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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  2011 Outlander GT - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By daver10 - January 13 - 4:34 pm

  We had a 2004 Durango Limited and down sized to the GT Outlander. Overall it is unique looking, handles like a sports car, and in the snow it feels secure. And the MPG has been decent as Ive hit 30MPG at 60mph. The thing we really like is that it has a lay flat rear "bed". Cool truck, not everyone has one!

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  I love this car! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By loiscae - January 13 - 1:15 pm

  Absolutely love everything about this car. Ive only had it a few months so I cant give it a 5 rating on reliability until Ive had it longer.

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  Lancer Ralliart - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By eric - January 12 - 5:43 pm

  I have to say that I really enjoy driving this car! I went into the dealership to get my Eclipses dashboard fixed, and while waiting I just started browsing the Lancers and decided to take one for a test drive. What a difference between the Lancer and my Eclipse (GS 2000). The Ralliart has a nice stiff suspension that feels great going into curves, as well as the steering feels extremely direct. The car also feels very peppy and light and the view the drivers seat makes driving in any traffic very easy. Factor in those Japanese seats that hold you in and its a great experience.

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  Nice Car with great value.. - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Deepfreeze - January 11 - 7:40 pm

  Great car, has a lot of power. Transmission is smooth.. Its a great buy if you buy it used. Got mine with 65000 miles on it. Great altrnative for the overpriced Accord and Camry. This car is also a bit sporty compared to the two.

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  VR-X Great Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By RobbieHe - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in November after first test driving it back in August. I had two Gallants previously, a 1996 and a 1999, both four cylinder versions. I saw the VR-X off at a distance back in August and knew that I wanted to take a closer look. Its a great looking car! When I first test drove it, I realized that it was simply on a different plane when compared to the Gallants. Its fast, tight, and super cool-looking on the inside.

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  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jerry37 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were quite impressed with the styling/ design of this car (inside & out). The engine performs well on both city and highway driving and its got enough zip for merging/ passing. The ride is comfortable and the cabin is very quiet for such a small car. Having downsized from a 00 Mazda MPV (which we loved) I must say cargo space is more than adequate for our needs. My only comment about the stereo has to do w/ the faceplate. I wish it was more customized (with more options) for this car and it did not look so generic. Otherwise, so far so good.

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  eclipse gt - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By shawn gt - January 11 - 10:00 am

  i have driven the rest and i picked the best,i tested the celica gts,acura rsx,sentra vspec,tiburon tuscani,and a miata,as far as i am concerned the eclipse is the best bang for your buck

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  Fun car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Britt - January 10 - 7:30 pm

  I have loved this car!! I bought it a few years ago, and I have had minor problems. The biggest one was probably that the coil went bad, but ever since then it has just been tightening of belts and routine maintance. It takes a lot of abuse from me. I have to admit Im one of those aggressive drivers. So Im not the easiest on the car and it still does great. It has a lot of get up and go when you need it. I have put about 40,000 miles on it since Ive had it and it runs great. The A/C could be a little colder.

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  New car on the block - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lucas from canada - January 9 - 9:33 am

  This car was love at first sight. I love the look, the drive, and most importantly the price tag. As my first car, this car has all the features a young businessman could want. Sporty with a touch of elegant, its perfect for my daily commute and weekend drive to the beach. Mitsubishi made a statement with this car and they do have the most competitive price. Good job Mitsubishi Motors!

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  Off-road champ that goes to the Opera - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By East bay area owner - January 6 - 8:20 pm

  The Mitsubishi Montero is an awesome off-road vehicle! I went to Hollister Hills SVRA and owned it! It beat all of the other trucks out there. I washed it up and went to San Francisco to blend in with all the snobby folks out there.