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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  A Very Good Car! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Stephen - October 16 - 6:36 am

  Im from the Philippines, where the xls is known as the "gls sport". Its a nice cuv, with good suspension. The roads here are not too great, but after a long drive, I dont feel beaten up. Also looks good, & people turn whenever I pass by. The cars sound system is also good, and I dont have to buy anything extra just to enjoy my cds. A lot of new friends are impressed by the exterior & interior looks of this car. It was a toss-up between this and the forester, and i have not regretted my decision in choosing over this one. the fuel consumption is ok, esp on long drives.

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  New Car, Lovin It - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By del98 - October 14 - 7:00 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Galant is a breath of fresh air. It is comfortable, spacious, fun to drive, has more pick up than I had anticcipated, has great looks, and gets good gas mileage. It is a family car with a sporty feel.

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  8 months of ownership - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By brbrskss - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Outlander for 8 months and have had no problems with it at all. Complaints would be less than stellar gas mileage at around 20mpg, and a paint and clear coat that seems to scratch quite easily. I just came home from a 2000 mile road trip, mostly highway driving, and the trip with my wife and two kids was quite enjoyable. The car was a little cramped with all of our stuff. Part of the trip was in very heavy rain at over 70mph, and the Outlander AWD held the road with no problem. I love the cupholders, the powerful Air Conditioning, the cruise control, and the stereo. All things considered I would buy this car again,

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  I love my new car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By glamgal24 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I just bought a new Lancer. We were looking at Gallants, but I REALLY liked the Lancer...especially for the money. We also like that Mitsubishi gives discounts to loyal customers. WE LOVE THE NEW CAR!!! The inside is gorgeous and we get a lot of compliments on our car. Our daughters car seat now has a place for the safety latch. We are very pleased with our new car.

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  What a Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mikey the 4th - October 11 - 12:46 am

  I love this cars gas mileage. Its labeled at 28/35 mpg but I have been averaging 30/38mpg. But I guess it depends on how you drive the car. The horsepowe isnt that great but for being a light car the horsepower doent matter too much. If it does for you, then go buy an EVO. I havent had any engine or any other problems with it at all and I have 43K miles on it. One thing I have to say if you buy it is to put on some high perfromance tires. It drives smoother, quieter, and you get better gas too. Not much but enough. The interior is nice and simple, plenty of room interior, exterior, and engine to deck out. Mitsubishi + OZ-Rally = Awesome!

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  I Love It - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kryto76 - October 9 - 11:36 am

  The only thing I wish that Mitsubishi had done was let the fog lamps stay on if you pressed the button. Instead you have to turn them on all the time when you turn on the head lamps. Also, this car needs an MP3 jack for the iPod.

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  excellent - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GARY - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I AM VERY SATIFIED WITH MY ECLIPSE.I HAVE OWNED THREE.I WILL CONTINUE TO BUY THIS CAR.I BELIEVE THIS IS THE BEST BUY IN ITS CLASS.

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  Best deal around! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By usafwifey - October 7 - 12:41 am

  I purchased my Outlander used with 58,000 miles on it. I have put 2000 miles on it since then and I love it! This car is the best deal in its class! I shopped around for about 3 months before purchasing this car and looked at a Nissan Rogue, Xterra, Kia Sorento, and a Santa Fe previously. The Outlander is able to provide the best quality, most fatures, and best reliability for the money! I have a feeling my next car will be a newer Outlander!

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  great car for the money - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By glen29 - October 6 - 2:23 am

  I have owned this care for 4 moths. The best mpg of any care I have driven not to mention the price. The only thing I cant figure out is why all the so called professional reviewers give it such poor reviews. I think if your in the market for a inexpensive car with great mpg read the owners review and take one for a test drive you will be pleasantly surprised. 8363 owners cant be wrong this year.

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  Road Warrior Salesman - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By GEB in Seattle - October 3 - 9:43 am

  In sales and drive a lot of highway miles and have over 100,000 miles in 3 years. Still get looks and stares from everyone asking what brand of truck and how sharp it looks. Great reliability - new brakes at 75,000 miles and new tires at 90,000 miles. Used to get over 21 MPG on highway but now now get about 18 MPG but still pleased for a V8.