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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  Before you buy that CR-V or RAV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tim boyler - February 22 - 7:16 pm

  Despite its power, towing capacity, and sure-footed 4WD, this vehicle drives like a car. The ride feels solid, the features are great. I love the FastKey system, the stereo, and the abundance of cup holders. Seat warmer warms seat AND back. Paddle shifters for those who want more control. MP3 player jack too. The Outlander is really fun to drive, and the partial-zero emissions and great mileage make me feel environmentally responsible. Im very happy with this purchase. You can get a 4WD, V6, superior stereo, sunroof, 3rd row seat (ok its wimpy), leather, GPS navigation built-in with 30GB hard drive (10GB of which can store MP3s) for well under 30k. You cant beat that.

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  Smooth - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mean-ness - February 20 - 10:00 am

  If you cant tell--I totally love my Galant.

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  5 Stars for the Eclipse GT - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Princessadri - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car cause not only does it look good it rides good! All my friends are jeolous. It really beats my Grand Prix GT... I love the body style and the two toned leather. You sure do get some head turning on the road. Last but not least i also love the Euro lights in the back!That was a nice touch to the 2003!

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  my new Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By robert - February 20 - 6:53 am

  When driving my new Montero from Michigan to Florida and back I was able to find a lot of new reasons to like my new SUV. The head rest you can easily lean back on, the 7 disks of music I had loaded, the automatic air control for front and for back. The leather heated seats is awesome in the winter and the sunroof is immense in the summer. The ride is so smooth over the pothole and ruts of northern roads as well as easy over off road conditions. Power everything! All the other joys I have yet to discover.

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  All-Around Performer - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cuffy - February 19 - 6:16 pm

  Had the Outtie for a month now and like it more everyday. Fun to drive, looks great, handles nicely, fits our needs well, is extremely comfortable for 3-4 hr trips, and consistently gets 20-22 mpg in mixed 4WD auto mode driving. What more could you ask for in a CUV? Selectable 4WD, heated leather seats, moonroof, hard-disk 650 watt music server and navi system, auto-leveling HID headlights, v6 w/paddle shifting 6-speed semi-auto, roof rails, 3rd row jump seat, fold down tailgate, Bluetooth, more safety features than most luxury cars, and 18" wheels. Lets see any other manufacturer do that for under $30K.

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  Good Mom Mobile - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ivan - February 18 - 4:10 am

  For the price its great. My suggestion is to splurge and get the XLS with all the options. You will wish you had if you dont. Great mom car, better and much more style then a mini van. Handles well and has a safe feel.

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  a great bang for your buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By wolfcry - February 16 - 10:10 am

  Ive had this for a year now, bought it used with about 130k miles. Very few issues with this car... Ive mostly just had to do the regular oil changes, but Ive also had to change a power window motor and rail, tie rod ends. Gotta change the bushings on the control arms later, and replace the window tint since its kinda messed up right now; not saying that all Lancers gotta change their window tint, mine was bought with some small defects in the all of the window tint...

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  Great Montero Sport - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Walt Stewart - February 14 - 3:36 am

  What else can I say, I have been very pleased with this vehicle to date.

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  Mitsubishis best car ever! - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Nick10923 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car with the fuel effieciency of a Honda Civic performance just like any other car if not better (it only weighs a ton, exactly). Mine is a 1994 with 130,000 miles still great except brake light keeps on coming up for no reason now. I would like to note that this is my fathers car soon to be mine and he drives it really hard hes kind of a reckles driver. He pushes this car to the limits and beets most cars on the limit line at an green light.

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  EXCELLENT!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bkey79 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car Dec 26th and already have put close to 2000 mi on it! Very fun to drive, and handles very well! The gas mileage is getting better with every fill up!