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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  2006 Outlander AWD - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Craig - June 25 - 5:20 pm

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander SE has lots of pep and power, it is fun to drive, and a good-looking SUV. How about an avarage gas mileage of 25 MPG? Sweet. These are really hard to get at the dealer and turns lots of heads on the street, well thought out design. My wife now wants one!

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  Mitsu. does not back their product! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mcarm - June 21 - 9:30 am

  Bought in 07-Drawn in by the great new design I decided to give Mitsu a chance. They were rude from the start and never should have bought this car. Had problems with tires, window leaking, sunroof, the car pulls to the left, TERRIBLY CHEAP paint- hundreds of tiny paint chips. Brought the car in over 15 times in the 1.5 yrs I had it. I was always upset over the problems and no one cared. I spoke to everyone that worked at Mitsu and they were disrespectful and rude. I have never been treated so badly. I asked them to check out the paint and that was months ago and never heard back. No matter how good this car looks, do not get it. I hate the comp so much I took a hit and traded it in.

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  A sweet little ride - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lispfixer - June 19 - 11:36 pm

  I bought my 2009 Lancer GTS in 2008. I was shopping for a used, more fuel efficient car, as I was driving a BMW SUV. I miss having the SUV, but not filling it up with gas! I call my Lancer my little techno-bile. Thats why I bought it for all the latest "stuff"-really the bluetooth. The sound system is great, but I miss having the Bose that my Infiniti had. For the Lancer price loaded, you cant touch a BMW or Infiniti. I miss the leather seating. Love the Octane Blue color. Got a special coating put on it (aftermarket) to save the paint from chipping and fading. Good investment. I also added a billet grill, as I thought the plastic grill was "cheezy- looking".

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  Best SUV yet! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Clara - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Montero Limited and will keep buying as long as they are made! The comfortable, quiet ride, great turning radius, and dependability are wonderful. Dont believe any negative reviews. Great cargo space and seats 7 people very comfortably. The quality is better than you will find in any upscale SUV.

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  Diamante - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By york gresser - June 19 - 1:46 am

  My 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante VR-X has been an excellent vehicle. I have had no reliability problems with it whatsover. Ive only had to change the oil. My only complaint is that it could have more leg room for tall drivers (I am 6 ft 3 in.).

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  I love my eclipse - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lauren Ciaccio - June 18 - 7:13 pm

  I just recently brought a 2005 Eclipse and I love everything about it. There is not another vecile in this class that I would rather have.

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  Great Car exactly what I was looking for - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Chad - June 18 - 5:40 pm

  Best priced, best looking, crossover SUV on market. Great performance, great space, great options, great reliability, great mpg!

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  Economy vs Comfort and Safety - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Joe M. - June 18 - 2:43 am

  The 2010 lancer rides just like the 08, 09 lancers which are a new generation of lancers. The 2.0 liter dohc, 16 valve engine with innovative timing performs well but the 2.4 performs much better and is only available in the expensive gts, which doesnt have as comfortable a suspension. The cvt transmission is smooth and the car soaks up most bumps. The cheap plastics on the dashboard somehow make you wonder if they cheapened anything else. Ive had prior lancers and they were all exceptionally reliable - as good as a Toyota.

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  a japanese BMW - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By macchu - June 17 - 10:00 am

  The new LS Mirage coupe is the sportiest in its class in terms of drive and looks. The car handles like a 323i and is impressive in the build quality and Mitsubishi has a high proven reliability. The price is also great and the dealer service is impeccable. The only flaw is the low seating position and the mushy braking pedal. The car is fast though

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  Fun Drive - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By GingerJozan - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I love driving the Montero Sport LS. The roof rack and available space are great for traveling.