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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  Good car - 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dcw3 - October 2 - 6:50 pm

  Ive had the car for 3 years. Bought with all accessories-it was $25,000. However, purchase price was $19,000. The depreciation is high but not an issue for me since I keep a car for at least 10 yr. Reliability has been excellent with zero problems. SE ride is a little stiffer than base model but handling is excellent. Im not sure what the other reviewer hated so much about this car.

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By klas - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  Ive compared them all, (RAV4, CR-V, Santa Fe, CX-7, etc.) and as soon as I test drove Outlander I fell in love. Its not just the styling, but everything else you get for the price. Go and price it!

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  Mitsubishi Outlander Lease Experience - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By hunh - October 1 - 9:44 am

  The car was fine; the company is quite slimy. They did not respond to complaint letters. Then they tried to bill me thousands in phony repairs. They also tried to charge a late fee. The car was returned late because the person they asked me to contact was on vacation for two weeks. Then he turned out to be a slaesman from Mitsubishi trying to sell me a new car. What a mess!

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  Big Mistake - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By never again - September 30 - 2:36 am

  Worst mistake I made, uncomfortable ride, too much road noise, just generally unhappy with the car. Didnt want to be upside down on a trade, so I kept it. Lots of little annoying problems, that I was not used to dealing with in other cars purchase. Due to road noise would rent a car if going over 100 miles. Just bought 2010 Acura. Ill never go back.

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  Love My Sportback; Gets Me Everywhere - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By lighthouse333 - September 28 - 6:29 pm

  Buying this car was a major improvement for me, and I previously owned a luxury sedan. The Lancer is extremely practical, I can easily sit five people and maintain ample comfort room, and in back I can store a great amount of groceries and packages (one of the many pros of having a wagon). I am around 112k miles and the Lancer hasnt failed me once, even when missing an oil change every now and then. Aside from the common Lancer issue with the climate control knob breaking, I havent had to put much money into the car. Thanks to the reliability of my Mitsubishi I am definitely going to look into purchasing another from this company! (:

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  Happy with the purchase! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mji - September 28 - 10:00 am

  essentially happy with the vehicle. Have had previous SUVs and this by far is the better in the price range. no major problems with the car so far. Feels solid, powers well, and drives almost like a car. My wife enjoys the feel as well.

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  Surprising BUT - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gary_from_calif - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Limited AWD. YES on general appearance, the blue lights on dash at night, stereo system, seats are extremely comfortable both front and back, drives smooth, good interior room, good A/C, gas mileage, A/T gear shifter. NO on several options that are not available - memory seats, garage door remote, third seat option, auto headlights, GPS, side curtains. Dash and door materials look cheap although I like style of dash overall. Could use a bit more oomph under the hood - adequate for city driving but lacking a bit up those hills. For the price, a good vehicle and a good buy. A few options could make this vehicle one heck of a situation.

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  Fast and Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Paul in Massachusett - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The body design is outstanding. Its a future classic. The 6 cylinder 5 speed manual has a lot of get up and go. For the price, it beats the competition hands down. Just be ready for everyone that pulls up next to you at a light. They all want to race you.

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  Not too bad, but wouldnt recommend - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By maddee2030 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new off the lot. I didnt have any problems for a very long time; just normal maint. ~110K my transmission died w/ no previous indications there was a problem. Replaced a cracked radiator @ ~90K. Never replaced windshield or headlights. 4 things Ive always complained about. 1.The LCD display on the CD player is nearly impossible to read. 2.The fact that the CD player tells you when its too hot is an extremely bad design flaw. 3. The top coat on door handles & side mirrors is gone. 4. Upholstery all the way up to the window? Terrible place to have fabric after 9 years of resting your arm there. Vinyl on my next car, please...

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  Mitsubishi Outlander - Love It! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John Logan - September 24 - 2:46 am

  Bought it in 3/03. Drove it for 40,000 miles and gave it to my son. I took it the other day to change the oil, I miss it! Great little truck! Fun to drive, gives you the feel of a bigger SUV (I have a 4x4 explorer too) gas mileage is good. Comfortable interior and stylish exterior at a great price, very reliable. The 4th Mitsubishi Ive owned, I recommend them highly.