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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  Wonderful Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Diane/dihp10 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a mid size car that could get thru the snow in New Jersey. This car is it! I have always purchased Chevys, not anymore, this car is great. It handles perfectly in the bad weather and I like the option of manual shifting. I am not an expert in the snow, but this car give me alittle more confidence driving in bad weather.

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  Bad Apple - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By fairytail - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I expected a lot from this car and got nothing. I am so unsatisfied, I cant wait to get rid of it. Its a good car when the roads are dry, but when it rains I lose my traction control and anti lock brakes. I have had problem after problem with this car, the windshield leaks, the whole braking system doesnt work properly and the car makes unknown noises.

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  my new outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dougboy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it but am impressed with comfort and quality overall. Does lack power when punched but seems ok if i just let it climb on its own. For the money i think it is very good in its class.

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  Fundamental flaws - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Seth - June 22 - 4:13 pm

  Vehicle has all the bells and whistles but does not have any useful features that dont cost much such as 1. Telescopic steering wheel or rather the lack of it. Cannot find a comfortable position even with arms stretched out and seat pulled forward, and I am of average size 5 10 with a small paunch. 2. Zero Cushion in leather seats for better distribution of pressure and back support. 3. Arm rest too low and useless. 4. No sound deadening materials. Noisy is the word. 5. Suspension makes for an extremely uncomfortable ride. Every undulation in the road is sent straight to drivers spine. 6. No door inserts or soft dash. Just a sea of hard thin black plastic.

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  luv this car! - 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
  By midway2 - June 21 - 7:35 pm

  I bought the 2012 Galant because i was looking for something that is reliable and got good gas mileage, and boy does it fit the bill. But what really attracted me is you can get these only a year old at half of their original value, whereas Camrys, Accords etc. are thousands more. The base ES model lacks some bells & whistles found on other cars, however the interior room,comfort and ride is surprisingly good. The body style is a tad dated (from 2004) but with the money I saved it doesnt matter. Power is adequate. Overall a good, solid, reliable vehicle that can be had for a good price.

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  I Am So Lucky :) - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Al - June 18 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car for my wife. She didnt like it, so I have been driving it for about two years. My other car is a 99 Camry. It is small but, that is what I like about it. I go everywhere, park anywhere, do not think about gas. Did I say it gets 30-33 MPG on average. Its color is white so it is seen by other drivers clearly, which is good for me. The only thing I did is change the timing belt and water pump. This car has never failed me.

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  What a car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By aris aponte - June 18 - 6:23 pm

  If you drive a 2007 Eclipse, you are in for a surprise! This is the car that will put Mitsubishi on the map again. It has great looks, it is fun to drive, and it has plenty of power to go arround.

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  great SUV - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By AceRick124 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  bought at carmax 4/03 and drove for a year. Completely trouble free. It gets pretty good highway mileage, and acceptable city mileage. Lots of room for everything, and really comfortable. The stereo is great sounding. Love it!

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  Quality - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By alaina risner - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a good, reliable, and well built SUV. For the price is cant be matched. For a city SUV or for light labor it is a great choice. Fuel economy is the same as all SUVs, they use more fuel. The interior is nice, but could be a little more modern and stylish. Overall I give this a great buy status due to the price and quality of the build which will be years of dependability.

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  great car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By robert - June 17 - 3:20 am

  I drive the car daily to work it is great fun to drive and handles great, also took it on a couple of road trips it did great in highway, mountains, rain, uneven roads, and slippery roads. Really dependable will highly recommend good acceleration and good break response. Never had chipping problems or any other issues.