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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  First Car and an SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Lily - December 8 - 12:33 pm

  I love the way the Mitsubishi Outlander handles on unpaved roads in good and bad weather, even in more than a foot of snow. It is roomy from front to back but could use a little more headroom, even when the seat is totally down. Also, its gas mileage could be better. It does zero to sixty in about 10 seconds which is sluggish in some situations but livable. It has a smooth ride at any speed. It is the first vehicle I purchased on my own and I wanted an SUV. I bought it used from a car rental company where it was well maintained. My maintence costs have been low. It is large enough for what I need and small enough that it is easy to park without taking up extra space. Sometimes it gets hidden behind other bigger SUVs in mall parking lots!

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  New Purchase - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Sibs - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Narrowed choices to the Outlander or the Honda CRV. Drove both. Did not like the CRV at all. Good pep, but why anyone would put the hand brake on the dash is beyond me. Didnt like the dash layout at all. The headrest on the backseat of the CRV almost completely blocked your view when backing. Wife and I both have bad backs. The seats in the Outlander are great. We like the dash layout. The Outlander had almost everything we wanted as standard equipment. Salesman was great. Look forward to enjoying the Outlander.

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  Great wagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By mbm99 - December 4 - 11:43 am

  I just purchased this leftover, brand new 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart. I have no complaints at all after my first 600 miles. Its fuel economy could be better (23 city / 30 highway), for a 4-cylinder car, but its much better than the Dodge Durango that I tradedin for it. This is a much nicer vehicle than the Mazda3 or Toyota Matrix that I was considering before I found it.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Eric - November 29 - 4:43 am

  The Outlander has car-like handling with no bad manners. This vehicle is easy to drive, park and has good visability. I am very impressed with the quiet ride on the highway. There is no wind noise and the seats are comfortable. Its ride is stiff but very very solid. Its controls are simple. The 2.4L engine offers adequate power and is smooth. The transmission is also well matched to the engine and shifts smoothly, sport mode is great in town and with the cruise on it prevents downshifts. The stock 4 speaker stereo is average. The rear seats recline and that helps when installing a car seat. All Wheel Drive has no computer management like a Subaru but still helps in the snow. My truck has not had one problem in 25,000 miles.

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  Poor Black Paint and cracking dashboard - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durbolie - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Oxidized paint and 3 cracks in the dashboard. Black eclipse with oxidized paint. been painted now a few times by the dealership ( contracted out ). Paint is not oxidized, but still looks bad. dashboard still has 3 cracks, but the dealership states the heat from the southeastern US caused it. anyone else with these problems...contact Mitsubishi and complain.

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  A Lot More Truck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Bird50 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Was shopping for a Jeep Liberty and ended up with a Mitz MS LTD for less money and at 0%. Such a deal! Sorry Jeep, you loose.

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  Bad Rear window glass! It will Blow out! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 1 Unhappy Customer - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Buyer Beware! The back glass in my 2003 Eclipse blew out due to a defected glass. The dealer and the manufacturer both refuses to replace it. The wonderful bumper to bumper warrenty is worthless!I had three experts all declare in writing the glass was defective from the factory and yet the dealer and manufacturer refuses to help me.I WILL NOT consider another purchase from them. Also before another person doesnt make the same mistake, I hope they will do a search on "MITSUBITSHI COMPLAINTS"and save themselves a lot of grief!

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  Great Sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sasha - November 18 - 1:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle with a little over 16,000 miles on it. It was absolutely great for these past 2.5 years. I did not have even one minor problem with it. Its gas mileage should be a little bit better, but overall this was a great car for the money.

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  Slightly disappointed - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Adren - November 15 - 10:36 pm

  Going from my 2000 Eclipse GT to this car was a big difference, especially the power and acceleration, I am satisfied with everything but the power, I wish they offered a larger engine or gave the 2.0 a smaller version turbo compared to the EVOs, but other than that, as stated, I am satisfied with this car... for now.

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  rattle box - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By goldie - November 12 - 2:00 am

  caris a rattle box all over. Wind nosie at all all speed. Poor gas mileage