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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  The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2015 - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Rambo - July 18 - 8:31 am

  This vehicle is not worth purchasing you will pay upper 20,000.00 for this vehicle and when you try to resale or trade in you will not get even half of your money back you will loose pretty much every penny you put into the vehicle plus purchase price no matter how well you take care of the vehicle. If you have 1 strut replaced by the dealership they will charge you around 1200.00 and a strut you can purchase online for less than 200.00 and install yourself it is very easily done and only takes about 45 minutes to do. The Dealership is always trying to push you into letting them service the vehicle which is ok if you need them to but they tell you it is like 20 bucks but when you go to pick it up it is over 100.00.....what!!!!! This vehicle is very unsafe for your wife or daughter to be driving in, if you care for them do not put them in one of these vehicles, do not believe me buy one drive it yourself for 2 yrs you will understand then, I know I was foolish enough to purchase one.

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  Good SUV, but a few small things... - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By bgov1 - July 15 - 5:40 am

  I purchased this car at auction from someone who took very good care of it. bought with around 60-70k, now have 89k miles. Eats gas- on a long trip I got 14 mpg with the standard off road tires it comes with- which make for a rough, kind of loud ride. GREAT car in snow! Can plow through just about anything you give it. Great through mud, over logs, and some water! As another person mentioned, the front right bearing went out. The glove box comes loose and rattles around, especially in very cold weather. The headliner scratches VERY easily. and the seat belt clips that hold the belts in the third row (from banging around) break off VERY easily if you dont remember to take belts out.

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  Fun To Drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pcs15394 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car after trade in of Leased Galant. Price was right, had to wait to get the Pearl White with Sun &Sound Package but I am glad I got it. The only problem I have with the vehicle is that the steering wheel placement blocks top of speedometer, Sunroof did not open as wide as I expected, and power is lacking a little.

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  I wanted a Mustang - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Sarahzsmyl - July 11 - 4:46 pm

  I really wanted a 2007 Mustang, but I started comparing, and chose this one. I couldnt be happier. I got an Electric Blue Lancer GTS with the nav system. The car runs smoothly, handles well, and looks great. With 18" wheels, the ride can be a little rough, but thats ok. The car is gorgeous. I get looks where ever I go. Ive used three tanks so far and get good mpg, about 32 hwy and 26 city. The paddle shifters are fun, but prefer to use the stick to hold it into 2nd gear for acceleration. And so far, thats the only real draw back, it can be hard to get up to speed in auto-mode. But, kick it into manual mode, and all that goes away. I dont regret my choice at all.

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  Not in the shop much - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jo - July 11 - 5:06 am

  I cant believe Ive had the Outlander for over five and a half years now. I only planned to keep it three or four years but it is still running well and not giving me any headaches. It has not been in the shop for much of anything besides normal maintenance. It handles very well in the snow - I will not go back to FWD. The gas mileage has stayed around 22 mpg.

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  2nd Eclipse - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chuppy - July 10 - 10:16 pm

  This is my second Eclipse and I couldnt be happier. I drove an SUV in between the two, and I loved that car, but you cant beat the gas mileage of a 5 speed eclipse! I cant wait until the new ones come out this summer...

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  Loving It! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tinia - July 9 - 7:23 pm

  I have never purchased a Mitsubishi before because I thought I was in love with Toyota. Based on Edmunds reviews and more importantly, consumer reviews, I decided to give the Gallant a try. The sticker price was excellent compared to Toyota and Honda and I am extremely pleased with my purchase. I had no intention on purchasing an 07 model but with the rebate and other offers, I could not resist. I am a LARGE woman and I can get in and out of the car with NO problems. The performance is great on the road and I love the way people stare!

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  Real Good Car for the Money - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Kyle Phelps - July 9 - 5:56 pm

  I bought my Diamante used it had 33,000 on it, and it was between this one and a Honda Accord, but I love this one cause of all the features styling and overall its an eye catcher. Also it sounds real good. and I have drove Lexus and Caddys and this is far the best one i have owned with low maintance. I did have to have my heater core repalced at 45,000 but warranty took care of it and this is an all around FUN car to drive.

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  Nearly 200K miles and I still love it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By lepercan - July 9 - 5:55 pm

  This car is a nice size, easy to drive, comfortable, and extremely reliable. Ive owned it for 12 years now and have had no problems. Brakes, belts, tires, oil changes.... just normal maintenance. At 187,000 I had a small crack in the radiator so had that replaced. The clearcoat is beginning to peal but other than that, still looks good, runs well, and I love it!

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  Satisfied Eclipse GT owner - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mcj eclipse driver - July 6 - 2:00 am

  First time buyer and owner of an Eclipse. It fits my lifestyle. I wanted a sporty-look and the interior space available for 3 passengers as I do have a family.