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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  2009 Lancer GTS reliability - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By goreyno88 - May 17 - 2:43 am

  I bought my 2009 Lancer GTS in July 2009, it was running good until it reaches 39700K miles and my clutch just gave up. I took my Lancer to El Cajon Mitsubishi and was told that my plywheel was worn out due to a regular wear and tear. So I ask if it is still covered by warranty but the service advisor said it is not covered by the powertrain warranty since it is not part of the powertrain. So I have no choice except to pay $ 1,700 to replace the clutch plywheel. I have a 1996 Honda Accord but I have never had a transmission problem since I bought it. I would strongly recommend to consumer Look at Honda first before going to Mitsubishi.

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  Great value for my buck - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sirvince - May 15 - 2:56 am

  I just changed jobs and had to give up my company car sooner then I thought and bought this car without even test driving it from a dealer. I just had a good feeling about the car..Now that I own it I just love it.. Even with the 98,000 miles on it I could tell it was well cared for. Not even one door dig on it so I know the last person watched were they parked it to avoid door digs. Why would someone do all that and not care for the car..Right? I was sad to hear that this car will be dropped after 2012. Just when I find a car I like its discontinued. Sure a Honda or Toyota is a higher rated car but also a higher price..In these hard times the Galant offered me great value for my dollar

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  2007 Raider - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Gil - May 12 - 12:50 pm

  Great truck for the price. The only complaint I have is that it has some road noise. Other than that I love it.

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  Montero #2 - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By saundra Anderson - May 12 - 4:13 am

  The Montero handles like a small car with SUV capabilities. It tows 5000 pounds without a problem. Its third seat is a bit cramped for an adult though. I dislike the spare tire on the tailgate because it makes the trailer hitch difficult to access. I plan to purchase Montero #3 soon.

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  BEST SPORTS CAR EVER - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PROMAR - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Im very happy to say that i bought a mitsubishi eclipse.This vechicle not only rides and drives well but it makes you feel like your in a rocket. It has ample power to all wheels and very responsive engine with torque. I love my car and it will smoke the competation such as the toyota celica and acura rsx. 4 cylinder sports cars just doesnt cut it.

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  Great Value for Price - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By angel_ortega - May 11 - 2:33 am

  I must say that critics review is harsh to say the least. I have recently purchased my 2010 Galant for $16K and am very much pleased with my purchase. I must say that the V6 option was a nice feature in the past but with gas prices where they are, I was in the market for a 4 cylinder anyhow. I researched the comparable Camry and Accord and the price margin was at least $3500. As someone that needs a daily commuter with great city and highway mileage (21 city and 30 hwy), the price difference helped with my purchase. Apart from great mileage, the car also has a torque happy 4 cylinder; helpful in lane-changing maneuvers, great cabin and trunk space, as well as, a great sound system.

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  Extremely Happy! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By euler21 - May 8 - 6:33 pm

  I just got my Outlander LS 4WD a week ago, and I think I just might be in love. Ive always owned GMs, but I needed an SUV for the headroom (64"). Most SUVs have terribly boring styling, but this thing is beautiful! It just looks like nothing else on the road. I traded in an 04 Grand Prix, and I love the fact that I can fit in a vehicle, without it feeling like a massive SUV.

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  Galant ES - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kh - May 8 - 11:00 am

  I bought my Galant ES new in August of 2000. After 8 years and 170k miles, this car still runs great. I still get 27-28 MPG and it starts as easily as it did in 2000. The only maintenance I have done besides brakes, tires, oil, is timing belt at 85k and plugs & wires at about 100k. I am starting to get some rust on wheel wells and around the bottom of the doors, but Ohio winters will do that to a car. When this car finally does quit running, I will definitely consider another Galant, just wish they got a little better MPG.

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  Another Satisfied Owner - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rhuang - May 5 - 11:03 pm

  This is my first purchase of a new car. I owned several used car and been to leasing for few years. Ive been shopping around since Dec 2007. I read many reviews and done a lot of research before test driving the CR-V, RAV4, Element, RDX, and the Outlander. After test drove the outlander, I have a second opinion about Mitsu. It turns out that the Outlander has the best value, best warranty, and best incentives in its class. I pull my trigger on March and have been satisfied after driving 1200 miles. The car looks sporty and has many functions I like. I love my ride.

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  Better the 2nd time around - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By citymauler - May 3 - 6:43 am

  This is my 2nd Lancer and so far its great. I owned a 2002 with 167,000 miles on it and never had any other issues than normal wear and tear repairs. The new 2008 Lancer by far handles better, looks better, and after all is a Mitsubishi. You can count on this car staying solid and tight when the miles get up there.