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:

• 

  Nice car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By T310 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Everything is great except the engine is kind of weak, but it will work perfect for someone who doesnt care much about it. It comes with CD, power windows, power locks, power break, air bags, AC as the "BASIC"! I got a rear spoiler for cheap from the dealer...overall...this is the car for you if your budget is under 17000. It just looks cool with the spoiler!

• 

  Could have been better - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By nick_ole - March 10 - 12:34 am

  I bought the base version of this car... Its very plastic, especially the trunk that sounds like a tin-can when you close it. Vehicle has lots of blind spots but for the money, its still okay to drive. One morning, transmission started shifting heavy, took it to the dealer and after 2 days I find out that a squirrel had chewed off a wire that was supplying power to the onboard computer.. My question is, whey leave such an important cable exposed to the element through the vehicle design in the 1st place. Most annoying issue was the squeal of the car when I reverse right after starting the vehicle. Dealer says is happens to all Gallants. Just traded in...

• 

  Head Turner - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Gino 3 - March 9 - 8:30 pm

  I have had a Montero Limited for 5 yrs and I love it. I actually preferred my montero over my Dads Hummer H2 when he asked me which one I would prefer to have. I love the interiors quality and comfort. It does great off-roading with a rock solid frame. Has a good take off for an SUV of its size. Everywhere I go it always turns head and people are always asking what kinda of car it is and most even think its an 08 or 09 model. Great sound system for being stock, I wish it would have the fourth generations 650 watt Rockford Fosgate system with a 10" sub with 12 speakers and 240hp MIVEC engine though, but it will do. I would never choose any other SUV over my Montero besides the H1 alpha.

• 

  Good SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Loveit - March 7 - 9:33 pm

  My wife and I looked at the Outlander, CR-V, Santa Fe, and RAV4. For the price and what you get it, the Outlander beats all of them. It comes with a better warranty, 4 wheel drive, a good looking interior and exterior, great safety features, and its roomy. The CR-V we looked at had no 4 wheel drive, only a 4-cyl. engine, less horsepower, and a shorter warranty for a higher price.

• 

  An amazingly good car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By drlarryross - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of cars since 1968: a 59 Chevy Impala, a 71 Triumph TR6, a72 Ford Mustang (4-speed), a 79 Ford Mustang (new), a 1974 Jaguar XJ6L, a Subaru Justy DL (new), a 1988 Ford Taurus (all electric package). None of them can compare with the reliability, functionality, and overall quality of the 2002 Mitsubishi Galant LS that I bought in October 2001. Its been about two years since I bought the car and it has NEVER been in the shop: for me, thats a new world record! If you buy one of these cars new, you will be impressed: all of my passengers are usually amazed.

• 

  Outlander #2 - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By LoveMyOutlander - March 6 - 6:03 pm

  I owned a 2005 XLS and loved driving all 101k miles that I decided to give that one to my MIL and buy myself a new 2008 with all the new features! LOVE IT!It came fully loaded with the Sound and Sun pkg, the Entertainment DVD pkg and the Nav and Bluetooth sys. Love the 6 spd automatic tran-really see a step up in fuel economy over my 2005 one especially when using the paddle shifters to accelerate! 5 cup/bottle holders in the front! OMG the tailgate! Steering wheel controls! A real electrical outlet! The Fosgate! In 2008 sticker was 32k, since it was a floor model, I walked out at 21k before my down pymt! Couldnt be happier! in the manual, it said the upper glove can heat and cool??? WOW!

• 

  06 Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By J - March 6 - 11:50 am

  The 2006 Eclipse is a beautiful car inside and out. For a 4-cyl. car it is suprisingly peppy and has quick acceleration. The sun and sound package is a necessity with the GS putting out an impressive 650 watts. I am very pleased with the car overall and feel that it will give the compitition a run for its money.

• 

  Decent Value - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jaydoh - March 4 - 10:43 am

  Compared lots of other models (Mazda CX-5, Buick Encore, Kia Sorrento and Sport age, more). This one won on price, warrantee (over Mazda, Buick, and other 3/36 warranties), and room/versatility/fuel economy for the price. They were all good, but this was lowest priced and came with a lot of room, flexibility and deceng mpg. Only real complaint is build quality. Kinda cheaply built. But overall, very nice so far.

• 

  best vehicle Ive haf - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tnk - March 1 - 6:51 am

  It is so reliable...I have had cars in the past the need too much work. This car just needs your basic maintenance. Im at 190,000 with miles still runs great (knock on wood).

• 

  2003 Monty (bought used) - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By markt - February 28 - 9:36 pm

  recently purchased used 03 monty ltd and love it. looked at all and kept coming back (i also own a 95 monty). you should know that the land cruiser, range rover, and monty were made to be suvs. all others are built on truck (sequoia, yukon, explorer) or van chasis (pilot, highlander). if you want a true suv and cash left over, consider the montero, its tough but still drives like a "true" suv should. outstanding 4 wheel drive system--have 4 settings to choose from and can drive in 2wd until i need 4wd. this saves fuel comsumption. dont know why the "experts" are down on the monty, has plenty of power and is very reliable (only tires, brakes, etc., on my 95).