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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  Stay Away from all Mitsubishi products - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lauren Bell - March 28 - 8:00 am

  This vehicle completely lacks any sort of quality and Mitsubishi is not standing behind their product. The problems we have had with the vehicle include: 1. All four brake rotors warping by 9,000 miles, had to be resurfaced, now the brakes grind and squeak 2. The car has three rattles. We understand this doesnt affect the operation of the vehicle but it is disheartening to spend so much money and hate to drive your vehicle so much. 3. Paint chipping off and fading, all over the car. Mitsubishi says we got behind a rock truck, two body shops say the paint job is cheap and defective. 4. Two brake recalls, both of which could cause a crash. We were only notified by taking the car in for an oil change.

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  Lemon,Lemon---oh no - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hate my Outlander! - March 24 - 1:50 am

  My Outlander has been nothing but problems since I purchased it in 2004 BRAND NEW off the lot. Every year I had water rushing into the passenger side onto the floor. The shop attempted to fix it multiple times. Every time it would happen again until the my warranty ran out and they thought they could refuse to fix it! ha!! LEMON LAW!! Now I replaced the brakes on the front and guess what? I could not get the driver side brake to bleed!! Took it to a brake shop!! The master cylinder is out and I only have two brakes!! the part cost $374. My payment is $500/mo.

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  2009 Lancer GTS! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By brendan norris - March 23 - 12:36 pm

  I love this car! It has good low end power and can get going when needed on the highway. The only thing I would change is to add traction control for the snow. One way you can get around this is to put the car into the shifting mode and when you push the gas shift up into third gear and it goes okay.

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  the best of the best - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By barracuda - March 23 - 2:00 am

  you can do anything with this vehicle except dive in the sea

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  great car for the money. - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By vito manco - March 23 - 2:00 am

  i feel this car rides like an expensive car. It is fun to drive and its very comfortable, the stereo is great and its a real head turner.

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  @weeks 1200miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Raymond - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Great on road & off. My job requires that I go off road a lot. The awd outlander is better then I expected. With only a 4cyl. eng. the power to clime dirt triles is amazing. traveling through through raw desert is a pleasure. this little SUV can get you there and back. and it gets about 22mph off road

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  Great Buy - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Norsekid - March 22 - 9:10 pm

  This vehicle is a "sleeper". Very sophisticated drivetrain, did I mention a 6 speed transmission? Tight handling, pretty quiet tires, could be better. Killer upgraded stereo, heated leather seats and the rear hatch has a lower section that drops down if you unlatch it. Great for sitting down to take off you boots, etc. Gas mileage is "foot" sensitive. Still trying to figure where it is but seems to be around 20 mpg city and some highway.

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  buyer beware - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By figgins - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a new VRX in Dec 03. I love the power and performance. On the down side, this car has been back in the shop 9 times for repairs in six months. Once for lights, four times for brakes and three times to adjust the window on the drives side. (Door would not shut) Three times to repair the lumbar in drivers side seat. Other than constantly having to return to the dealership(which is 30 miles away) for what they call minor repairs and adjustments, I love this car. Very powerful and an incredible drive.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JAMES BAB - March 21 - 10:00 am

  OUTSTANDING FOR THE PRICE

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  General comments - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By LKregg - March 21 - 10:00 am

  A lot of interior space for a family with teenagers. Back seat is very comfortable with lots of leg room, without reducing front seat space. Plenty of space in trunk to carry sports equipment, storage and weekend luggage.