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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  Galant ES - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MIKES - November 24 - 1:43 am

  The only thing I dont like is the material they use for the dashboard and upper door panel. It is very hard to clean the rough surface. Other than that it is a great car averaging 22 mpg city and 30 on hwy. 4 cylinder is plenty powerful enough.

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  Great Wheels - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cjf 06/29/2010 - November 23 - 7:13 am

  This is my first Galant. I have to say Im impressed. Ive only owned it 3 months but it seems like this car is well put together. I must say I dont at all agree with the Edmunds OR Consumer Reports reviews. They seem exceedingly harsh. Although I would have preferred a 6 cyl the 4 cyl is quite adequate. Ok. It might not leap like a race car but it has a lot of pep for a 4 cyl. Handling and response is excellent. And, yes, the engine is slightly noisy at times but its not loud by any means. The ride is very steady, smooth and even. The interior very stylish and the radio sounds great. As far as the quality of the controls. Everybody uses plastic these days. Seats are comfortable too.

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  Had a 2007 this is a major improvement. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Lowsidr - November 23 - 2:22 am

  My 07 had 233,000 miles on it and still ran as well as it did when new. It was by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned and thats what led me to the new 2016 Outlander SEL. The new Outlander is entirely a different animal. Its so much quieter and the ride quality is vastly improved as are the materials used for the interior and soundproofing. This new Outlander is QUIET, the old 07 was noisey, tons of road noise and wind roar, virtually eliminated in this new 2016. Fuel economy is impressive, we are averaging a solid 27 combined and have seen as high as 32mpg while cruising open back-roads at 50-60mph. Hopefully once its broken in a bit the fuel economy will rise a bit as we are only getting about 27 on the highway at around 75mph. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is really nice, a bit muddy and punchy compared to my Mercedes E-350 but Its not really fair to compare a 60k vehicle to this, for the price point you would be hard pressed to do much better. The exterior looks nice but to me all crossovers look about the same, the 18" alloys are a nice touch though. The 2.4 motor coupled with the re-programmed CVT is lackluster but functional. I miss the power of the old 6cyl in the 07 but I dont miss the appalling fuel economy that came along with it. For our purposes the 2.4 will be just fine and we have zero issue merging onto the expressway or overtaking. Comparing the two models the 2016 just blows the 07 out of the water, its a huge improvement. As for comparing it to other crossovers, I just spent a day driving around in a 2017 Subaru Outback. The Outback was much more peppy and its CVT more refined. Ride quality was better, it has a more substantial solid feeling as far as the suspension goes but road noise was about the same and the cabin was nothing to write home about, I think the Outlander is superior and more comfortable along with feeling significantly larger with a higher more commanding ride. Considering how much more the Outback sells for I am VERY happy with the Mitsubishi Outlander, it represents one hell of a bargain at $22k and if it holds up as well as our 07 we will be incredibly happy owners.

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  Great Car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EclipseRacer - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Got this Eclipse for 16th birthday...was look in at Integra but this car gets way more looks...this car is also more fun to drive handles well..for a heavy car...could use more acceleration power..so ive added a catback exhaust, and Aem cold air intake...and the Infinity System kicks

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  Great Vehicle, Great Value - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By floridamonty - November 21 - 11:03 pm

  We bought our 2002 Montero XLS used in Dec. 2005 and are coming up soon on a year of ownership. We love the way it drives and it has plenty of power to tow my 4,000 lb. trailer when we go camping. We looked at plenty of other SUVs, but the used cost of these are so low when compared that you really get a lot of bang for your buck on this. The bad news for me...my wife gets to drive it most of the time and Im stuck with our 2dr SUV (though Im actually in the process of looking for another used Montero to replace the 2dr SUV I have to drive).

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  Montero Delivers - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By radio - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This rig has been a blast to drive. You wont find a bigger sunroof. Great warranty. Monteros fit in the garage; yet roomier than most other bigger models that cant. Sleek, cool, sophisticated dash. Great visiblity. Awesome stereo and handling. Terrific value for the money. Distincitve styling. Doesnt look like every other SUV on the road

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  best bang for the buck - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mickey Mantle - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my first SUV experience with the Outlander. I was not looking for an off the road vehicle but for good gas mileage, ability to transport goods from time to time and comfortable ride. I got it all with the Outlander. It has decnet acceleration but I dont want a car to go 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. I am a point A to B type of guy and this Outlander has suited me well. Gas mileage is 25 or better with mostly highway miles. I am a big guy and I am quite comfortable in the drivers seat. Passengers have remarked they are very cozy in the passenger seats. I looked quite a bit before I bought and the Outlander has worked well for me!

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  Good car only have had for a day though - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy Owner16 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good car to buy used we bought it with 41k for $7500 although it has been repaired in the past. A very good amount of standard features and very fun to drive. The back seat is cramped but as long as you scoot the seats up a little its fine. Very nice looking exterior and easy to use interior.

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  excellent car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By kenhalts - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the money with a vary good warranty.

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  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dan Dodge - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Great for the price. Had the car about 7 months. Great styling and gets alot of looks. Have only had to take it in for oil changes.