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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  Tortured - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ozrally - December 15 - 8:43 pm

  I have owned this car since 2003 purchased for 16,000 with 22k miles on it. It now holds 180k for commute. Been in three wrecks 1) old man cut me off and I trash is bumper all I did was crack my bumper and headlight. 2 hit a dear at 50 mph and knocked paint off and 3 hit a ditch sideways at about 85 mph flew out of thedmunds - once a weeke ditch and got stuck. Just had to replace a strut and some tires. Car looks like a mess but still gets me 40 mpg. Only change oil and tires. Have not even changed spark plugs or wires or belts and still pull strong like the day I got it. Clutch went out at 90k. Fairly easy to replace myself as it was my first try at clutch replacement. I drive a year on new tires without rotation.

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  Amazing car!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rod_1 - December 14 - 10:05 pm

  This car is overall an amazing car. We bought it in 2004 with 58k on the odometer. We used it for trips and put a heavily amount of miles on the car. This car has lasted us a long while until the radiator busted a hole due to the fan going out. The car had too many miles on it to even bother putting money into it but the car now has 275k on the odometer last time we looked and has lasted a very long while. Weve put a few dings and bruises on the car due to a dog jumping out in front of us and a go kart smashing into the side of it but it still went. Its protected us in many other situations too. I would recommend this car for anyone. We are looking for another one. Best car we ever owned!

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  Mits GTZ - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sprcoop - December 13 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive with gas mileage that improved with age

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  Great Truck but poor Resale Value - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By a333f - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 3000 GT for my MS. Love the truck but am shocked at how the trucks value has fallen off the charts. Other than that its a great vehicle.

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  Exceptional value for the money. Awesome - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wingedliberty - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I am somewhat biased, since this is my fourth Mitsubishi and I am very brand loyal, and this is for a reason, since these are great cars for the money in styling, performance,and reliability. I like to stick with a good thing, and this is a great car.

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  Best kept Secret - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Carolyn - December 13 - 9:20 am

  I just recently bought my Diamante, actually it is my first luxury car. I found the Diamante to be afforable for what it offers. The gas mileage is a little less than what I had expected and the steering can be improved. In the aspect of accerlation I was pleasantly surprised. I find the car fun to drive but am always asked "Who makes the Daimante?" I do have to admit that I am pleased that the road is not over crowded with them, so they do stand put more and I often catch people galncing over and checking out the car.

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  Finally - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By michal - December 12 - 12:00 pm

  The car drives more like a nice size sedan than an SUV. Grips the road nicely and takes corners well. Seating takes a little to get use to but once you find your spot and adjust your seat it feels great. Excellaration-just breaking the car in-you get a good response (a little delay) when you hit the gas pedal. Im getting about 24.7 mpg at speeds of about 70 to 75.

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  Great Mid-size SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jedidude75 - December 10 - 9:30 am

  We recently purchased a 2007 Outlander with everything, navigation, the Rockford Fosgate speakers, Bluetooth, 4 wheel drive, XLS and sunroof. The vehicle is a steal for its price! The navigation needs some map upgrades, but overall this SUV is excellent!

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  No surprise why named KING OF OFFROAD - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By bigk - December 8 - 10:16 pm

  The ride is so luxurious almost non-SUV like. The quality of material used is superior to all other vehicles in its class. For the price you will be happier than the Acura, Lexus RL300 and by all means happier than pathfinder, 4runner, explorer.... Test drive one for yourself and see the difference. I bought it on great reviews. Countries like Australia and China use this as their offroad vehicle of choice.

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  Made in Illinois POS - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Danno - December 8 - 9:57 am

  Pros: decent on gas. Small. Cons: Small. Unreliable: In less than 3000 miles, this vehicle developed a transmission shudder (CVT), the airbag and seat belt warnings came on, and finally the tire pressure warnings came on. Comfort: Its horridly uncomfortable for an average American. Suspension bottoms out when the vehicle is loaded, and It doesnt have anywhere near the ground clearance needed. Obviously not designed for anything off road - not recommended at all. The Outlander might be an upsize for small-statured folks in the country of origin, but if youre over 6 or 250 lbs, fuggettaboutit. Convenience: The sunvisors dont extend. Theres no aux audio input for an mp3 player. The A/C is weak and cant cope with 105 degree days. Bluetooth does pair up with your phone quickly and phone calls work good. Performance: Nonexistent from idle to 3500 rpm. The throttle needs gouged to spin the motor to redline. Highway passes made easily but the car sounds like its coming apart when flogged. Transmission shifts are atrocious and a pronounced driveline shudder appeared in the first month. Safety: given the cramped quarters in the foot area, in the event of a frontal crash, youd be pinned in the car with two broken legs. Given that the airbag lights came on in the first three months of use, the car seems like a death trap waiting to spring. Reliability: nonexistent. The car accumulated more issues every month. Dealers are only located in metropolitan areas, for us a 150 mile drive. Overall: We turned this POS back into GSA and pray they dont ever, ever issue this model to anyone else.