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:

• 

  So far so good. - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By xxjeffxx - February 26 - 3:43 pm

  This is pretty good SUV. I was told it would be underpowered but that is not the case. I am very happy with the performance. It could be more comfortable on long trips but its not bad. The 60 months no interest was the clincher and I am very happy with my decision so far.

• 

  WOW! This car is amazing. - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brendon - February 26 - 7:36 am

  I bought this 2009 Lancer GTS Automatic. First, for what you are paying, this car is truly incredible. Ive research the others and read other reviews, the reviews speak for this car. I traded my 06 corolla in for it and will never own another yota after this car. For approx. $17200 out the door I got this car loaded and for what I paid, blows the competition out the door. I drove easy on my way home from the dealership and averaged 32.1 MPG, going about 60-70 MPH, not bad at all, I drive easy however. All I can say is, Mitsubishi, awesome job.

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Fred Reithel - February 25 - 6:43 pm

  We have owned three Monteros, two new, one bought as a lease return. Other than the SUV type of gas mileage they have been terrific vehicles, great comfort, quality build and enjoying to own. Mitsubishi makes fine product and we will consider the next generation of smaller Mitsu SUVs when the time comes. Buy used with confidence

• 

  Just a review - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Fil - February 25 - 10:00 am

  The car is reliable and fun to drive

• 

  Nice SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By njbill1 - February 23 - 8:43 am

  The styling of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is excellent. I compared it to the Toyota 4-Runner and Nissan Pathfinder and found it to be much nicer looking. This is my first Mitsubishi but I have two friends who swear by their reliability. So far, I am very pleased with the quality of the vehicle.

• 

  Before you buy that CR-V or RAV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tim boyler - February 22 - 7:16 pm

  Despite its power, towing capacity, and sure-footed 4WD, this vehicle drives like a car. The ride feels solid, the features are great. I love the FastKey system, the stereo, and the abundance of cup holders. Seat warmer warms seat AND back. Paddle shifters for those who want more control. MP3 player jack too. The Outlander is really fun to drive, and the partial-zero emissions and great mileage make me feel environmentally responsible. Im very happy with this purchase. You can get a 4WD, V6, superior stereo, sunroof, 3rd row seat (ok its wimpy), leather, GPS navigation built-in with 30GB hard drive (10GB of which can store MP3s) for well under 30k. You cant beat that.

• 

  Not bad, but nothing to write home about - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By MG1 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car when it was 8 months old fo a very decent price. Its good basic transportation but nothing more. It will get you to work and back with no major drama. Once it gets up to speed, it isnt bad, but it is very slow off the line. So slow, it can be dangerous. Drive it until it dies, because it has no resale value. Quality of materials is very cheap. I see 2-3 year old Mirages with the paint peeling off or very faded. I wax mine 3 times/year and so far I am lucky.

• 

  stand by your product!! P.O.S. - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Kevin E. - February 20 - 10:00 am

  We got suckered in a "smart buy" program.What a joke! The name applies only if you dont fall for it. The Stereo went out the first five minutes after we took it off the lot. It took over a week to get a replacement.Steering wheel wobbles and they wont fix it. Front end feels as if it is about to fall apart and it chews up tires like crazy.

• 

  Smooth - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mean-ness - February 20 - 10:00 am

  If you cant tell--I totally love my Galant.

• 

  5 Stars for the Eclipse GT - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Princessadri - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car cause not only does it look good it rides good! All my friends are jeolous. It really beats my Grand Prix GT... I love the body style and the two toned leather. You sure do get some head turning on the road. Last but not least i also love the Euro lights in the back!That was a nice touch to the 2003!