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 at a great price . - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MITSUBISHI Outlander - June 8 - 5:24 am

  Had this car for about a month now . May be its too early to comment on many aspects of ownership,reliability and performance . Its under rated car with consumer reports . But feel that way . Its just like any other small SUV. Initial impression is-its a honest car . Drives well and the GT has a satisfying performance . Good price too . Prefer to avoid the 2.4 l as drove the 2.4 L and V6 3 L back to back and the difference was apparent . The features , driving experience and price were deciding factors in the purchase . 3 Rd row seats are a joke . Am quite happy and its 100% made in Japan .

• 

  Near-luxury - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Steve Kowalski - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had many Mitsubishi products, from Eclipse Spider to Galant; I thought Id step up to their idea of a luxury auto. Overall, I have not been disappointed, but there are some small things that would have gone a long way to filling in my ideal of a true luxury vehicle.

• 

  Nice Truck - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By joeveto - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I really like this truck. For what it is, fuel economy isnt bad. I get 18 city / 22 highway. The thing tows great. I tow both my Vettes and my smaller cars, through the hills of PA, with no issues at all. The truck looks really good. The styling is spot on. Surprisingly, I get as many compliments on this truck, as I do my cars. This truck is like an old shirt, faithful dog, good friend. I like it a lot, and I recommend it.

• 

  I love my Lancer! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lisnun - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Lancer in February of 2002. The reason for my low mileage is because I only drive it to and from work and occasionaly elsewhere. I love everything about it, except the fact that it is only a 2 cylinder. The "pickup" could be better only because it is very slow while going up hills. I have to get up to 45mph to get to 40 mph! That is the only thing I can say that I am not happy with. As far as everything else goes, I think it is an excellant car for me!!

• 

  2004 Lancer Raliart 5-speed manual - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rbenram - June 6 - 9:15 am

  I have had this car for over a year, Im the third owner, this is my first car and i love it. for me there is nothing else to trust than a Mitsubishi. This type of car has to be keep forever. Sometimes they give problems but they are worth it. I replaced the clutch after a good time taking the hell out it. I also had change starter, clutch slave cylinder but those are things that get old, no worries.

• 

  I Recommend It!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By savingchris19 - June 5 - 8:36 pm

  I just bought the brand new 07 Galant ES with the sport package. Seems like it runs great so far, fun to drive, has a good amount of power for a 4 cyl., the dash lights look amazing at night! 360 watt rockford sound system sounds excellent. I had an 03 lancer before I got this car. This car is wayyy better than that was. Only thing wrong with the galant is the disc changer, something is wrong with the number 2 cd slot, but the dealership is putting a new one in for me so its all good. Go get yourself one, I recommend it!

• 

  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By harry stewart - June 5 - 6:13 pm

  I love my 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor. I have owned Lincolns, Cadallacs, and lots of other cars in the past, but this is the best driving vehicle I have ever owned. I have 56,000 miles on it and have never rotated or balanced the tires, and it still hits the road like a dream. The only time its has been in the shop is for oil changes.

• 

  Great car thus far - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By btotherich06 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car just recently with just under 76,000 miles, and am very impressed so far. Only major defect I had was the moonroof motor was falling apart, which happened five days after I bought it. Thankfully my auto broker paid for the repair. Even though I have only had this car for almost a month, I can picture myself driving this car until well over 200k miles!

• 

  Good Little Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Todd Wagner - June 3 - 1:23 am

  Just bought a 1999 Mitsubishi Galant last year for my daughter from "A little old lady . . .", it had only 39k mi on it. Its gas mileage is great, nearly 30 mpg on average. It has great pep too. The engine and tranny are very good, nice and smooth. One thing that I am disappointed about is the vibrating breaks - it must be those warped rotors. I am looking into higher quality replacements. Also, the car has some noise in rear end when turning, this may be more problems in supsension. Overall though seems to be a good car.

• 

  Excellent Small Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By michaelg21 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Mirage for over 3 years and have never had a problem with it. Mitsubishi makes some excellent cars but are still relatively unknown by alot of people-quality wise, they are just as well built as any Toyota or Honda out there but are $1000s less. They give you far more for your money.Unfortunatly the resale value is poor-I think it is because many people are not convinced they are as good as a Honda or Toyota but for the money-I think they are better! Anyone who buys one will agree.