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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  Awesome Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By KO - December 5 - 7:43 am

  The reason I purchased a Mitsubishi was because everyone I know has one. Best decision I have made. My car, brand new, came out to 10,000 flat. I am the worst person to take care of a car and considering that, my car is still in excellent condition. I will buy Mitsubishis until I die.

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  2001 Mirage - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By svricha1 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  easy to drive, ext. paint nicks easily, picks up speed quickly, a tad rough in shifting, antenna in really bad place, good brakes, good second car or starter car, big trunk

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  Montero Sport, 2000 LS 4WD - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By chris221 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought in fall of 2000, got the 0-0-0 financing deal (not such a good deal) then went way upside down on the loan vs value. Sold the 88 Suburban after new rear diff., tranny and engine...what a piece of junk! Anyway, the Montero Sport is awesome, rides like a dream, and has been 100% dependable. No repairs after 51,000 miles. MPG has been very good, even towing 16 foot fishing boat. Tranny is a little weird when cold. Only bad experience was when a "quick lube" service accidentally drained a few quarts of tranny fluid, and "forgot" to replace it! The local Mitsu dealer does a much better job on maintenance.

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  Love My Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Joe Bethel - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I love the Lancer of all the cars I have owned definately my favorite. It may not be the fanciest car on the market but for the money I spent I feel I got wayyyyyyy more than I paid for. The fuel economy is a great added bonus and the safety features on the vehicle are great. I even saw where the NHSA just picked it as the safest car they tested which only made me feel better about having my wife and baby boy riding in the car everyday.

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  Awesome car great handling - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dean - December 4 - 8:23 pm

  When I first test drove the car off the lot, I was hooked. The car turns on a dime and has minimum body roll. The 2.4 L engine is a improvement from last year. The extra horsepower if perfect for the 4,000 lb gross weight of the car.

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  Great for off roading & passenger riding too - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Klpm - December 3 - 7:45 pm

  This has been a good running car. Interior comfort is good but 3 row seat is tight for adults but grandkids fit ok. Love the off road capabilities. Have taken it places & have never had to use more than high 4. Gas mileage is not great. Average 15 miles around town. Overall look is a little quirky but there is excellent visability all around with no blind spots. Windows appear slightly larger than other SUVs. Too bad Mitsubishi quick making this model.

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  2003 Ltd 20th Anniversary Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Mainer - November 30 - 1:10 pm

  We purchased our 2003 Ltd 20th Anniversary Montero used and absolutely love it. We live in Maine and it dealt with the 100+ inches of snow we got this winter beautifully. I cant believe the "experts" only rate it at a 5.6. It has a lot power and drives and looks great. It is always being favorably commented on by others. We test drove Envoys, Trailblazers, etc. and they couldnt compare to the room and build quality of the Montero. It has a ton of cargo room and the third row seating option is great for short distance dinner trips with 2 other couples. We couldnt be more pleased with our Montero and for 10-15K less than our friends Lexus, its a steal. Even the Lexus owner agrees!

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  A Great Car often Overlooked - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Dustin R - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the price. Its roomy, has good performance, and looks good. I have over 5K miles and no problems. Lots of standard features leather, 10 way power driver 8 way power passenger seats, a great traction control system, and good brakes (a must have).

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  Such a fun car! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Va Beach - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my doodle-mobile! Its cute, fun, reliable and an overall pleasure to drive. Its a perfect single persons car. And, the hatch provides ample space for luggage or just about anything you need to haul. My next car will be an upgrade to the GTS . . Mitsubishi did it right with this cutie!

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  the suv that shrunk in the dryer - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mccormackslove - November 24 - 10:00 am

  the outlander is outstanding. It handles like a car but feels and has the capacity of an suv. The ride is extremely quite and smooth. I picked this over the new honda element because of the ride. It has great styling and the price is right!