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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  The best value for your money!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SWERVIN - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This car by far has one of the most powerful V6 engines and has smooth ride to go with it. Not to mention the great warranty that the car offers. 10YR/100k MILES POWERTRAIN, 5YR/60k BUMPER TO BUMPER, 3YR/45K FREE MAINTENANCE!!!!! No car out has this strong of a warranty. The redesigned looks of the car will definetly stand out of the crowd.

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  2003 galant V6 - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gina - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive! Looks nice and has a great stereo. I get a lot of compliments and looks. My neighbor thought it was a Lincoln LS. I love that it has keyless entry and a moonroof.

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  This is a Home Run for Mitsubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ryan - April 1 - 1:16 pm

  We test drove the Toyota RAV4 v6, Nissan Murano, and the Outlander XLS. After reading a lot of positive reviews of the RAV4 we test test drove it and it was a bit of a let down. The engine was great however everything else was not. The interior design is very old ladyish. My wife and I agreed on this. Also, the great gas mileage that the RAV4 sports is offset by the required premium fuel which translates into a 2.5 miles per gallon reduction from 29 to about 26-27 mpg when price adjusted for premium fuel when compared to outlanders regular unleaded needs. The Nissan Murano was nice, but way too expensive and interior felt too ritzy and not sporty enough.

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  Montero Sport review - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Bobby Edmondson - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had very good success with my Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I have driven primarily road miles and have over 90,000 miles on the auto. Have had only minor problems(electric antenna not functioning). Otherwise, all has worked as advertised. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Montero Sport and intend to continue driving it.

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  Too bad its overlooked - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Charlie B - March 30 - 2:00 am

  So far I have really been more than satisfied owning this vehicle. It handles well and is comfortable. I like its distinctive looks. Iread many reviews while doing my research and I find that it exceeds all expectations. I will certainly look to Mitsubishi for future purchases.

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  Montero sport - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rodrigo hernandez - March 29 - 1:33 pm

  Great SUV -- no mechanical problems, but problems with cross winds at highway speeds.

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  Fun to Drive and Dependable! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jamster3 - March 27 - 5:04 am

  I bought my lancer brand new 6 years ago. It has 110K miles and still runs great! In that time, I took good care of it (nothing extreme), but I replaced the air filter at least once a year, changed the oil about every 5500 miles. Have had 3 sets of tires, changed the front brakes and battery once. Changed the transmission oil twice and thats about it. I still get between 30-32 miles on the highway and about 22 around town. The car has great torque for what it is. Though its not a luxury vehicle (especially the interior), when Im at a stop light, sometimes its hard to tell if the car is still running. thats how good the engine still is.

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  great ride - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By bomber - March 25 - 2:00 am

  fun reliable driving machine. getting decent milage

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  Fun, Quality Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Deideldorfer - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Despite having only 120HP, this car is surprisingly quick; it must be due to the 130ft-lbs of torque. This is the most comfortable car Ive owned, with lots of leg room up front, and a big trunk. All devices are well-positioned and easy to use. Interior and exterior styling is a little bland, but classy.

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  Great car, but.... - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bordell - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Outlander in November 2002. I love the styling, performance, comfort, and braking of the car. Acceleration is good too, not sure where Edmonds and Car and Driver got theirs from but mine is peppy. I have had a problem with the car drifting to the right ever since I got it. It has been back to the dealer 4 times to get corrected but they have not been able to get it right. They tell me that there may be a recall on Outlanders to correct this problem when Mitsubishi gets the fix in a few weeks. Have any other owners had this problem? Let me know. I have had no other problems, I really do like the car.