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:

• 

  Love my 2007 Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lessygirl84 - March 26 - 12:01 am

  I bought my 2007 Outlander from a Mitsubishi dealership in 2010. It was a used rental car and I was really concerned when I bought it but I have read so many wonderful things about them so I took a chance. The only thing I have done to it is maintinence. I have changed the oil, bought new tires, and changed the transmission fluid. It runs smooth and has almost 90k miles on it. My mechanic/Uncle said he was very impressed by how clean the undercarriage is. (It takes a lot to impress him) At Christmas my mother told me that I couldnt possibly fit my three children including my infant, in the car with their bikes and presents but I did. It wasnt cramped but there was not a ton of room left

• 

  2007 Mitsubishi Galant - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By galant07 - March 25 - 12:46 pm

  This car is a bargain with a capital "B". I got mine with the sport package (alloy wheels, Rockford stereo w/changer and steering wheel controls, Sirius, spoiler and upgraded lights, security system). Handling is regarded as the best of the mid-sizers and the seats and legroom are fantastic (and Im 63"). Another 20 hp would be nice, but hey, Im getting 27 mpg with a city/hwy mix and its peppy enough for most driving. The stereo is just unbelievable and the manual shift mode is f-u-n.

• 

  Not worth the money - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mike - March 25 - 12:04 pm

  We have 8,000 miles on the vehicle and so far have already received 2 recall notices from Mitsubishi Motors. The first one for faulty door latch components and just got another yesterday for defective relays involving the engine control unit. If the relay fails the engine will stall while driving and cannot be restarted. If the relay for the engine valve lift control fails, it limits the available engine power. If the relay for the radiator fan fails, the engine may overheat. We brought a vehicle that we thought we could rely on and with the recalls we are now in doubt. Because there are no local dealers in our area we have to drive 4 hours for a 1/2 repair or more to have the recalls taken care of. Im disappointed in the reliability and lack of dealers. For the time we have to spend driving and the expense to get the recalls taken care of we do not feel that this vehicle is right for us and do not think I would recommend this vehicle to someone else.

• 

  2004 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Matthew A Weldon - March 25 - 10:00 am

  All around excellent vehicle. I have owned it only for a month, but I am enjoying it. Mileage could be better.

• 

  I like it - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By caral - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I use my vehicle to haul all sorts of equipment as well as landscape materials. It has a lot of room with the fold down read seats. I only wish the back of seats and floor area in the back were carpet rather than the felt-like material. Very hard to clean. Been very reliable, with no problems whatsoever.

• 

  2004 Lancer ES Experience - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MK_MA - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Economical. Good ride for compact. More features than Honda Civic. Nice looking. A bit on the noisy side. especially engine with noisey valve tappit. However, still breaking in with only 600 miles on odometer. Interior nice except poor simulated woodgrain dash appears scratched. Very smooth shifting automatic. Nice radio/CD.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Carol - March 24 - 6:33 pm

  I have really enjoyed this car for almost 8 years now. Driven all over the US. Good mileage, low maintenance, changed the oil every 3000 miles. Still has another 100000 in it. Will keep it as a second car.

• 

  Excellent Purchase - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By gguillot - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Diamante LS new in Spring of 2001. I have not had a single problem or failure with the car, with the exception of the stock tires. I replaced them at 55k miles with Bridgestone Turanzas and the car handles like a sports car. After 62k miles, the car is still like new - tight and solid.

• 

  Love my endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By chaeuser - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome SUV. No one in our town even has one. Neighbor thought it was a BMW. Wife uses it for work, and kids have lots of room. I love the torque, this thing really grabs the road. Drives really smooth, nicer than most we tried. Only one I drove that was nicer was the lexus, and that cost 20000 more!

• 

  Poor thing... - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jenni63 - March 23 - 3:11 am

  Ive had my 01 Eclipse since I was 16, about 6 years now. I must say, I do love my car and have done my best to take care of it, but it loves the shop too much. Every year I have to replace the battery, and everytime its gone out getting it to the shop is a piece of work. Supposedly the computer has to be reset otherwise it completely shuts off while driving. Weve replaced the battery cables, etc. but it still eats through the battery. Fortunately (from an optimistic view), when something breaks, other things (unrelated) break as well so its killing two birds with one stone, but its a hassle. Everyone Ive known who had this car has already had to trade it in from far too many issues.