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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  2001 5-spd GT....gotta love it!!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Pamela63 - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Eclipse for just over two years now and wouldnt trade it for anything. It is sporty , dependable AND fun. No problems whatsoever with this car. Test drove about every other sportscar in its comparable price range before deciding on the Eclipse. Nothing else came close. Smooth handling/ride, no shimmy, no shakes.

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  1st Mitsubishi, 1st 4-cylinder...wont be my last - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ldriver - October 30 - 3:25 am

  With only a few thousand miles on the Outlander so far, Im extremely happy with the purchase. Based on professional tests, user reviews, historical reliability, and my own test drives, the Outlander was my by far my favorite. It looks tougher than the soccer mom CR-V and costs much less than the RAV4. The warranty is excellent but hopefully I wont have to use it. The Outlander rides smooth and quiet. With the 4 cylinder Im getting about 25 MPG around the city. I was worried about buying my first 4 cylinder but it does great on the highway and uphill. It is slow off the line but the 6 speed trans makes up for it when passing and climbing.

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  Nice, HighTech SUV for a great price - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By southbaydriver - October 28 - 12:49 am

  I got a loaded SE AWD. The car is great. It does take a little while to get used to the way the CVT behaves. Once I got over that, I really like the car. Comfortable, quiet and the interior is very elegant in a minimalistic way. The sound system (Rockford Fosgate) is the best Ive seen. The bluetooh integration with my phone is great. Not only it handles phone calls but it also plays the music from my smartphone automatically. I just get in the car and it remembers all of the settings. I am very happy with the car

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  Bad Paint Job - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chinpaint - October 25 - 5:16 pm

  Overall the car is a good car. It looks good and handles good. I have had no problems with either the engine or drive train. My three negatives, one because of space available between the seat, roof and steering wheel it can be a little difficult for driver to enter. Second engineering design has turn signal blocked by steering wheel.(move light or change steering wheel design). Last this summer two bad paint spots appeared. One between sun roof and back window, the second between trunk and rear window.

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  Great Purchase - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By babs62202 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We test drove several SUVs (including: Mercedes, Volvo, the new VW) when we were looking for a new SUV. No other SUV maker had the options that Mitsubishi had. All were compareable on gas milage. But the Montero had the fold down 3rd row seats (they dont get in the way like the Mercedes), nice interior features (I love that the front row armrest adjusts to the driver and it looks better then Volvo), and 4wd standard. I wouldnt change my choice. Also I had a great dealership to work with.

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  Great Off-Road Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By James - October 15 - 4:46 am

  Although not a power-wagon on the highway, my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4WD has been the best off-road vehicle I have ever owned, and the list is long. I have not been able to get this vehicle stuck, and I have driven it into some areas I had no reason being in. I especially enjoy pulling Jeeps out of trouble, then telling them I never shifted into full 4WD. The expressions on the owners faces are priceless.

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  Great All Around SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Chris - October 14 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my Montero Sport used in 2004 with 40,000 miles on it and have put 60,000 miles on it in 28 months. In Oct. 2006 was rear-ended on the highway, tipped on its side, and slid 100 feet. It was totaled by insurance company. During those two years I didnt have any single problem with this truck. I changed the oil properly and the break pads. Thats all I did. Michelin XLT tires make this truck drive like a car.

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  Loved my car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Starrfyyr - October 12 - 2:00 am

  It was perfect for us, theres no need to improve a thing. Our family of 5 fit comfortably within, and still had cargo room too!

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  Mourning my loss - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Steven Cain - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 LS on Ebay on 11-17- 03 and got a heck of a deal, still under warranty. Totaled the car in 02- 04. Did not own the car long enough to give a good evaluation of it. Tremendous praise for the car in the crash. I put the nose of the car into a 97 Ford Mustangs door who failed to yield right of way ( ran a stop sign ) at 60 MPH and punted the Mustang some 150 Ft like a football. From the "A" pillars back there was "NO" damage. The only damage inside the cabin was the airbags deployed. The car held together well for such a violent impact!

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  Best Galant since 91-92 VR4s - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tycosales - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife needed to replace her 100K+ miles 94 Accord wagon so we looked at the Sonata, Accord, Camray, Altima, Maxima, Mazda 6, and a 03 Galant GTZ (loaded) While testing the GGTZ, a 04 Black LS came out of the dealers prep area. The test drive sealed the deal. I did Edmund research for several days and had the $$ Id pay. Before I whipped out my price, the sales mngr offered $.73 over, sold. I own a 1991 Mits Galant VR4 (awd, turbo, a pre-Evo) and if it were stock, the 3.8 v6 would walk all over it. Crain Mits was very professional, no BS. Go to them if in Arkansas.