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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  Read actual consumer reviews! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mitsucommuter - November 17 - 8:26 pm

  Best car for the value. If your on the fence about the exterior and interior design compared to its competitors. Check this car out in person. It will most likely surprise you. My previous car was a mitsu galant. With everything original in tact with over 220k miles. So I know and trust their engineering. As long as you do the regular maintenance and dont submerge it under water or hit some deep pot holes at aggressive speeds this vehicle should be reliable. You should never have to rely on their warranty but its nice to have as a cushion/ peace of mind.

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  Bad sway arm linkage front and rear - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By craig r - November 15 - 7:13 pm

  I bought the car new in Nov. 03 with 300 miles on it at the dealership. I bought the exterior package, but find the exterior is not holding up too well with dents and paint chipping. I have had to have the rear struts replaced at only 20,000 mile. Under warranty. I then had to have the rear sway bar linkage kits replaced not under warranty, sounded like bowling balls rolling around very disturbing, makes for a loud ride. Now at 40,000 miles I have to replace the front sway bar linkage kits. more bowling balls! The vent fan motor is also going out when I turn the fan on, a loud grinding sound happens then it finally quiets. to say I am disappointed is an understatement. How abut that resale val

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  So So After 2 Years - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Duane - November 12 - 7:50 pm

  Overall, I still like this vehicle better than competing vehicles. However, I do have a few issues. First, the tires are horrible in snow and there are few choices available for XLS type rims. Second, already have several squeaks and rattles. Third, exterior paint scratches easily and body panels dent easily.

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  Cheap to high performance - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Michael - November 7 - 5:20 pm

  This car handles great, good on gas, to gain more horse just replace air filter with a KN filter. That will give you 12 additional horse power and if you spend an additional $150 bucks you can up the performance with an after market chip for extra 30 hp without affecting smog. Cheapest way to get performance for a very reliable car-try it!

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  Great car, great value - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bosox1001 - October 29 - 5:55 am

  I purchased mine with about 42k miles on it and a year later have it approaching 61k. Its a great car that is both practical for commuting AND fun to drive! As far as value within class, it blows away anything Honda can offer. Dont be fooled by it only being a 4 cylinder 4 speed automatic and think it has a weak engine. It gets a surprising amount of power for its engine size, but since its not a 3L V6, it gets very respectable gas mileage. Plus the tank is huge, I can get around 420+ miles per tank. The trunk is also HUGE, as I do a lot of tailgating and it can fit multiple fold-up tables, grills, wood, coolers, with room to spare. Overall, its a very great value.

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  Montero Sport Limited 4WD - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tfd - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The limited has all the power you need. It drives like a reasonably comfortable car with everything you want with a 4WD. One set of Brakes in 75,000 miles. Have the 100,000 milese Bumber to Bumber but the only thing Ive replaced was the Rear Wiper Motor. Should have saved the money. Dealer is great. I drove a loaner that was the base model that didnt ride anything like mine. Im glad I got the limited.

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  Everything is great, but - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Marioe - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed this truck, the handling is great, the reliability is awesome, but the rear suspension is weak. Going over some bumps, it feels as if there arent any schocks in the rear.

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  Dont believe the negative hype.... - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By pwernich - October 25 - 4:14 am

  I bought my 2014 Mirage with less than 5,000 miles and got a great deal. I have the blue one with the navigation/back-up camera/info-tainment system, ground effects kit, and interior ambient lighting. It is very sporty and unique looking. I average 40-45 mpgs and I am an agrressive driver. I recently drove over an hour in high winds and hard rain and the Mirage handled like a champ. It accelerates to my satisfaction and the car has a great warranty (5/60 bumper to bumper). I disagree with all those so called "experts" who bash this car. The Mirage has a low price, gets super gas mileage, and a terrific warranty. If you have reasonable expectations you wont be disappointed. Test drive one.

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  Awsome - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Lance Iliev - October 22 - 7:13 pm

  This was my first vehicle I bought last year and Im still paying for it. Ill just say if you need a vehicle made right, go to Asia. Comming close to 60,000 miles it has not failed me yet. Great ride, fun for road trips. People I have driven places have complimented me on its proformance and looks(they wish they had bought it instead of there vehicle). A few months ago I was going to try to trade it in for something with a little better gas mileage but now I would rather keep it and upgrade it if possible. Still, I love it to death and expect to get much more out of it in the comming years.

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  Nice Car - 2011 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ttreakle1 - October 17 - 5:20 am

  not a bad buy for the money as you get all the toys that come with much more expensive cars