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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  Still happy after 2 years - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jk - January 29 - 1:00 pm

  Pretty much love the car. Its been able to do everything Ive asked of it. People still comment on how cool it looks. Pickup is excellent.

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  Underated - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Pancho - January 28 - 12:38 am

  I am very happy with my purchase. It feels like a luxury vehicle without the high price and it has a better waranty than a Lexus.

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  My best SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By donwoj - January 27 - 9:03 am

  I now have 126,000 miles on my Montero Limited. I have not had a single problem with it. It is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. I need a good off road vehicle that is comfortable for my daily commute. The Montero is awsome off road. I put around 1,000 off pavement miles on it annually and it kicks butt. It was born to be driven in dirt, mud, and snow. It has great storage. I take the third seat out and use the compartment for storing camping and hunting gear year round. I cant get rid of it because it still feels new. My dilema is that they will quit making them after 2006. I made up my mind that I will always own one, but I guess Mitsubishi messed that up for me.

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  03 galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By zc - January 27 - 3:46 am

  bought the car at 60,000 and now have 140,000, no major problems yet. peppy for a 4 banger (with a cold air intake) and smoothest tranny ive ever felt. got brakes, tires and a tune up at 100,000 and with regular oil changes have had no problems. over all great car.

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  Still lovin it - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bobbi - January 26 - 9:33 pm

  I have a 95 BMW 325is and I think this car is more fun to drive. Its comfortable, sporty. I drive like a bat outta hell (75-80 mph, highway) and I still get 25 mpg. Love the body style too! I would highly recommend it.

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  Good looking, reliable car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Emma - January 25 - 3:16 pm

  I love my car, the appearance especially. It could be a little more fuel efficient, but I am happy with the reliability so far.

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  The Car Lasts - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kevint - January 25 - 1:33 pm

  I have owned this 2001 Galant since November of 2000. For just routine maintenance over the last 142,000 it has been pretty good. It will be needing a new AC compressor. The car has a sporty look to it but it is not a SPORTS car.

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  Four months after buying and still loving it - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rob - January 20 - 4:09 pm

  We shopped for a year before deciding on the 2016 outlander sel. When we started our search the "Mitsu", as my wife calls it, wasnt even on the list. One reason it didnt make the list was the horrible reviews from "experts". After looking for a while we narrowed it down to the Nissan Rogue and the 2016 Mazda CX-9. The main requirements we had was a three row SUV that got decent gas mileage. Well once pricing came out on the cx9 that pretty much ruled that vehicle out. We owned a 2008 cx9 and loved it and really liked the new design but the sticker price combined with the mediocre gas mileage with premium fuel was just too much. So we test drove the rogue and actually really liked the way it drove but the options on the mid level trim were slim for the price. The mid level is the only trim with 3 rows and leather isnt even an option. So we decided to try the outlander and drive it the same day. I didnt think it drove as well as the rogue but it had a few things going for it. 1. It was bigger, much bigger in the 3rd row 2. It got basically the same mpg even with the increased size. 3. It had a TON more options including leather, sub woofer, moonroof, led lights... 4. It was cheaper than the Nissan. We were sold. There are some complaints. The average mpg gauge resets after 8 or so hours so you dont actually get the average mpg per tank. The handling is ok but not great, 2008 cx9 was better. Thought it had led daytime running lights but its just led parking lights in the front. Infotainment center is a little behind the times, still works fine but hard to navigate. Things we really like: third row is fine for kids even our 12 year old. Gas mileage we average around 28 but constantly get over 30 mpg on highway trips. The subwoofer is awesome, great stereo. The warranty was an added bonus especially when compared to the competition. The power is sufficient, I know many reviews talk about the lack of power but most parents dont actually need a 8 second 0-60 time, they prefer savings at the pump and I appreciate the fact Mitsubishi recognizes that. We leave ours in Eco mode and are more than happy with the acceleration. So the short version, if you need a 3 row suv that gets great gas mileage and has a long list of features, make sure to test drive an outlander.

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  One Great Little Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Herbertt - January 19 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased this car as an anniversary gift for my wife. Shes an immigrant who has never owned a car before. So, I wanted her first car to be a special one. Safety, ease of handling and parking, roominess, having good power but not too overwhelming, overall value, powered features like keyless entry, remote mirrors and such were very important features. The Lancer LS beat the Civics, Corollas, Mazdas, Ions, Neons and Ford competitors hands down in cost, value for the buck and in standard equipment! The competitors charge $1,000s more in options for what the Lancer LS offers as standard. My wife loves her car and I drive it often too. A very comfortable car, even for my 7 3" tall frame.

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  Both Rich and Smooth - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DKReviewer - January 19 - 2:43 am

  The new body design is amazing as well as the interior. Driving the car is fun, handles very well, has great acceleration but the trans is not always in the right gear, once in manual mode the paddle shifters make it a whole new ride. Even with four fairly hefty passengers it performs well. Love the exhaust note on XLS, resembles my G35 (6gr-manual). The interior has a clean and inovative look to it with clever storage everywhere and crafty 3rd row seats. Soft cloth seats are comfortable and hold you in surprisingly well, and the std sound system is great. The keyless entry makes the car so much sweeter. Overall, nice car, great buy. Mitsubishi has done well.