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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  My Opinion Hasnt Changed! VRX Rocks - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By KentS - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought my VR-X in 2002 and now have over 50K on it (Im a frequent commuter between Charleston, SC and Atlanta -- if you dont blink youll see me) and this is a great car! My only complaint is the terrible Goodyear Tires that Im getting ready to replace. Sorry to say that I see one on the road every now and then, so its not quite as unique as it used to be, but thats good news for some.

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  Its not a "quality" japanese SUV. - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By paintrboy - April 29 - 6:55 pm

  We bought our Outlander 1 and half years ago from the dealer. Only 59K with lots of warranty left. Worked like well for the first 4 months then, $800 of front end work. New ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings etc. Then the gas tank started leaking another $1000. Then the transmission drive shaft seals began leaking (should have been covered under warranty) $300. New clutch kit, $800, new rear caliper $618 (yes, 1 ). Still needs new windshield, 4 struts, all new bushings again, doesnt start well after fuelling up and recently the power steering rack began leaking. It currently has 91K and we still owe $7000 on it. Dealer we purchased from said theyd buyback for $2200 firm.

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  not bad at all so far - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tyree9 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for about 7 months so far and have had one minor problem with it and that was with the check engine light. it was just a simple replacement of the gas cap. the car moves for a a heavy 4 cyc but i wish it had a little more pep (and i have the manual). since ive lowered it and added 18" rims and tires with a strut bar it handles WAY BETTER. I would would recommend this car. the car is definately a head turner.

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  Great car for teens - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Allison m. - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This was the car I was given on my 16th birthday, and I had only been driving three and a half months, when one day while driving home I stopped for a yellow light and thought the semi-truck behind me had enough room, it didnt I was rear-ended while the truck was going about 45 mph. Both my sister and I were fine with only minor aches and pains and if someone had been in the back seat of my car they would have been doing better. I would completely buy this car again.

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  Good car - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Dina - April 29 - 8:10 am

  I have it for over 5 years and have 75K on it. So far no problems at all. Its been in 3 relatively big accidents and all passengers were OK, so I guess you can say it is a safe car. It is good for one or two people, but a little small for more than that and doesnt drive as easy with more people. It doesnt accelerate fast, but it is expected from small car like this one. Once in a while, doesnt shift fast.

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  BEST RIDE - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DLRILEY418 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  IN THE PAST I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL GM VEHICLES. THIS IS THE FIRST MISTSUBISHI. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE DRIVE AND RIDE. A BIG SUV WITHOUT THE THE OVERWHELMING FEEL. THIS IS A FUN, FUN DRIVE. PLENTY OF ROOM AND COMFORT. CAN I SAY MORE?

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By nashvillefisk - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little car I got it used and it feels like new no rattles or vibrations just a smooth ride ant plenty of power!!! I just wish I bought it from a diffrent dealer!

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  Mitsubishi wins again - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kenneth - April 26 - 3:43 pm

  I just returned a Mitsubishi Galant ES 07 and was looking for a new car in or about the same price range. There really was no contest, Mitsubishi wins again. I purchased the 2009 Galant Sports edition 4 cylinder model. I am a big guy and have plenty of room anywhere in the car. The trunk space is huge. There are plenty of comfort features, heated leather seats, tire pressure. This model drives like a 6 cylinder and feels very sporty and has a comfortable sedan feel at the same time. The Galant is very reliable. For the money I feel this is a winner all the way.

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  ES AWD Review - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cosme1 - April 26 - 12:06 pm

  This is my second day with this "CUV" and can tell already (as long as no problems come up) that it will be in the family for at least the next 5-6 years. Its comfortable, rides smooth, and it has all the space in the world as far as cargo. We test drove the comp. (rav4, santa fe, equinox, forester) and this was it - the Outlander took the prize.

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  3 years and Still Awesome - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Tim - April 25 - 3:03 am

  I purchased my raider in 2006 brand new and after a while I took it upon myself to improve the fuel economy by installing a cold air intake kit that brought me up to getting as much as 24 mpg on the highway and about 19 in the city. The ride is great and comfortable, shes fun to drive and I am going to upgrade it with more parts to help make her more fuel efficient and fun to drive by switching to a performance exhaust and higher performance spark plugs and cables which will be an inexpensive yet effective upgrade. I look forward to many more years of driving my Raider.