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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  Great Vehicle for Small Families - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mlbrink - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new over two years ago. My wife is the principle driver and she loves it. Her only complaint is that it isnt big enough for our family of 5. The kids need more separation. (I told here she should have got a mini van, but she loves the way this looks.)

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  Love my car - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kim - July 4 - 5:23 pm

  Im a women in my late 40s and this is the first car I ever got to pick out brand new and buy just because I liked it. Ive had it now over two years and I love it. I still smile every time I see it in the driveway. It runs great and is very fun to drive. My only complaint is that shortly after I bought it, I bumped into a pole (too low to see at my sons baseball field) and it creased the bumper. I thought for a hit that light, it should have not shown any damage but it did. So I think the body is not very forgiving. Still wouldnt want anything else, its a fun car.

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  Trouble free car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Smith - June 30 - 10:43 pm

  I ve never felt safer in a car. My Galant is easy to drive, reliable, and trouble free. With regular maintenance, youll keep driving it forever. It has 105,000 miles on it now and it still drives like new. The only major "investment" was a timing belt changed at 85k (typical I was told). Besides the ususal: brake pads, tires and that s about it. The day I sell it I will buy a new one.

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  Outlander is great! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sanders - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Drives wonderful. Great vehicle. Could use a little more power, but runs like a top.

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  Tiny, Cheap interior and Overpriced - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By SurfinJohn - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Tilt wheel may work for some, Im 64" and its an effort to get past it. The outside mirrors are VERY narrow. The center brake light was tacked on for US versions on the upper part of the rear window...blocking the most important part of rear viewing. The engine crawls, vibrates and screams on its way up to speed. The stereos mounted so low that I fumbled with the controls instead of taking my eyes off the road long enough to actually look at the display. The interior materials were fine, for a $8,000 Hundai. VERY CHEAP looking and feeling. Poor seating, no lateral support. Pass on this one and dont look back, sport.

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  2003 LS 4WD - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By shiftharder - June 29 - 2:00 am

  So far so good - only 500 miles on it but really love it. Great price for a mid-size compared to Toyota / Nissan.

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  favorite car in the world!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By shonyboy - June 29 - 2:00 am

  the mitsubishi lancer is an awsome car! its quick,agile,and comfertible.there is nothing to hate about thiscar.from its sleek and sporty design,to it its torquey and smooth reving engine.this car is the best!its very roomy and has a huge trunk.its a great family car,as well as a great tuner car!if your looking for a car with good milage,speedy acceleration,and a smooth ride,this is the car for you!

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  Best compact SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ruks - June 28 - 11:23 pm

  Best compact SUV that Ive ever driven. More power with less gas consumption. Easy to drive.

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  Good and reliable - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By PBride - June 24 - 11:40 pm

  I bought the Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4WD about six months ago. I am the kind of person who gets buyers remorse after buying a snickers bar, but this truck is great. It is fun to drive, and is pretty comfortable. It gets average gas milage, but if you are concerned about that then buy a Honda Civic. I live in Boston, and this thing drives awesome in the snow. I have the white with the dark tinted windows and it gets looks all the time. Ive had a little problem keeping the steering alligned, and that could be due to nasty city pot holes. The tires seem to wear more quickly than Id like, and almost every person I talk to who owns one says the latch on their arm rest is busted. I also think that it needs more power.

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  Great Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By porcrynd - June 24 - 9:20 pm

  Very satisfied with this car. 28 mpg in mixed driving, 33 hwy. Smooth suspension, very comfortable. Great warranty, great features. Very fun to drive and great looking. The Hondas and Toyotas are ugly. Try one and youll love it. The CVT transmission just kills the power but it feels very peppy with the manual.