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:

• 

  My old, boring, and outdated ride - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bookieyawan - March 8 - 9:30 pm

  This car may be fast because of its engine. My father thinks this is the best car he has ever had. This car may have a powerful engine I agree, but in my opinion I would say that I dont like this car too much. The reason is that this car has shown its age already. Go anywhere like hotels, restaurants, or even just shopping malls. Many of the cars I see are new or younger than this banger. Every time this car is in use I feel Im lagging behind because this car is old while those people they have fairly or brand new cars.This car is outdated already. We have a 2004 Dodge Durango but we seldom use it because its a gas guzzler. We also have 2004 Camry but my father says this is much nicer to drive.

• 

  Outlander Review - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Regggie - March 7 - 6:13 am

  I was very fortuanate to get a vehicle that has a wood like interior. I added a muffler tip and a chrome license plate frame. Which really adds to beauty. The vehicle sits pretty low to the ground which allows it to ride like a car, but it is still an SUV. I would reccomend this vehicle to any other. Its a great vehicle because I can fit my bike in it and still have room for freinds.

• 

  MY 2004 LANCER - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JLD2004 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY LANCER 2 WEEKS AGO. BEFORE I BOUGHT IT I OWNED A VW JETTA . THEY BOTH HAVE THE SAME FEATURES BUT THE LANCER IS ALOT CHEAPER TO BUY AND THE SALESMAN ARE VERY HELPFUL. ALTHOUGH THERE A FEW THINGS I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE LANCER, OVERAL ITS A GREAT CAR TO OWN. AND THE VW JETTA IS THE WORST CAR TO OWN NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE MANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS BUT THE SALESMAN AND VW CREDIT ARE THE RUDEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET.

• 

  03 RS Eclipse still running fine - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mutt - March 4 - 12:46 am

  Its been a fun car with enough acceleration to drive however you want (manual transmission). With only a 4 banger, it gets almost "green car" gas mileage. A perfect blend of mpg and acceleration. When I test drove the automatic, it didnt respond how I wanted to drive. Its easy to work on, the spark plugs and oil changes are easy access. Its had 112,000 miles driven in about 5 years. No problems with regular maintrnance. Now if only my wife would learn to drive stick shift.

• 

  Everthing I was searching for! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nels79 - February 24 - 4:57 pm

  After searching high and low for a family car, I came across the Outlander. I was tipped off by being the chosen brand for the Paris/Dakar endurance race as the support vehicles being that they were champs 10y in a row. That said, I wanted something that you dont see passing by you 50 times a day on the road. Its a pretty unique SUV. This is my first SUV but Im familiar with the Jeeps and Murano. So far I am very please with it, I got the lower end 4C engine for better gas economy. Still had all the power I need on and off the road. The paddle shifts work great when you need to downshift and take off! Snow, rain, sand and mud. No Problem! Great features and fuel economy at good price tag!

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steven E - February 22 - 4:26 am

  This is my first Galant, its not a bad car at all. Its fun to drive and the trunk space is great. The rear seats have a lot of room!

• 

  Great Car, but no EVO - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RSGJR - February 14 - 8:36 am

  The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally is an absolutely great and economic car to purchase, but do not expect high performance. Its a little above average in handling and comfort, but without ABS, traction control, and more than 120 horsepower - it is lacking. I love it and wish I was a mechanic because I would do an engine swap.

• 

  Great Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By browneyes - February 11 - 1:06 pm

  This is my second Mitsubishi and I love it. I previously owned a 1996 model and recently bought a 2003 Galant ES. The car looks brand new, the interior design is a little boring but I like the feel of the seats. Its accelaration is fair. This car comes standard with a lot of great features like keyless entry, CD player, power locks, windows, brakes, cruise control, etc. The air conditioning is great! Ive only had this particular model for two days, but Ive had the 1996 model for about seven years.

• 

  Good value - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By roger - February 11 - 4:30 am

  I purchased the 2003 Outlander AWD new and have only had oil changes, tires and a couple recalls since. Its been a very reliable, versatile and economical vehicle.

• 

  Best value compact SUV - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By zagno83 - February 10 - 12:02 pm

  We just picked up an SE model with a lot of accessories including leather, it is a 2012 model in pearl white. After a bout 2 weeks of testing cars and reading reviews, this is IMO the best value out there, i always liked MITSU. product and this car has a great design and a host of cool features for a very good price and fuel economy. Dont trust the so called "expert" reviews, they are too severe with it, but if u read the consumers reviews they are very good. When i first test drove the car it felt slow, sluggish and noisy, well it is a lil bit, however after a long second test drive i realize that it takes time to learn this CVT transmission. Overall best value out there!!!!