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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  Loved my car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Starrfyyr - October 12 - 2:00 am

  It was perfect for us, theres no need to improve a thing. Our family of 5 fit comfortably within, and still had cargo room too!

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  Mourning my loss - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Steven Cain - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 LS on Ebay on 11-17- 03 and got a heck of a deal, still under warranty. Totaled the car in 02- 04. Did not own the car long enough to give a good evaluation of it. Tremendous praise for the car in the crash. I put the nose of the car into a 97 Ford Mustangs door who failed to yield right of way ( ran a stop sign ) at 60 MPH and punted the Mustang some 150 Ft like a football. From the "A" pillars back there was "NO" damage. The only damage inside the cabin was the airbags deployed. The car held together well for such a violent impact!

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  Best Galant since 91-92 VR4s - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tycosales - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife needed to replace her 100K+ miles 94 Accord wagon so we looked at the Sonata, Accord, Camray, Altima, Maxima, Mazda 6, and a 03 Galant GTZ (loaded) While testing the GGTZ, a 04 Black LS came out of the dealers prep area. The test drive sealed the deal. I did Edmund research for several days and had the $$ Id pay. Before I whipped out my price, the sales mngr offered $.73 over, sold. I own a 1991 Mits Galant VR4 (awd, turbo, a pre-Evo) and if it were stock, the 3.8 v6 would walk all over it. Crain Mits was very professional, no BS. Go to them if in Arkansas.

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  A good solid car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LancerGuy2003 - October 11 - 7:23 pm

  This was my first new car. Mostly the first 5 years or so no real problems with it. I have had some big expenses starting at the fifth year mark (65K miles). Still all in all, not bad. My mileage has been on the high side (26-28 city, 32-34 highway). Its at 94K and hoping to keep it around for another 40K or so.

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  New Owner Outlander - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By New Mitsu Fan - October 11 - 5:11 am

  Coming from loaded high end Murano to basic level Outlander was tough for about a day. Budget drove me to look at the Outlander. All the consumer reviews were pretty good, so I pulled the trigger. Once I got past the more luxury aspect, all is good. For half the price of the Nissan, cannot be happier now. For a 4 cylinder I am amazed, cruises at 80 smoothly and still has acceleration, up mountain roads at 75 no problem. Tight solid feel in the cockpit. Leg space was only glitch for me, my big leg rests against the console, just have to deal with that. For practical around towner and possible trips to the trailheads with lots of cargo space, giant warranty, and in 20k range, no brainer. Sales folks were great, no bs.....I hate buying cars and this was not that painful, very happy with purchase.

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  My Monte - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Craig Kimmel - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Nice SUV I love to drive it But it does have a top heavy feel to it. I can see how people can roll it over easy.

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  UNderrated Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jodum - October 10 - 10:00 am

  My mother has had this car for almost 3 years now and I ahve driven it several times. For a 4-banger it has great perfromance and loves to be pushed. The interior is very cramped- with two adults in the front, there is barely any leg room in the back seats and Mitsubishi can do a much better job in getting more interior space out of the very long car. It has an enormous trunk. A good sound system and nice (fake) wood trim.

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  145 HP - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By carlos94110 - October 10 - 10:00 am

  nice looking car , not expensive , I like it .

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  One of the best looking SUVs - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By firstforeigncar - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I have recently owned a Escape. In my opinion the best small SUV on the market. Since, the 0% financing incentatives I decided to upgrade my car. I like the looks of the Monterro Sport LTD. It handle the farily nice, noticable slower on take off than the Escape and more of an typical SUV drive feel. Economy is average to a little above average, in comparison to other SUVs. Main suggested improvements are tighter steering and revise the timing of the transmission. Overall so it seems like a nice car.

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  A fun car with minor problems - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MitsuBenji913 - October 10 - 2:33 am

  I havent had my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT very long, but I already love it. The car itself looks great, Ive had random people on the street comment on it and often see people watching my car drive away. The inside looks good too, with the leather and design, but the controls could look a little better. Appearance isnt everything but they know that. This car had a lot of power and is a lot of fun to drive. Most other cars are left in the dust, although this does hurt the fuel economy a bit. Its painfully apparent that Mitsubishi does make these cars cheaply, though. The previous owner had to replace the clutch and Ive read about major problems this car has. I still recommend it.