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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  First SUV after 2-doors coupe - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ironvet - October 24 - 10:10 am

  Bought it second hand after arriving in Dubai. It is a small one compared to the others going around here. Very nimble driving at speed, but CVT transmission should be more responsive. Very comfortable and often we use it in place of the big Mitsubishi Montero we also have. The Outlander drives and feels like a car and I get most times 27mpg (highway) although mpg is not an issue here.

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  Great Purchase - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By babs62202 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We test drove several SUVs (including: Mercedes, Volvo, the new VW) when we were looking for a new SUV. No other SUV maker had the options that Mitsubishi had. All were compareable on gas milage. But the Montero had the fold down 3rd row seats (they dont get in the way like the Mercedes), nice interior features (I love that the front row armrest adjusts to the driver and it looks better then Volvo), and 4wd standard. I wouldnt change my choice. Also I had a great dealership to work with.

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  unsatisfactory - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mattmo101177 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  seems slow and unresponsive, although my other car is a v-6 dodge.Hard to get into.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By royce - October 20 - 12:03 am

  I have thoroghly enjoyed this car my only problems have been the SRS system in the passenger seat. The car safety features are the most appealing. I was driving home from Cleveland when an ice/snow mix started falling. A vehicle spun out in front of me and I applied the brakes. That along with the traction control prevented a major accident.

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  problems - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By anda - October 16 - 10:00 am

  vehicle had to return for repair three times,still unable to find noise problems,sound like power sterring.power sterring pump replaced,brakes relaced, recall on four different items on vehichle.gas milaege terrible,sensor replaced twice because check engine light on.

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  If only the dealers.... - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Terrance - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I felt I got a good deal on the car, but my father warned me that Mitsubishi dealers are far and few between, and terrible. He was right. After owning a Saturn, and being spoiled by Saturn service, it was quite a shock the first, and subsequent times, I returned my car to Mitsubishi for service. I gave them a horrible rating on my after ownerwhip feedback card, and never heard a peep from them.

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  Worst Car Ever owned - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Dude From Clevland - October 15 - 10:56 pm

  Considering I have owned a Pinto, 2 Escorts, a SHO, and original Rabbit diesel, that is saying a lot. Bought new. First week engine light started going on and off, 4 years later finally did my own tune up and it went away. The cars paint faded after 9 months and the rust started 13 months after purchase. My wife was diligent at changing oil. At 80k it has been diagnosed as having bad valve seals. Replacing anything is a hassle that requires isnt easy. Lights for instance are held in by silly clip. Now at 80,000 the car looks and drives like a car with 280,000. The door leaks air, the CD even quit at 50k, the gas door has seized up, and it has an exhaust leak.

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  Great Off-Road Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By James - October 15 - 4:46 am

  Although not a power-wagon on the highway, my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4WD has been the best off-road vehicle I have ever owned, and the list is long. I have not been able to get this vehicle stuck, and I have driven it into some areas I had no reason being in. I especially enjoy pulling Jeeps out of trouble, then telling them I never shifted into full 4WD. The expressions on the owners faces are priceless.

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  Great All Around SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Chris - October 14 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my Montero Sport used in 2004 with 40,000 miles on it and have put 60,000 miles on it in 28 months. In Oct. 2006 was rear-ended on the highway, tipped on its side, and slid 100 feet. It was totaled by insurance company. During those two years I didnt have any single problem with this truck. I changed the oil properly and the break pads. Thats all I did. Michelin XLT tires make this truck drive like a car.

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  2000 montero sport - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tom d - October 13 - 4:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle new 1999, little work has been needed basic maintenance only. I have 190,000 miles and I figure to get another 75-100 k.