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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  Fantastic - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Len - December 25 - 8:13 am

  Having driven almost every make of automobile over the years, as I was a manger of fleet operations for a local government, this SUV drives and handles better that the Cadies and Lincolns do. SUPRISE! I shure was. Good work Mitsubishi........

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By jrbruner - December 23 - 9:26 pm

  I love this car. I read all the reviews before I bought this car, and the power train was highly rated. This car is quiet, comfortable, powerful and reliable. I have the LS with the heated, 8-way power seats w/power lumbar and love it. This car was virtually unchanged from 98 until last year, 2004. The engine is smooth, and responsive and I get much better mileage than edmunds says. I measured 30 mpg highway in SoCal. Transmission failed at 75k (apparently common). Had it fixed by the pros at SoCal Transmission in San Diego and not a lick of trouble since. Heater core is recurrent problem w/these cars. These sell for much less than comp. Acura CL or 3.2 TL.

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  No More Mitsus 4 Me - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Toyota Fan - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Hello there: I owned my 2002 Lancer a total of five months to the day. Its cold-start piston slap noise was so bad a co-worker actually called out he wasnt aware they were available with Diesel engines. The paint job was orange peeled, the brakes began squealing at approximately 5000 miles (70% of my commute is highway) and a leaking antifreeze odor had begun when I traded it in on a Toyota Echo.

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  Good Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By asa0526 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  So far, have driven the vehicle for 1000 miles... mostly highway driving up/down mountains and through city traffic. The car is a pleasant surprise for me. Good acceleration ... low revving, excellent ergonomics, excellent interior room, comfortable ride.

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  Good Fuel Economy - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Carr - December 22 - 4:36 pm

  I love my new 2006 Lancer. I have about 8,500 miles on it, getting approximately 28 mpg city/mixed and 31-33 highway. It is not the fastest car, but it is quick off the line. I put a lot of miles on the vehicle, and the ride is comfortable. My only complaint is the wind noise/vibration when only the rear windows are down, but cracking the front window stops the problem. I have the fully loaded ES and like the styling and amenities. I do wish it had more storage capacity, but I bought the car for its combination of good fuel economy and front leg room ( I am 6 feet tall) and have no regrets. I would definitely consider a Lancer if I was buying again.

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  Honda Is In Trouble Now - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mark - December 21 - 1:40 am

  Best small ute in the US for sure. Mitsu got it right. 180 degrees from the old cars. Incredible performance for the buck. Seamless 6 spd auto. Great touch nav and awesome sound system. No CDs rattling around the car with the hard drive. 3.0 V6 has so much power, torque steer is an issue. Just a real nice ride. Super warranty.

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  78,000 Miles and still 100% dependable - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By drepp77-2 - December 20 - 10:40 pm

  Ive posted previously - two years ago actually when my car was at 24,000 miles. Were about to trade it in with 78,000 miles and when the salesman took it for a spin, he was shocked and felt that the car still drove like it was new. Quick. Responsive. Corners like a cat. We had a stick, so we juiced out more power by learning how to balance the clutch to take off at a light. Nice body shape- when I wash it- I still get compliments. Huge trunk. I think Mitsubishi found its Civic in the Lancer OZ Rally. Ill miss it dearly.

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  Reliable cheap transportation - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brian - December 18 - 5:23 am

  Purchased with 24,000 miles, formerly a rental. Plain car, cheap transportation. I bought it for $6600 and have put 125,000 miles on it with no repairs. It has been a great deal. The car rides like a cheap little car and has lots of wind noise. The seats are not real comfortable, but do offer plenty of leg and head room. Four adults can ride in the car relatively comfortably.

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  Its a Man cuv ! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By allcarguy - December 17 - 11:56 am

  Let me tell you a story about My Outlander;Im living in Colorado,on a day after a big snow fall,My Friends and I decided to put our vihicles to snow test...the car:2009 Subaru forester,2011 Honda crv,98 tyota 4runner and My 2010 Outlander GT. The terrain is a dry grass hill cover with about 15 inches of snow and incline about 20% (not so sure) and here the results: 4RUNNER :done it in 1 attempt,OUTLANDER :2 attempts,FORESTER:4 attempts,CRV:after about 10 attempts made it 30 feet ! What the hell...its the most Awards and comments vihicle here,but not at this,I gess.Im happy with My Outlander after 45k.Heres a thing you need to know:To drive fast use the paddle shifter not the D drive.

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  96 Galant - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jjs2003 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  A great car! I have 125,000 miles and only expense is oil changes & tires.