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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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mitsu Believer - June 4 - 1:10 am

  I am a car guy. I bought the Ralliart used surprisingly. It looks great, drives and is simply a rocket ship. The Liquid Silver is a great paint and the wheels are nice. Leather is comfortable. The Navi is okay with accuracy but the features of the Navi and radio are terrific. My wife even enjoys the ride of the car. Winter is almost here and Im curious to see how it handles snow. I am averaging between 420-450 miles a fill up.

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  2004 Outlander sport xls - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By teddyjames - June 3 - 1:30 pm

  Purchased my outlander with 93k, now at 109k. So far no issues, smooth ride, decent gas mileage overall solid car for $7500. I was told there may be suspension issues with this model, but nothing too serious from my experience so far. Its put a smile on my face and would recommend to buyers looking to spend under 10k on a crossover with lots of room for storage. If this car had either a turbo or V6 it would be 10x better lol.

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  Style and Quality - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By RED - May 29 - 12:06 pm

  The Eclipse is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. I love it. It has more of a head-turning factor than cars costing $100,000 more. I am a little disappointed in the gas mileage it is giving me. Im getting around 16 to 17 in the city, tis is for a 4-cyl. NOT GOOD! Its not what the sticker said and NOT what I expected from a 4 cyl vehicle. My old car was a 6-cyl. and I got the same gas mileage, but had more power.

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  03 Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By C.Mozeley - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My 03 has 150K miles, purchased new in 02. Replaced front struts within 2 months. Have replaced the brake pads and rotors 4 times. The brakes start pulsating after 3500 - 4500 miles. Also, 3 heat shields have rusted off, 1 of them within a years time. Dealership advised me not park on dry grass. Sunroof sticks. Rusty inside engine compartment.

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  2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Adam S. - May 25 - 10:40 am

  The car has decent room w/ comfortable seats for long trips (folding in the rear 4 more cargo space). It has great features like the GPS, hands free Bluetooth, 650W stereo w/ the 30GB hard disk w/ Sirius and especially the Fast Key! The CVT is really smooth and the paddle shifting is fun w/its 6 dedicated gears. The 2.0 engine is surprisingly peppy, though just not off the line. Mileage has been much better than I expected w/ 33-40+MPG doing 55-65 mph on the highway and no less than 26+ around town. Overall ride is well controlled & neve r harsh. Handling is really fun in this car and the brakes are also really good.

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  Emissions - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Toni Macchiarolo - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Since we have purchased this vehicle and spent almost 40,000.00 we have a a fowl "egg-like" smell. After numerous tests they are now telling us it is from the fuel and the emission on the truck - and their is nothing they can do - no recalls nothing! It is horrible smelling! Very unhappy with Mitsubishi! Do not buy a Montero, they are happening with the 04s also!

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  Should you buy it - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By TONYSSAM - May 22 - 1:40 am

  The lancer drives very well. Its as quiet as any of its competitors, as corolla, etc. It soaks up most of the bumps with minimum effect in the passenger car. Its engine, a dohc with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and its continuously variable transmission both work to make the ride pleasant. Ive had two prior generation lancers and they all were highly reliable, with minimum repairs and breakdowns under severe use. The car is very safe and sturdy - uses very strong steel. The only flaw is that the epa fuel economy is already below its competitors and below the prior generation lancer 2007. And when you drive it - it seems like its below the epa estimates also - especially city.

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  It Makes Me Smile - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By very cool machine - May 21 - 11:50 am

  The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Coupe is a joy. Its very fast and fun to drive.

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  Good experience owning this car - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Bill - May 20 - 9:43 am

  I purchased my Diamante in 2000 with 44k. It ran relatively maintenance free until about 2004. Since then have replaced front and rear struts and radiator. Have replaced brakes three times since purchase. Currently have 112k on car. Overall this has been a reliable vehicle with good performance and comfort. I am thinking about replacing this vehicle because of family needs, but I will miss it. I would purchase this car again.

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  Reliable, family oriented, fun - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By chrisgr1 - May 17 - 11:42 pm

  Excelent SUV, handling, room space, cargo space. AWC is really impresive. Cheap plastics insight. Emphasis on Utility