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:

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brandon - July 28 - 4:13 am

  I looked at several different cars before purchasing my Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. I test drove a Subaru Legacy and Impreza, Saab 9-3 all great cars in their own right. I however found it hard to beat the fun and excitement that I felt when I was behind the wheel of the Ralliart. The price was right, the fun factor high and the gas mileage great. It fit all that I was looking for and to think I would have overlooked it had it not been for my salesmans recommendation that I take a look at it prior to making a decision. As the father of four year old twins it works as a family car as well as a fun everyday driver. Thanks Mitsubishi!

• 

  Value and Excellent driving manners - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By khm2010 - July 25 - 3:16 pm

  Purchased V6 XLS with luxury package 3 weeks back. Drives like a car has good cornering, road grip and no rolling effect. Does not feel heavy at all. Fuel mileage is as expected i,e 18/25 in 2WD mode but RAV4 has the best class mileage for V6. Like the contrasting leather, fit & finish. Lot of storage locations. Has a good usable cargo space due to length of the vehicle, but to gain more volume wish they made 3rd row seats optional in this package and body wider. 2nd row seats are the best in terms of configuring. Seats are firm , may lost longer.

• 

  Quiet, efficient, beastly in the snow. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Adam - July 24 - 1:15 pm

  It is too bad this SUV is often overlooked. Youd think Mitsubishi spit in the face at all the reviewers at one time or another for them to raise such an eyebrow on this vehicle. Edmunds rates it a C. This vehicle is B+ at the least. Edmunds claims the interior quality is cheap, but it is really no worse (better in my opinion) than many competitors that I drove. Get into a Honda CRV and see how much racket you can make with your fingernails on the abundance of plastic haunting the dash, and then get in here and you tell me what you see and feel. The AWD system is fantastic, one winter down with it and it absolutely crushes anything (within reason, of course) you throw at it. Gas mileage is average, but pleasant for the size. Acceleration is good, with the 4 cylinder I noticed if you do have a few people in the car it will feel a bit groggy. However, for everyday driving it should be more than adequate to the average person. Safety was a huge plus for me here too. Overall, I have 12,000 miles on it, have been driving it for over a year and no trouble yet. Props to Mitsubishi! With the pricepoint and warranty toppling anything else thats out there, you owe it to yourself to drive one.

• 

  Quarter million and still truckin - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By fritzknaak - July 22 - 2:34 pm

  I had to step up from a sedan back in 02 to handle kids. Got this and have never looked back. Seemed pricey at the time, with the full boat extra package I got, but Ive never owned a vehicle in my life thats given me more value back in quality. Ive burned through 5 sets of tires, more oil changes than I can count (its now starting to take a quart every 5k or so). Ive replaced bearings in the front on both sides and a muffler after 200k. Ive used it hard and it keeps on trucking. Ill be crossing the 250k threshold in a month or so, God willing. I truly wish Mitsubishi was still making these. Id get another in a heartbeat.

• 

  Love this car - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dionnie - July 22 - 1:26 am

  This is by far the best car Ive purchased. It handles very well. Lots of muscle and speed. The Sunset Pearlescent color turns a lot of heads. Im keeping this one.

• 

  Its Been a Fun Vehicle So Far! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mucool - July 21 - 10:20 am

  I am not a person that takes much risk or buys anything impulsively. But when I decided to buy the Outlander 2007, thats how friends and family thought of me. But so far, I have been happy with my new ride! We were almost going for the RAV4 , after evaluating CX-7, CR-V, Tribeca, when the Outlander came out. The Outlander is by far the best value for money for this segment. Its fun owning a car with a super cool navigation system, music system, Bluetooth combined with a V6 and not so useful but yet handy 3rd row seat. I am just waiting for the NHTSA crash test results, and if it gets a 5 star rating, then I am totally satisfied with what I got. Despite all the negative history on Mitsubishi, this vehicle rocks!

• 

  Diamante VRX - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Lunz - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Minor quality issues upon delivery . Most resolved by dealer upon return .

• 

  One of the Best Out There - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By stan - July 16 - 3:23 pm

  The Mitsubishi Montero is one of the best SUVs out there. Mine is a two wheel drive XLS model. I go trail riding a lot and the driving comfort of it is outstanding. Even on gravel roads the suspention is amazingly smooth for a seven year old SUV. It can handle most anything you can throw at it as long as it isnt too messy. The only thing I would trade it in on would have to be another one but with 4WD.

• 

  Great Family SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Montero Mac - July 16 - 9:13 am

  Very fun to drive! Quality is outstanding needs a bit more horsepower. If you are planning to tow a large boat or camper youll be disappointed.Great taxi for moms.

• 

  2006 Eclipse GT Gas a Holic - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Piano Man - July 15 - 4:10 pm

  This is my third Eclipse and its flair seemed to fade less than two months after purchase. Its fuel economy rating is not even close to its EPA estimates though. I enjoyed my 1994 and 2002 models much more and am look to trade this gas guzzler before the end of the year. The styling is truly unique, so unique that it will be out of style faster than ever. The special "aero" kit required three adjustments and because it is difficult to see the front and back end, scraping curbs are unavoidable. The steering and brakes are great, and so is the acceleration, but like an amusement park ride it is time to leave for something else.