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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  Mitsi B - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By silverdust cd - January 28 - 4:50 pm

  Love the car. Have had lots of sporty vehicles in the past 20+ years and really enjoy my SE. So far I have 20k miles on my 2008 and have not had any problems. Insurance is very reasonable, gas mileage is great (30 mpg), and I dont see many on the road so I get lots of looks!

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  Love Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By lcmitsu - January 28 - 4:44 pm

  I bought this car used from a dealer in January 2007 with 25,000 miles on it. I dont think I will ever buy anything other than a mitsubishi going forward. I have 82,500 on the car now and with regular maintenance I expect many more years of driving joy with mitsi. Before buying the car I did check Edmunds.com consumer reviews and Consumer Reports which both gave this car a great reviews. Thanks Edmunds.com for this site.

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  Needed a Used Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Driver - January 28 - 1:43 pm

  I have owned over 40 cars in my lifetime. The current economy forced sale of a newer, nicer car for this one. Not a bad car; quick, fun, excellent handling...not bad. I enjoy the very linear "go-kart" handling. Kinda slow off the line and plug ugly. Very plain interior. Nice shifter, outstanding midrange punch for a NA engine, and decent mileage. MIVEC engine provides MUCH more torque than Honda VTECH. Low production numbers make this an exclusive car; but parts and upgrades are hard to find. Evo owners think youre a poser for driving one...until you compare gas and insurance costs. I like this little car - its a fun, solid everyday driver. Resale stinks, so plan to keep it.

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  Best in its class - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Vic - January 27 - 4:50 am

  Gorgeous car, gets a lot of attention. Drives very smooth, handles great and I love the response from the breaks. It has a great turning radius as well. This car is definitely not cookie-cutter, you wont see it along with all the Camrys and Civics, its unique all the way from its exterior to its features. Great buy, I couldnt be happier!

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  VRX - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By scott141 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car for performance with about 180Kw of power and a fair bit of low down power this is a great car to drive

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  Depreciation Blues - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By BJack - January 26 - 2:00 am

  No problems to complain about with the vehicle. However I was totally shocked at the rate of depreciation when I decided to refinance to a lower interest rate. I like many others jumped on the zero down, zero payments with zero interest for one year deal with thoughts of refinancing with my credit union when the year was up.To my surprise the vehicle had droped in value by about 10K in only one year. Buyers beware of the snake oil deals, youll pay high interest through the Mits Finance Corp, and if you want to refinance after a year good luck! The key is to pay on it during the free year (which negates the whole advantage)

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  Good value if you dont drive a lot - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nicole - January 22 - 11:03 am

  Here is an update from 5/09. If you are easy on the gas pedal you will be rewarded with avg mileage of up to 30+mpg. Seat covers and rubber material on dash are poor - they are dust and hair magnets. Bad choice. I drive 100 miles, 5 days per week. I do not have lumbar/back problems, I do now. My back is aching, seats are extremely uncomfortable. Good value if you dont drive a lot. Otherwise, look at something else or get leather, maybe that helps.

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  No Buyers Remorse Here - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By YRFox - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have now had this car about seven months and it is everything that I thought it would be. Very comfortable, huge trunk(almost as much storage space as I had with my Volvo and Subaru Station Wagons before buying this), great stereo, very responsive engine and good handling. I looked at Lexus and Infiniti too but decided to get the Diamonte and I am still comfortable with my decision.

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  Poor Mans Lexus - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jonnie O - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have the beautiful 14K Gold MS LTD. I live in a nice neighborhood where some folks can afford the Lexus & Acura SUVs. Mine looks better and runs just as good for less than half the price! I bought it one year old with 25K but it still looks and runs like new. Never a problem with the vehicle. Friends family and neighbors all love it and compliment it all the time. Like it better than the Pathfinder I had before this vehicle.

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  It IS Good! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By PJOIPIE - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for my wife and she absolutely loves it. The 4 cyl is fine even though reading a lot about it being underpowered. Got the loaded model and the heated seats are great- however we wish the gear shift lever had lights for Park, Reverse ect, as of now they are lit up on dash. 1 recall allready, now its pulling to right and dealers says factory fix suggestions are not working so probable be another recall for that.