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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  Great little wagon/suv, great value ! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By details - July 29 - 12:24 pm

  Ive had my Outlander sport ES with CVT for just over 2 months. I think its a pretty nice little car/suv/wagon, whatever you want to call it. I really like the way it looks. The power seems more than adequate, it rides smooth and quiet, hardly any tire or wind noise, handles great, gets good mileage. At 1400 plus miles my MPG has ranged from 24.3 right after I took delivery to 27.4 on my last fill up in mixed driving, probably 35/65 City/Hwy. If you look at all the various road tests, the base model with the 5 speed gets very good 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times, but most of the road tests are done with the loaded SE model with AWD which weighs more and isnt as fast. My 2WD ES with CVT is quite peppy especially in the manual mode using either the paddles or the shift lever. Ive taken my car up to the mountains twice since I got it and the ability to shift it manually in the 6 power ranges of the CVT transmission made going up the hills and back down a lot of fun. In the reviews they keep comparing the Outlander Sport to the Kia Sportage which is slightly larger and heavier, I think a better comparison would be with the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe which is very close in size and weight. When I purchased my Outlander Sport in early April I got a super deal, they took $1675 off the sticker price, they gave me over low book for my trade-in, an 06 Kia Sportage, and they financed the balance for 4 years at 0% interest rate. Theres a lot of other nice features, the electronics, storage space, dash display, great warranty, etc. I,m very happy with the deal I got and the car.

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  fun small car to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ozzie - July 29 - 10:00 am

  have not owned my lancer very long. great little car though. i have tinted the windows and added a spoiler to the rear. a very sporty looking car. i travel to and from mesa and albuquerque and i get great mpg. have had no troubles with car.

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  excellent - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By enigma - July 29 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. people should try mitsubishi more.

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  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By japanesewerkz - July 26 - 1:27 am

  Bought this car with 130k as a second owner. If your paint is black, it has been recalled. Luckily mine was well taken care off so I was able to use a clay bar and some ultra compund. The rims are also made by chrysler so they will rust. Other than that, this car is mechanically in great shape. It runs perfect, sounds good and just looks sexy. Mine has 152k and has just needed regualar maintainence. If you keep it up to date, then it will run. Ive seen many of these 4 cylinders hit 250k and still run great. Engine mounts and tranny are common things to replace a bit earlier than usual, other than though it runs and wont leave you with an empty pocket. Fuel econ. is decent though.

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  Nice Look---wish it was a smoother ride! - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By AlisaAnn - July 25 - 10:56 am

  We bought our 2000 Montero used in 2003. I loved the way that it looked, people mistake it for a Land Rover. And it rode very nicely. But over time, the ride has become more rough. I just put new tires on it thinking that would give me a smoother ride, but it really hasnt, and my mechanic cannot find any reason for it to be riding so rough. But I do still love the way that it looks, and we have had no major mechanical problems--the only thing weve done in 2 years, besides the routine maintenance of course, is have the brakes worked on, and replaced the tires. All in all it has been a good car.

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  2016 OUTLANDER SEL AWD - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JD Anderson - July 24 - 8:03 am

  This vehicle has rugged good looks and sensible features. Where else can you find a third row AWD wagon under 30,000? Initially my wife and I were drawn to the Subaru Forester, but after thorough review and test driving, determined that the quality of the Forester felt too small inside for our growing family and the materials not as durable as we would expect for the price. So, I continued researching all of the recommended models comparable to the Forester. Subsequently I test drove the Outlander SE AWD and the SEL AWD. A local dealer was offering a manangers special on a 2015 SE AWD at an ubeatable price. I test drove and fell in love with the outstanding practicallity of the design and relatively understated body design- more about rugged simplicity than urban bling. I took the test drive alone, with my wife trusting me to come home with a "managers special". My wife would have been perfectly satisfied with the SE, but I couldnt help taking notice of the 2016 SEL AWD on the lot. I took a test drive, and I was definitely impressed. Still functional and spacious, and the 2.4 L engine adding the power some may expect from this bigger SUV AWD wagon. I took it upon myself to go over our budget and surprise her with the 2016 Outlander SEL. I was a bit anxious, as my wife is more practical than myself and really would have lived with the winier 2.0 liter 2015 SE without complaint. For the price difference- I thought the upgrade to the SEL would be a good long term choice for the family. My wife is driving the vehicle daily and sends me messages throughout the day expressing her enjoyment the car. In my opinion, Mitsubishi is offering great AWD wagon packages for the value-minded that appreciate classic rugged good looks and AWD driving functionality. The expert reviews do not cover many of the positive attributes that make this SUV such an exceptional value, such as the alternative AWD modes- totally absent in most of the other SUV wagons. The Outlander is a unique SUV and deserves far more credit than the experts give it.

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  Great review - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tim Cook - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car that is fun to drive. Great reliability.

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  Made a big switch - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MellyG - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I traded in our beloved Acura Integra for the Outlander in preparation for a family. I admit I miss the sports car, but other than the loss of power, I absolutely love this car/suv (my husband calls it a "cruck"). We have the upgraded sound and sun package and the stereo sounds awesome! The sunroof doesnt open as wide as Id like, but its still nice. I love the interior design. Not many people have this car which is nice. We are the only ones in town to have the Green Pearl Color which I also love. The only regret is not getting the AWD. The 2.4 also make a funny whistle sound which I was told is normal...we wish it didnt do that.

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  I own two outlander sports loaded - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By raynor - July 23 - 7:51 am

  I want to let you know that I and my wife own an outlander sport. mine is a 2013 pearl white, and my wifes car is a 2012 and neither of us will trade them we love them that much

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  Great car! - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jooey - July 23 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car in 1yr after it came out and it only had 12miles on it. Ive had it for 6yrs now and never had a problem with it. (During those 6yrs my spouse went through 2 cars). It is the most reliable car ever. Just keep up with regular maintenance and you should have no problems.