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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  Stealth Cruiser - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By X-Honda guy - March 28 - 9:46 pm

  Youll have a grin on your face and people will wonder why... I bought a new 2004 Galant LS (MSRP $21,992) for less than a Corolla or Civic, I recieved Customer/Loyalty rebates of $5,000 plus another $2,200 from the dealer delivered LS for $14,800. ReSale is a non-issue now. Its not a boring ride, its fast, handles well in corners. It loves snow and mountain roads. It has an attitude lurking under that mild mannered exterior. Gets good mileage (23+) and not a penny from me for maintanence (Free!). Pearl red paint is Candy apple in the sun. For giggles just place your right foot all the way down transforming your Ho Hum commute into an amusement park ride. Wheee!

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  Best Buy Out There - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By GranDan - March 28 - 8:03 pm

  The Mitsubishi Outlander is the best car that I have ever owned in 36 years of car ownership. Its dependable, fuel efficient, has a comfotable ride, and sporty style. Change the oil...fill it with gas...and enjoy. My Outlander has not had any problems in 31,000 miles.

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  Pedigree... - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DakarFan - March 28 - 10:00 am

  How many SUVs can really claim the Paris-Dakar title. In the 2002 season alone, BMW X5; Mercedes ML-320, 430, 500; Land Cruiser etc. did not even come close. Top 6 positions were Monteros/Pajeros. The rest of the world knows what Im talkin about. The Aussies named it the best SUV in 2001, and they know their "outback". Around town its drives better than the 97 LS I used to own. Yes, it does need more power for its weight. So, I changed the cat-back exhaust and intake system. Now, I eat Ford Explorers alive! Now, if I could only get a hold on Ralliart suspensions....

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  Best compact suv - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Valerie - March 28 - 6:22 am

  I had a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander but wanted a smaller suv with 4wd option. I looked at Honda HRV, Mazda CX5, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage and none even compare to the Outlander Sport. My requirements are good stereo and satellite radio. You have to buy top of the line trims with the others to get this. The SE trim also has push button entry which is a great safety feature and means no searching for keys. The chrome on the front makes it look expensive. The AC is very cold which is awesome because we are having record high temps this summer. Lets not forget the 5 year warranty and roadside assistance (which I never used on my last one). Please ignore the "expert" reviews and look at consumer reviews for past years.

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  Love my 2007 Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lessygirl84 - March 26 - 12:01 am

  I bought my 2007 Outlander from a Mitsubishi dealership in 2010. It was a used rental car and I was really concerned when I bought it but I have read so many wonderful things about them so I took a chance. The only thing I have done to it is maintinence. I have changed the oil, bought new tires, and changed the transmission fluid. It runs smooth and has almost 90k miles on it. My mechanic/Uncle said he was very impressed by how clean the undercarriage is. (It takes a lot to impress him) At Christmas my mother told me that I couldnt possibly fit my three children including my infant, in the car with their bikes and presents but I did. It wasnt cramped but there was not a ton of room left

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  2007 Mitsubishi Galant - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By galant07 - March 25 - 12:46 pm

  This car is a bargain with a capital "B". I got mine with the sport package (alloy wheels, Rockford stereo w/changer and steering wheel controls, Sirius, spoiler and upgraded lights, security system). Handling is regarded as the best of the mid-sizers and the seats and legroom are fantastic (and Im 63"). Another 20 hp would be nice, but hey, Im getting 27 mpg with a city/hwy mix and its peppy enough for most driving. The stereo is just unbelievable and the manual shift mode is f-u-n.

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  2004 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Matthew A Weldon - March 25 - 10:00 am

  All around excellent vehicle. I have owned it only for a month, but I am enjoying it. Mileage could be better.

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  I like it - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By caral - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I use my vehicle to haul all sorts of equipment as well as landscape materials. It has a lot of room with the fold down read seats. I only wish the back of seats and floor area in the back were carpet rather than the felt-like material. Very hard to clean. Been very reliable, with no problems whatsoever.

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  Great Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Carol - March 24 - 6:33 pm

  I have really enjoyed this car for almost 8 years now. Driven all over the US. Good mileage, low maintenance, changed the oil every 3000 miles. Still has another 100000 in it. Will keep it as a second car.

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  Excellent Purchase - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By gguillot - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Diamante LS new in Spring of 2001. I have not had a single problem or failure with the car, with the exception of the stock tires. I replaced them at 55k miles with Bridgestone Turanzas and the car handles like a sports car. After 62k miles, the car is still like new - tight and solid.