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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  Better Than the Rest - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Greg Sampson - June 2 - 4:53 pm

  Ive driven my Montero for over 33,000 miles now and love it as much as the day I bought it. The exterior styling is attractive and the interior is just plain beautiful with high quality materials and design layout. It will haul a ton of gear with the back seats down and go almost anywhere. I am pleased with the acceleration, braking, handling and fuel economy (about 21 mpg on long trips). Check it on Edmunds.com against the other 2003 competition, like the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Chevy (any of their SUVs), Nissan Pathfinder and even Toyota 4Runner. None rate higher in customer satisfaction. It is just an overall better vehicle. I have never had a problem with it.

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  Blk 07 Outlander (my perfect fit!) - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By qqt414 - June 1 - 9:33 pm

  After doing much research on the CR-V, RAV4, and other small SUVs, I finally chose the 07 Outlander and after a few thousand miles of driving I feel I definitely made the right choice. Love the sporty exterior and interior styling as well as features such as the Rockford system (best system in the class by far) and the great fold down tailgate design that I have used a lot. Also you get the best leather in the class plus all the tech gadgets that make me happy. Sporty handling, well weighted steering, and a joy to drive. Decent fuel economy compared with RAV4 and CR-V, but the benefits definitely outweigh! Test drive it and you will be surprised!

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  A hidden jem - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Kristen - June 1 - 12:12 pm

  I was concerned bc I havent heard a lot about the outlander from people I know - no news is good news. I needed the 3rd row in a small SUV and the Rogue seemed too tight and blah interior. thats how I stumbled upon the outlander. I just drive around town and to work so professional caliber handling is lost on me. What I want is comfort, great mileage . Reliability in the snow , attractive inside and out, and a good price The outlander delivers!

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  Great decision to get one - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By jun - May 31 - 5:06 pm

  Its really a great experience for having a Montero which I just get 2 weeks ago. Ive been driving my daughters new Pilot, and its so amazing to know & feel the driving comfort of my 2004 Montero almost the same.

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  Impressive Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lhvang - May 31 - 7:46 am

  I own the GTS 4-door sedan CVT. First off, I have owned my car for a little over 2 months now. This car is great overall. I have the nav package w/sun and sound, and those things are just amazing. Dont get the car without it. The bluetooth for mobile phones isnt perfect, but its a great addition to the car. People can hear me clearly, just at a low volume. Also, the car handles like a dream. I havent driven it in snow, but its great in the rain. Ive driven other cars in rain and always feel like Im going to lose control, but not with this car. Also, the mpg is better than the advertised value. I am averaging 28 mpg city driving. This car is one thats worth checking out!

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  Nice Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ejp - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for about a year and am very satisfied with it. It is a relatively inexpensive car that rides well. I previously owned a 1997 Galant and was satisfied with it as well.

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  2003 montero sport ES - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By john92346 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with this SUV. I took it on a 1600 miles round trip from California to Colorado and back with 3 to 4 passengers continually. It performed very well. Great gas mileage as well on the trip.

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  One Hot Car!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GQqt - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I am an 18 year old and have already owned 4 cars, and no, the others were not wrecked! My third car was a 1994 Mitsubishi Galant ES, and I loved it! Great styling, ride (a biggie!), good gas mileage, and at 130K, no problems at all, just regular maintenance. I honestly think the Galant is under rated a lot! My Galants are the best cars I have ever owned, and many in my family. Galant is just as capable as an Accord or Camry with better styling, more standard options, and a better ride and performer. It would be nice, though, to have a little bit more rear seat leg room. Otherwise, this is a really HOT car!!!

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  2002 Eclipse - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bink21_2000 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I like this car. I also own a 2001 Honda Prelude and the Eclipse, while not as fast or sleek looking, is darn good. The V6 can almost keep up. The interior is nice and the body style is kind of muscly, which I like. My only complaints would be that the doors are very large and heavy and are always falling on me getting in and out. And there is absolutely no head room in the backseat. But then it is a hatchback.

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  It IS fun to drive - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wlahee - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Although there are a lot of other eclipses on the road today, you can still turn heads with this car. Right out of the box it is fun to drive, but for "tuners" like myself, there are TONS of upgrade options. The only complaint I have is that some interior components are not of the highest quality, but the car makes up for it with the exterior style and fun factor when driving.