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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  An SUV to consider - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By mitsudriver - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice Styling graceful looks and commanding cabin

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  Horrible resale...Not a luxury sedan - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By msb507 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The car looks great and we get many compliments. However, no autodimming rear view mirror, no compass, ac/heat console is cheesy. Tire wear is bad...Had to replace after 30k miles. Road noise is not what I expected from a so-called luxery sedan. Worst of all, the resale value is horrible. A $28,000 car should not be worth $12,000 after 3 yrs.

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  MITSU GALANT - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By LYSSAHARRIS - November 23 - 2:00 am

  WONDERFUL VEHICLE IT GROWS ON ME MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY

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  look no further - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DesertStorm AZ - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I test drove ALL the SUVs, big and small, BMW, Merc Benz, Honda Pilot .... This one had the best bang for the buck! I like the dashboard, side opening rear door, the fold down 3rd seat, leather seats, and leg room. Living in Phoenix, the car really cools down quickly in the 100 + weather. It had the best "air" system. Standard is the 4AWD, 2WD,4WD. It doesnt feel like it will turn over like everyone has been saying. This has enough space without the feel of "driving your living room". Watch for holdbacks and discounts on this SUV. I did and got the price I wanted for the Limited.. under 36,000.. including tax!

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  Fun and Fast - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike Soffer - November 21 - 7:46 pm

  I have put about 4,500 miles on the car. The slap stick is great and its nice to just slip into drive when in heavy traffic. The car is great except for the "back seat" it is just for show or to punish your kids. Its handling is excellent. Its steering is very quick. This is a sports car for Dad. I have found that the car runs best on 93 gas.

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  Great Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By fazzster - November 19 - 10:20 pm

  My number one priority for this class is the availability of a manual transmission. Which narrows it down to CX5, Tiguan, 500L and Forester. I already have a brilliant 500L so i dont need 2. I drive 30k miles per year so the VW (having owned a few in the past) are not the most reliable for the long run. The Forester is a solid buy but pricey and boring to drive. CX5 is overall more polished and "funner" to drive. Bottom line, my Mitsu has a warranty that makes sense for a high mileage driver and $18k out the door is a very good deal. It drives very smooth and handles quite well for the class. I see 29-32mpg with out even trying and have achieved 34-35mpg on some short stints.

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  Best car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By fifthbooth - November 19 - 8:46 pm

  Of the 16 new cars Ive purchased, this one is far and away the best car Ive owned and the least problematic. Only one warranty issue in 30k miles. Comfortable on my 17 hour drives between Portand and Palm Springs. Paint seems thin to me, lots of road rash on hood and windshield. Would have bought two if I could! Im not overly concerned with mid 20s gas mileage as I would rather have the performance and smiles per mile. Would love to have this wagon in EVO form which they sell in Japan.

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  Very satisfied - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dan - November 19 - 11:03 am

  I thought Id update my review after 18 months of driving mine. Im still very satisfied with this car- very sporty, great exterior looks, and excellent mileage. I dont know how other people are driving but Im still getting 30 hwy. and 25 city. My biggest gripe after having this car for a while- THE PAINT!!!!!! Geez, you cant drive thru a dust cloud without the dust scratching this paint! Please, use a better paint/clearcoat Mitsubishi! All in all, Id still give this car an overall solid 8.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Robert Manshift - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I tell you what,...you want a great SUV... This is it. Better than a Toyota 4-Runner and less $$$$.GET one youll see.

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  The best - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Bill babnick - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Way better than my last Toyota Avalon XLS, and I feel like I got way more car for my $$$$. My wife has a 03 Honda Accord EX v-6, and she allways wants my car now!!!