counting. It is a keeper, unless I trade it in for the all new 08 Ralliart.

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  Went from good to best! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cl - March 16 - 12:05 am

  As every dollar-minded car shopper today knows,at least baby-boomers like us,the most bang for the buck is very important,especially with cars.Last year I decided to trade om 2009 kia sorento,which I loved,for another suv as we have grandchildren and like to take them for long rides occasionally whenever we can.We wanted another newer Sorento but decided to test drive a Mitsubishi when we learned the drive trains of Sorentos were actually made by Mitsubishi.Traded for a 2016 Mitsubishi outlander 2.4 4 cyl.Drove it for a year and a half but just wasnt happy with what I thought was a lack of power on big mountains,we live in the Ny Adirondacks and powere is essential.So while having an oil change done at dealer last month,11-17,i test drove a 2017 outlander 6 cyl,with a few more bells and whistles and a third row of seating for grandkids.We loved it!Arranged to trade for the new car that day and when they found the color I wanted a few days later (pearl white),we signed,Very happy with the trade,getting around 23.5/26 highway on regular unleaded.Hope to get even better when we go cross-country next summer.Have leather seats,back-up camera,710 watt stereo system with 3 month Sirius xm satellite trial subscription,not sure if ill keep that,but we love it.With the bigger engine,we can tow a small boat or camper now.Got 4k in rebates and couldnt be happier!

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  Great looking / performing car for the price - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By farazrehman - March 14 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante last August for two main reasons, its price and features. I couldnt find a similarly equipped toyota Camry or Honda Accord for my $9,500 budget. A few months later, the heater core O-ring failed and coolant started leaking into the vent system. The fix was costly, about $1,100 but the car has been running without a problem since. The Diamante has lots of power under the hood, the acceleration is good but the transmission gets confused sometimes i.e. downshift may not happen immediately when you need a quick boast. The interior is quiet and its ride quality is somewhere between good and excellent. The Diamante is clearly more biased towards comfort and doesnt handle as well as my previous Mazda Millenia

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  What a ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dano - March 14 - 1:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2003 Montero XLS with 81,000 miles and it run like new. This truck has great power and passenger room. My kids love the big sun roof and I love the interior and exterior styling. I have always wanted this truck.

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  Where have they been hiding this car? - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Edward - March 14 - 4:46 am

  Almost made a big mistake by looking at the CR-V, RAV-4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai SantaFe and making a decision then on which one to buy. Fortunately I drove by the Mitsubishi dealer and decided what the heck, I will see what they have. The Outlander is roomier, just as comfortable and has more standard features for a better price. Was equally surprised when I found out that Mitsubishi has the same 5yr/60K bumper to bumper warranty and 10yr/100K Powertrain as Kia and Hyundai do.

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  Good bang for your buck - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TimBrod - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I have 60000+miles on mine. Overall good car. Few problem but covered through recall or warrenty. (EXTERIOR) Should consider 7+in wheels so there are more tires to replace with. Metal gas cap should be standard on GT. (INTERIOR) I make several 700 mile trips and and drive 1 hr to work each day and Im 63". Comfort is good overall. More leather would be nice and something to stop the noise from all the plastic in the dash. I average 27mpg. I would most likely buy this car again. Other considerations would be WRX and Celica in the same price range.

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  Amazing piece of metal - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By tonypham_ - March 9 - 6:54 am

  It was handed down to me by my aunt at 60,000 miles and have been driving for 2 years, Im at about 78,000 miles. It was a great first car to start learning with due to the size of it. It may be small but its easy to change lanes, park, and manuver through tight spaces. Its fast once it kicks in as well. Will be keeping it with my Lexus. Recommended for people starting to learn how to drive!

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  Best Car Under 5k - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By peelout - March 8 - 9:49 pm

  You can get these cars for very cheap. They are extremely nice. I got mine for 3,000 from a friend of the family, it couldve of easily been sold for 5,000 however. (Its really good condition) Mine has 137,000 miles on it. Its fast, Ive gotten it up to 150. Its good on gas. (Unless you shift at 5k RPM like me when im trying to impress my friends -- i can watch the gas gauge go down) 18-25mpg. Please put premium in this car, yes it matters. Look it up. When youre not hot rodding this car, it still turns heads. Very nice looking. If youre worried about your kid hot rodding it like me, get them the 4cyl. This car is great. Do your kid a favor, dont get him a grandma car. get an eclipse.

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  Awesome Vehicle...Great Buy - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By James - March 6 - 11:10 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor runs great. It stands out more than any other vehicle in its class. Its an instant eye catcher.