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 Midsized car around!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jimmy_cali - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of the best cars around with the best V6 in its class. And also best in class torque (250). it also sprints to 0-60 in 6.5 secs. i dont see honda or toyota near that!!

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  2nd Gen Pajero is the best 4wd Montero. - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By defenderone - October 11 - 5:30 pm

  I have to consciously analyze this 4wd vehicle on all weather & terrain condition & use the appropriate Super Select 4wd to give an honest, without kidding myself review. It is AWESOME!! Believe me coming from an 05 Jeep TJ, I love everything about this Pajero, Montero whatevero! Comfy on the rockies like your on hoola hoops. You have to know the limits, yeah! or else youll be swimming up or yelling Geronimoooooo!!

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  Fantastic car for the money - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Burford60 - October 11 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car back in April for my 17 year old son as his first vehichle. He absolutely loves the car. I purchased this car because car insurance was good for a starting driver, its warranty is great, and the car has great quality. I purchased it with the sun and sound package and the sound is unbelievable. The car rides pretty nicely, especially for an entry level car, its no Mercedes for sure, but it has great handling. I read many reviews on Edmunds and Consumer Reports before considering this car. It was a great choice and Consumer Reports is always right. Overall, I would give this car a 10/10.

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  Great Car to own - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Kim - October 10 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car relatively new (36K), and have never, ever had an issue with it. Lacks the power I need in the mountains, but otherwise on the highway and in town, is perfect. People have told me never to buy a car the first year its developed, but this may be the best car I will ever own. Reliable, beautiful, spacious, I will drive it until it no longer drives.

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  Good Overall Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By joeb1966 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  We originally were planning on purchasing a Suburban or Expedition. For thoroughness we decided to test drive a Montero. The refined styling, smooth performance and excellent visibility were instantly apparent. We have been pleased with our purchase. The Montero handles well in the ice/snow, has adequate power to get up to the Mountains for skiing and has good cargo capacity without being overly bulky like a Suburban. This vehicle feels like a Toyota Landcruiser for $25K less.

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  Good Japanese Car for Great Price! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By TomCat - October 10 - 2:00 am

  So far I am very pleased with my new Lancer! It rides very comfortably, performs well for a 4-cylinder, and there are plenty of standard features for the price. I added a color-keyed spoiler and tint at the dealership at no cost!!! The Diamond White Pearl paint is beautiful! Cant wait to go on a road trip.

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  Why are there not more? - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Babs8 - October 3 - 11:46 am

  It baffles me that I dont see more of these on the road. Every time I tell someone about my new car, theyve never heard of it. But then they see it and they love it! I researched vehicles in this segment obsessively, while I waited for the Cash for Clunkers deal to go into effect- I had been driving a 99 Jeep Cherokee for the past 7 years and when the A/C broke, it was time to go. While I never considered myself into features (the Jeep had hardly any), I am amazed at how many features I got on the Outlander for the price. Far better deal than any of the competitors. After 2 months of driving I can proudly say that I have absolutely no buyers remorse. Love it!

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By klas - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  Ive compared them all, (RAV4, CR-V, Santa Fe, CX-7, etc.) and as soon as I test drove Outlander I fell in love. Its not just the styling, but everything else you get for the price. Go and price it!

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  Mitsubishi Outlander Lease Experience - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By hunh - October 1 - 9:44 am

  The car was fine; the company is quite slimy. They did not respond to complaint letters. Then they tried to bill me thousands in phony repairs. They also tried to charge a late fee. The car was returned late because the person they asked me to contact was on vacation for two weeks. Then he turned out to be a slaesman from Mitsubishi trying to sell me a new car. What a mess!

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  Love My Sportback; Gets Me Everywhere - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By lighthouse333 - September 28 - 6:29 pm

  Buying this car was a major improvement for me, and I previously owned a luxury sedan. The Lancer is extremely practical, I can easily sit five people and maintain ample comfort room, and in back I can store a great amount of groceries and packages (one of the many pros of having a wagon). I am around 112k miles and the Lancer hasnt failed me once, even when missing an oil change every now and then. Aside from the common Lancer issue with the climate control knob breaking, I havent had to put much money into the car. Thanks to the reliability of my Mitsubishi I am definitely going to look into purchasing another from this company! (: