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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  Not Happy - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By JVP - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd SUV in two months First had a vibration that 3 different mechanics couldnt find, gave it back Both get poor mpgs 11-15 and I drive normal both have poorly made front seats, spring in my butt. Traded 93 Pathfinder for 2000 Sport should have kept Path w/125,000 miles. Better mpgs and interior made much better.

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  2003 Eclipse GTS with Automatic Trans - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason2 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  oh yes! It is what i want. I uesd to have Honda Prelude. but it is better than Prelude. and goes very well.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ChrisF - June 4 - 4:03 am

  Plain and simple, cant get more for your money with any other car. Options match that of a Acura or Lexus. Fast key is awesome, navigation is easy to use, 650 watt sound system is the best stock system I have ever heard and the sunroof is, well a sunroof. Bluetooth is cool and music server is sweet. Interior is comfortable, exterior is slick with 18 in wheels to top it off. 6sp CVT has some giddy up and the paddle shifters makes it an overall fun car to drive. Its not an EVO so dont expect it to drive like one.

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  Reliable - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jules - June 1 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my 03 Lancer ES new. I drive to work 33 miles one way mostly highway miles and average about 31 - 34 miles per gallon. I love my little car. It is a five speed and handles great in the winter snow. The only maintenance I have done is change the oil, had the belts changed at 100,000. I just had my spark plugs changed at $115,000, you think the dealer would have told me every 30,000 miles for the plugs, since that is where my oil changes are done. I have never had a more reliable car. It still runs like new.

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  My Montero - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Kory - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The Montero is the perfect vehicle for any situation. It has provided me with all the requirements needed for driving an SUV. It has great off road capabilities and adapts to any environment very well. The interior is top quality and the special features are incredable.

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  Great options for "econobox" - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Clayton - June 1 - 1:10 am

  This car is miles above others in the compact segment. The power is adequate but leaves something to be desired. Other than that, no complaints. Looks at every stoplight.

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  A Midsize car with a SubCompact interior - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MMask76 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  If your 57" or below, then this car might work for you. Im over 6 and I feel extremely unsafe driving this vehicle. It is extremely uncomfortable (legroom and headroom is at a minimum), the performance is extremely poor (VERY loose steering for starters as well as NO pickup in the 4 cyl.), and as time goes on it will get more and more unreliable (has stalled on me already and has 11,000 miles). The sticker price on the LS with the leather package is approx. $23,000. My suggestion is to take that money and go buy yourself a VolksWagon Passat, or Nissan Maxima, or Toyota Camry, or any other car in the Galants class.

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  One of the best... - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Babs - May 28 - 8:06 am

  I bought my SUV with 38,xxx mi. in march of 04 and honestly have never regretted the purchase. She is pd off as of today and has had all her maintenance kept up and has 115,xxx miles on her. I highly recommend the xls to anyone!

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  The absolute best investment! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mike L - May 27 - 7:26 pm

  When I first test drove the Lancer Ralliart I fell in love! I was in the market to buy a compact car and this one is the best of its class. I cant help but smile every time I get behind the wheel. Allthough I think red is the best color to get because of the interior the black one that I got is equally as good. I love how it picks up on the freeway and how it eats up the Civic SI on the road and at top end. The best investment I ever made. For its price the Ralliart with all options is the absolute best buy. And if you havent drove one you need to because it is fun!

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  5 speed stick 2014 Outlander Sport ROCKS! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Mitsubishi Convert - May 26 - 5:44 pm

  The Mitsubishi 5 speed manual Outlander Sport is truly a fine SUV that gets good MPG, has plenty of power and handles well...I really enjoy this car! and with the rebates, it is great value! One of the best cars Ive ever owned and fun to drive...Union made (UAW) and built in the USA, I had never bought Mitsubishi before but am very impressed and would highly suggest that you take a look at the Outlander Sport before you buy!