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:

• 

  from leasing to owning - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By 187 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I liked the finanacing, plus there were no options. all was included. that was the hook. then as I drove and owned the car it performed, drove quite well. from 1 to 10 I rate it an 8 or 9 only because there isnt an auto that deserves a 10 im quit satisfied with the Mitsubishi ls 4 dr all leather seats moon roof, 6 cyl a real nice car. I expect to have it a long time, if i were to replace it I would by it again

• 

  Short Seats, Bad Trans - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By stinger ray - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought my SX for the 0,0,0 deal. It looks great but has been back to the dealer more then any other car I have owned. 6 times for the trans no going in drive alone (and still they wont replace the trans). Seats dont sit high enough or low enough for my comfort. Looking forward to getting rid of this car.

• 

  Not bad at all- well... a little! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By kewl kid - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend a Honda Civic or a Hyundai Elantra also!

• 

  GOOD CHOICE - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tinoruff - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Glad I bought it. Excellent pick up and handles smooth. I did take it pass 100 without even knowing it at first. Love the leather interior. My sciatica hasnt acted up yet! The upgraded sound system is great. Cant wait to take a long road trip in this titanium pearl puppy.

• 

  Mitsubishi Lancer Paint Issues - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By asharobinson - July 27 - 8:47 pm

  I was initially overjoyed with my purchase of a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer but soon noticed thousands of chips in the exterior paint. I first contacted my insurance company who said that it was a manufacturer defect and will be covered by warranty. Agreeing because of the large number of chips, I reviewed my warranty booklet and followed protocol. When the service manager shared that corporate has been choosing to ignore the paint issue I began looking further into it online. I was not alone. Mitsubishi responded taking no responsibility for the defective paint. Ive also had issues with starting the vehicle which Mitsubishi blamed on the quality of gas.

• 

  2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tr2v3l3r - July 27 - 9:30 am

  I test drove several Mitsubishi cars and liked the way the car felt. After driving the car for a week I was able to find a number of short comings. The automatic transmission is unresponsive, traction control never engages in slippery conditions, loud road noise, and the car itself feels unrefined. V6 engine has 224 hp at 6250 rpm, but power to weight ratio is 0.045 hp/lb. The car is a bit too heavy at 5005 pounds. My previous car was lighter at 4001 pounds and you can feel the difference. This is my first Mitsubishi car, but I have been looking at them for 15 years. A number of my friends owned Mitsubishi cars and were happy with them.

• 

  Loving this truck! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Peter Rosas - July 27 - 6:12 am

  I bought this 2002 Montero Limited with 115,000 miles on it, I have put 2000 miles on it so it now has 117,000 it was well taken care of, carfax didnt have a lot of info on it but inside the glove box there was a lot of info from the previous owner. That was my deciding factor. Its quite on the freeway, it has plenty of power to merge on the freeway, viability is also really good. The seats are comfortable too, and best of all the family is happy, my wife wants to steal it from me. It did have 2 manufacture recalls, one on the headlights and one for the gas tank if the vehicle should roll over. Both fixed by the dealer, I had them check out the suspension, shocks and everything else, they said it was all original but that everything was in perfect working order. A lot of people complain about milage, and I will say its not the best, but Im good with it, especially with gas prices here in Phoenix at 221. for premium. Id buy it again.

• 

  lancer - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By nkomn - July 25 - 8:06 am

  My Lancer ES is a beautiful car, it can use a little more power but is fine for normal driving. I think it should get a little better gas milage than it does.

• 

  Great and fun car! - 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By transamgta - July 24 - 5:47 am

  The Mitsubishi Lancer is a great car. I purchased my first Lancer back in 2008. An SE model with the CVT transmission. Almost 5 years later the car hasnt given me any problems. It has been extremely reliable. My wife now has that car and I just purchased a brand new 2013 Lancer GT with manual transmission. This car has a bigger engine (2.4 liters vs. the 2.0 on the SE). The car feels very powerful and agile for a 4 cylinder car. I see built quality improvements specially on the interior: dash, door panels and seats. The Lancer looks sharp and the design hasnt aged.

• 

  Good car overall - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ashums - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my maroon Eclipse GS for almost a year. Ive had only minor problems with it. The check engine light came on which had to do with recalled spark plugs, etc. My door handle also broke off, which was kinda pricey, but oh well. Im 21 so this is the perfect college car for me. Its great for the city, and has some pep on the highway. I only wish it had a little more hp and a larger engine, preferably a V6.