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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  General comments - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By LKregg - March 21 - 10:00 am

  A lot of interior space for a family with teenagers. Back seat is very comfortable with lots of leg room, without reducing front seat space. Plenty of space in trunk to carry sports equipment, storage and weekend luggage.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MugsyfromFL - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Galant for approximately a year and are completely satisfied with it. It is fun to drive and has been reliable.

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  Love Everything About It! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Relieved Its Over! - March 18 - 3:10 pm

  Really glad we went this vehicle. The HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and bluetooth is really cool. But the best part is the Fosgate stereo and the sporty feel/power. Got 29 mpg on the way home from the dealership. It was 100 miles city/hwy.

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  Excellent Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By seminole_67 - March 18 - 9:13 am

  I wanted one of these when they changed the body style in 2000. I now have the last Black Limited in my area. It is by far a great vehicle. Comfy, roomy, leather, heated seats, moonroof, all a plus. It has excellent quality, no issues what-so-ever to date. I get many complements on my truck, as many people havent had the pleasure to have seen the Montero Limited. Coming from a 1998 Expedition, this was big change for me. I had looked at the Toureag, H3, and Aspen, this is the one I came away with. I am truly happy. Would buy another one.

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  Great Understated Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bsant - March 17 - 10:20 am

  On a long trip or short hop the 2007 Eclipse is just pure fun. I lose few stereo wars with its Fosgate 650W stereo and no off the line acceleration. It is almost on par with the 2006 Mustang GT, which is faster than their previous GT. I also looked at the Nissan 300Z and Mazda RX-8. They are overpriced for what you get. The 2006 Stang GT is also overpriced when you compare it to the Eclipses features side by side and plus everyone has one. This car is also a real "head turner." I have been on eleven hour straight drives up steep mountain passes and flat praries, the car is just a pleasure to be in and has amazing power when you need it to pass. It is worry free. I also garden and can haul a couple of 1.7 cu ft dirt bags and many plants in one go. What a great Car! Also, it eats BMW 3-Series off the line easily.

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  A vehicle to pass down the family - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By danman117 - March 16 - 5:55 am

  I cant say enough about my outlander. I absolutely love it. Ive put 50K miles on it, done regular maintenance and it drives great!!! This car is truly a bang for your buck and SERIOUSLY underated! On paper it may seem slow, but you must learn how to drive it properly, it will do 0-60 in 7 secs and handles amazingly due to S-AWC. All my friends compliment me on how cool my car is. We use it to cart around the family, commuting, and road trips, its perfect for almost anything. The ride is smooth and comfy, the brakes and steering are great because they give good feedback. MPG is right there with the EPA, 18/25. Car is technologically packed!! The Nav system is worth it when you dig through it

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  Nice car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By T310 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Everything is great except the engine is kind of weak, but it will work perfect for someone who doesnt care much about it. It comes with CD, power windows, power locks, power break, air bags, AC as the "BASIC"! I got a rear spoiler for cheap from the dealer...overall...this is the car for you if your budget is under 17000. It just looks cool with the spoiler!

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  Head Turner - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Gino 3 - March 9 - 8:30 pm

  I have had a Montero Limited for 5 yrs and I love it. I actually preferred my montero over my Dads Hummer H2 when he asked me which one I would prefer to have. I love the interiors quality and comfort. It does great off-roading with a rock solid frame. Has a good take off for an SUV of its size. Everywhere I go it always turns head and people are always asking what kinda of car it is and most even think its an 08 or 09 model. Great sound system for being stock, I wish it would have the fourth generations 650 watt Rockford Fosgate system with a 10" sub with 12 speakers and 240hp MIVEC engine though, but it will do. I would never choose any other SUV over my Montero besides the H1 alpha.

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  Good SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Loveit - March 7 - 9:33 pm

  My wife and I looked at the Outlander, CR-V, Santa Fe, and RAV4. For the price and what you get it, the Outlander beats all of them. It comes with a better warranty, 4 wheel drive, a good looking interior and exterior, great safety features, and its roomy. The CR-V we looked at had no 4 wheel drive, only a 4-cyl. engine, less horsepower, and a shorter warranty for a higher price.

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  An amazingly good car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By drlarryross - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of cars since 1968: a 59 Chevy Impala, a 71 Triumph TR6, a72 Ford Mustang (4-speed), a 79 Ford Mustang (new), a 1974 Jaguar XJ6L, a Subaru Justy DL (new), a 1988 Ford Taurus (all electric package). None of them can compare with the reliability, functionality, and overall quality of the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant LS that I bought in October 2001. Its been about two years since I bought the car and it has NEVER been in the shop: for me, thats a new world record! If you buy one of these cars new, you will be impressed: all of my passengers are usually amazed.