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:

• 

  excellent car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lngtonge18 - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my OZ since November and absolutely love it. Its been flawless and the build quality is exceptional. Exterior is sporty and elegant, like a mini-BMW, and gets stares all the time. The interior looks great (love that brushed aluminum trim and the cream white gauges) and is so roomy. The ride is unbelieveably composed and comfortable up to 3 digit speeds. It handles good as well. My only complaints are the non-performance tires and the uncomfortable non- adjustable lumbar sticking in my back. Otherwise, the Lancer is an excellent car and definitely worth a look.

• 

  I love my car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Leslie - April 3 - 7:56 am

  Ive only had this car for a few months, but so far, I love it! The first owner of the car maintained it perfectly, so maintenance has not yet been an issue on this 78K mile vehicle. Based on some of these reviews, my opinion might change once major work is necessary, but so far the car is wonderful, and the best Ive ever owned. Its fun to drive, handles well, and has enough zip to pass whenever I need to. Im planning to drive this car for years to come. Im a careful driver, and keep up on suggested maintenance, and dont see any problems in the near future.

• 

  I couldnt have made a better choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Wilma - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Mitsubishi Galant over the Honda Civic and Im so glad I did. Even tho it is a 4 cl it drives like a 6cl. It has a very large trunk space. Its very reliable, Never has given me a minutes trouble. I will always by this car in the future, thats if this one ever wears out. Oh yeah, its very good on fuel and I love the color (silver) inside and out. The audio sound is awsome.

• 

  2006 Mitsubishi Raider Duro Cross V6 - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By D - March 29 - 3:03 am

  Apples to apples the Mitsubishi Raider is as good as any light truck that I have driven. The lovely thing about it is that its cheaper. I have had great results with my Raider, and I use it for everything, I have filled it with firewood, and could hardly tell the difference. Driving it I forget it is a truck, it feels like a car.

• 

  2009 Lancer GTS! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By brendan norris - March 23 - 12:36 pm

  I love this car! It has good low end power and can get going when needed on the highway. The only thing I would change is to add traction control for the snow. One way you can get around this is to put the car into the shifting mode and when you push the gas shift up into third gear and it goes okay.

• 

  the best of the best - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By barracuda - March 23 - 2:00 am

  you can do anything with this vehicle except dive in the sea

• 

  great car for the money. - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By vito manco - March 23 - 2:00 am

  i feel this car rides like an expensive car. It is fun to drive and its very comfortable, the stereo is great and its a real head turner.

• 

  @weeks 1200miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Raymond - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Great on road & off. My job requires that I go off road a lot. The awd outlander is better then I expected. With only a 4cyl. eng. the power to clime dirt triles is amazing. traveling through through raw desert is a pleasure. this little SUV can get you there and back. and it gets about 22mph off road

• 

  Great Buy - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Norsekid - March 22 - 9:10 pm

  This vehicle is a "sleeper". Very sophisticated drivetrain, did I mention a 6 speed transmission? Tight handling, pretty quiet tires, could be better. Killer upgraded stereo, heated leather seats and the rear hatch has a lower section that drops down if you unlatch it. Great for sitting down to take off you boots, etc. Gas mileage is "foot" sensitive. Still trying to figure where it is but seems to be around 20 mpg city and some highway.

• 

  EXCELLENT - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JAMES BAB - March 21 - 10:00 am

  OUTSTANDING FOR THE PRICE