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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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Caroline - April 10 - 6:00 pm

  I bought my Outlander about 6 months ago, after months of researching and test driving several small SUVs including Toyata Rav4, Honda CR-V, Chevy Equinox, and the Saturn Vue just to name a few. I am not disappointed. Although the 4 cylinder lacks initial get up and go power, once its going the Outlander provides a very smooth, sporty, fun drive. Having driven a Landrover before, I am loving the fuel economy! Im averaging about 24 mph in the city, on a recent 8 hour trip I averaged about 32 mpg/hwy. I would have paid thousands more for the options I have, the SE model comes loaded with a lot of unique amenities the competition just did not offer. Overall what a great buy!

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  good bang for buck - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By nito721 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  only had it a couple of weeks but very satisfied with my purchase. only problem is a few paint chips. has power and comfort plus other high end options for a low end price. only paid 14000. looks like i paid 18-20k. at least.

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  Eclipse GT 90K Still Prefect - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By John D. Min - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the V6 GT loaded! I know I might be the exception, but the car has been awesome and free of problems. The new styling is beautiful and the car (manual) is fun to drive. I owned a BMW 325i, but I enjoy this car more, the fit and finish is better and though the balance and control on the Bimmer was tighter, I paid thousands less. Now I have over 90,000 miles, I have had no mechanical problems. I still have the original brake pads, timing belts, spark plugs, everything. The only thing the car goes through is tire wear (17" V), I am on my third set. Hopefully I wont jinx myself, but I love this car.

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  My First Car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By KoNi - April 6 - 5:46 am

  I purchased this car a few months after graduation! As my first car, the Lancer was a great investment. I havent had any problems at all for the past 2 years, even though I bought it used. Just keep them tuned and in good shape and your Lancer should last you with no problem.

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  Ralliart Fun - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Wayne - April 4 - 9:03 pm

  We owned a Mitsubishi Diamante VRX 03 model and were looking to replace it after 5 years of trouble free driving, and found out the Diamante was discontinued. The other car makes were all test driven and some stood out more than others, like the Passat and Maxima sedans, and then my wife and I drove the 09 Gallant Ralliart. Well it rekindled our love for Mitsubishi with the build quality in the car plus the wonderful 258 horsepower 3.8 MIVEC engine and sport shift automatic transmission. All we can say is we recieved more for our money and fun for our dollar!

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  Great Improvements from the previous year model! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Priji Eapen - April 2 - 10:46 pm

  I owned a 7 seater Outlander 2014 before. When I did a test drive of the 2016 model, I was quite surprised to see the improvements that Mistubishi made in the 2016 model. Ive noticed a considerable reduction in outside noise and vibration. They’ve made significant improvements to the performance of the vehicle as well. 2014 Outlander lacked the responsiveness you’d expect when you press the gas pedal. Mitsubishi addressed this issue and new model is much more responsive compared to the previous year models. Ride comfort is also better. Although not significant, improvements to the interior and the steering wheel are also adding to the overall improved appearance of the interior. 2016 Outlander is fun to drive. Although the the third row seats are not ideal for adults, it serves its purpose when we have to occasionally transport 7 people in a single car. I’d say there is room for more improvements. However, this is definitely a step in the right direction for Mitsubishi. Hope they keep improving the Outlander to make it even better. I feel that the SE model offers a great value for the price you pay for the vehicle.

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  Mitsu - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Moe4 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  GREAT vehicle to drive..eazy to fix up and handles great...go go go

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  best value suv for 2003! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By marcus mauceri - April 1 - 10:00 am

  i did my research and it paid off well i reccomend the leather and get sport seat covers. it drives like a car not a truck. i bet the ride is as good as a mercedes at one fourth the price. complements are given to me everywhere i go. the interrior is like a benz!get the leather.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bobchiu - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I saw a couple of these media Outlanders driving up from Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq with big "TV" in masking tape. I really wished riding the Outlanders instead of my G.I. Humvee. After coming back home from deployment, I took a 550 mile drive from Temecula to Sunnyvale CA and surprisingly was not fatigued. With 3 people, the ride is very comfortable and quiet, power is adequate enough to pass other vehicles up the I- 5 "Grapevine". Mitsubishi did great interior design on this, it does not give you the cheap feel.

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  funtoown - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nancydollhouse - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive. Handles like a car and looks great. Easy to get into and out of. My kids are all jealous that I got one for myself.