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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  The Best - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By master - July 15 - 7:50 pm

  One of the best cars driven in the mid luxury car segment. Ample leg room, good 4 side visibility. Stable.

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  2003 Mitsubishi Diamante VR-X - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By R.L.Green - July 11 - 7:36 pm

  My 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante VR-X has been outstanding in every category. I immediately put on aftermarket wheels and tires. Along with the optional VR-X package, I have one of the best looking and running cars on the road. The Infinity stereo system is awesome with an amp. There are several ways to improve the engine performance in this car. Just do a little homework. It is really a shame that Mitsubishi discontinued the Diamante. What does that say about them when they discontinue their flagship model in search of something geared toward the younger buyer. I am a proud owner and will keep my Diamante for a very long time. I plan to enter it in some car shows since it will be in a class by itself. It is a 10 out of 10 in my book.

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  I require a 4WD - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Tracker - July 11 - 1:46 pm

  I live in serious boonies in the northwest and need a real 4WD vehicle. I have had 3 XLS Sports, sold them all at 60,000 miles. Never had a single problem with any one and have been impressed by the 4WD capability coupled with decent (22 mpg Highway) mileage. The seats are a little short, stopping way before my knees, and it needs side bolsters for where I go. I wish the engine had a different drive belt. It rides rough, but it is tough! I cannot figure out why the resale value has been so low on these models. This is a much better off-road vehicle than my Yukon XL.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Susan - July 11 - 12:23 pm

  This is the 2nd eclipse that I have owned. I love this car. I have had many sporty cars but this car is the most fun to drive. I love the way it handles corners. My only criticism is that I wish they could make the front end a little bit sportier. I love the front of the Mazda RX-8. I wish this front had more style like that but overall, a hot car that drives great. Its amazing in the snow. People are always shocked to hear this but its the truth. If you want a fun, reliable car, I highly recommend the Eclipse.

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  10 years and counting - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Irie - July 11 - 2:53 am

  Purchased in 1999. Fun, comfortable car to drive. I needed quick acceleration because of commuting on the beltway. Am not giving this car up, will be passing this car down to my children.

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  My dream car!! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tif - July 8 - 1:16 am

  I absolutly love my new 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It is a very fun car to drive. My teenage years I drempt about driving on a back road going with the wind in my Eclipse and now it has come true! I absolutly love Mitsubushi and I would recomend it to anyone who wants a sporty yet confortable car It was the best investment Ive made so far in my life and im only 21. I thank Mitsubishi for making my dream come true by making such wonderful cars. Thank you, A very happy owner.

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  6 month update - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By steven - July 5 - 11:20 pm

  Well, I have owned this car for six months now and its been pretty good although I have had some issues in which ive had to return to the dealer for. As with any car there are pros and cons. However, there are more pros than cons with this lancer ES CVT. The pros are great handling, very sharp looking, great mpg, good power, and a very quiet interior. I did have a few issues early on with the trunk light not working and the rear airbags cover came loose from the clips that held them in place. But those issues were fixed at the dealership. I traded in a 08 Honda Civic LX and I enjoy the Lancer much better. It handles better, and looks better and is more quiet interior and has more power.

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  Great lil SUV - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TJ - July 5 - 7:13 am

  Just purchased my wife the XLS AWD w/ navigation. After reading a lot of expert reviews I was skeptical. But most of the complaints were that the V-6 was slow and the interior was really cheap. I would agree that the interior is not the most expensive materials used, but they are lighter weight and help reduce the total weight of the vehicle. We have no complaints with the engine, I mean its not a dragster and it has plenty of pep. I am 604 and am able to sit in the back seat easily even with the driver seat all the way back. The stereo and navigation system are awesome, truly. Very hard to beat Mitsus warranty and safety rating. Much bigger than it looks. All in all, great lil SUV.

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  Hot/Cold - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By vickie benner - July 5 - 12:26 am

  The only and BIG complaint I have is the heating and air condition system. Even if you have the dial on the last blue square you still get hot air coming out of the vents. If you are sitting at a red light for any period of time you break out in a sweat. When driving on a 50-60 mph highway you have to keep adjusting the dial. Even if you run the air condition you still have to keep adjusting the dial. The service dept. at the dealership where I bought the vehicle says that this is the design of the system. I think they need to go back to the design board with this. Is anyone else having this problem?

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  not bad - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KLK - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I cant say anything good or bad. Its a good car to get around in, but Ive had more exciting cars. Im just begining to have a few problems, but I would buy it again if I wanted to be boring. My next car doesnt have to be a BMW or something, but I would like a little more fun.