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:

• 

  Reliable Reliable Reliable !!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Michael Graham - May 31 - 8:33 am

  I drove this car for 9 years without a hitch. The only money I spent was on Tires 1x Spark plugs 1x Brakes 1x Shocks 1X OIl Changes Filters etc. 117000 miles and never needed a repair. The only reason I did not buy a new one is they no longer have a V6 only a 2.0 liter four cylinder or a 2.4 liter four cylinder. I loved the reliability of this car. I never owned a car for 9 years before usually buy new one every three years.

• 

  eclipse - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By andrea - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I love it so much....its the best car ive ever driven

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gloria62 - May 29 - 8:17 am

  I bought my Galant brand new in 2004. Its one of the very best cars I have ever owned! After 8 yrs and over 100K miles, she still runs great! The only repairs done have been one window motor, a leak in the floorboard and regular maintenance. I love this car!

• 

  Excellent Vehicle! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Mike - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this SUV in 2005 for my wife as she liked the body style and size. Became my daily vehicle 1 year later. Purchased it with 64,000 miles and just buying another set of tires at 180,000!!! Have had minimal work done, mostly oil changes and basic maintenance. Use it mostly for business hauling clients to lunch and golf...excellent storage for long trips! Ride is great, could use new shocks now but all in all once this one meets its end I will look for another one with at least 75,000 miles and drive it until it falls too...

• 

  Nice car! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By DFosness - May 29 - 2:00 am

  During my research I looked at quite a few different makes. I decided on the Outlander Sport because of the standard features. i was concerned about the 2.0 4 cylinder engine but it performed well over my expectations. I was passing everyone I came to on the freeway with no effort at all. The interior is more spacious then I expected. I have plenty of room at 6 feet and 350 pounds. Personally, I like the looks of the exterior but not everyone will. All and all, this is an extremely fine vehicle for the price. Thousands less then similar in class with far far fewer features.

• 

  Near luxury at a Fantastic Price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mitsu convert - May 28 - 11:16 am

  I did lots of research before buying my Outlander. In a nutshell, I found that for about $10,000-$15,000 more you could get a luxury SUV with SLIGHTLY better performance, SLIGHTLY better handling, a SLIGHTLY better interior (if you like the fake wood look), and similar technology and safety features. I figured Id keep the 50% premium and get a great small SUV with beautiful styling (like a Lexus RX 300 with a boxier rear), great tech features (NAV, Bluetooth, phenomenal stereo w/Music Server!), a clean, simple dash and interior, all the handling/power/safety features I required, and the space and features I wanted (3rd row, lots of storage). The 07 Outlander is a fantastic vehicle, I highly recommend it.

• 

  Good value for the money - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Mirage Convert - May 27 - 1:36 am

  Good, reliable vehicle on a budget! I drove a Civic for 10 years, until suffering sticker shock last summer when replacing. The Mirage, with its "Civic feel" has comfortable seats, good acceleration (113 HP) even with automatic, and handles extremely well in snow. Powerful A/C, heater, defroster, and stainless steel exhaust system. My 94 Mirage STILL has its original exhaust system and I live in the salt belt. As for MPG, expect 33-35.

• 

  Best 4 Cyl Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Juan Rodriguez - May 26 - 12:26 pm

  Ive had this car for over 4 years now and I burn it up. Its 6 years old and it has the mileage of a 10 year old car and its still driving like a car of the year. Let me tell you, I floor it a lot too and this car has had no problems. Overall, the Lancer has made me stick to Mitsubishi pride. My next car, which wont be soon since my babys still kicking, will definitely be another Lancer. :)

• 

  Giddyup! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By avenger - May 26 - 2:00 am

  My wife & I were just looking at crossover vehicles. We stumbled upon the outlander & my wife fell in love with it! I wasnt sold until we drove it. Its actually enjoyable to drive!! We arent looking for a sports car so the 2.4 gives just enough power. But we also dont deal with city traffic & highway merging issues. Overall well be driving it for a few more years. Hopefully well enjoy it as long!

• 

  endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By saved523 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I am very please with the vehicle.