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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  Quick, sporty, more bang for your buck. - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kaarst - November 20 - 3:43 pm

  I bought this car with 3,000 test drive miles on it. It was brand new. Almost a year later - it still drives like new. Quick off the line, quick stops, it hugs the road through cornering. It has the look and feel of a European driving machine. "Poor mans BMW" is what I call it.

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  Best Car Yet For Me!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By John Bowden - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Certainly a lot of car for the buck! You can pay a lot more and get a lot LESS in a luxury car ie Lexus, Acura!

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  Indestructible - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By jimcsmith1988 - November 18 - 4:06 am

  Astonishingly reliable- I purchased in 2011 used, and within three days a wind storm dropped a 5000 pound tree on the hood. After chopping the tree up, the car took off as if nothing happened. With a mileage intensive job, Ive been heaping miles on it without issue. Just swapped out the timing belt after 100K miles to be safe, but it gave no indication that it needed it. It is small, and Id recommend the 4 door. The mileage is beyond incredible, I get somewhere between 30-35MPG on average, and thats with a 10 year old automatic setup. The pickup is not fast, but it can maintain 90MPH on the highway without issue. I smiled a bit when I overtook a new Challenger on the interstate.

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  Excellent, Fun Car-Short & Long Distance - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Stacy Wiley - November 16 - 4:53 pm

  I purchased this car brand new off the lot in 2006. I have been driving it for two years now and would not give it up for the world. I love the comfort, sportiness, and sexiness it gives me on the road. The power is excellent for a four cylinder, although I do notice a sluggish start when running the A/C on high from a dead stop. Long distance drives have not left me with the "numb butt" feeling. That was a plus. I average about 28-30 mpg in town, if driving casually. If I romp on it, I can almost see my gas gauge move! Driver tendencies depend on gas mileage. I love the interior, although the driver side door could have an elbow rest a little higher. Absolutely great car!

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  I love my Outlander! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Curlygirl60 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Outlander. It is fun to drive, looks very nice and has a lot of pep, something I did not find in the Jeep or the Forrester I test drove. The steering is just right, the brakes feel wonderful and I have just the right vision from all angles. Im very happy with mine.

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  Mitsu2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By luckyledi - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this vehicle 4 days ago and I absolutely love it!

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  2002 Diamante LS - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Tika Scheurer - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Diamante has alot of head and leg room. It is the best car I have ever purchased. The comfort level is the best. The ride is smooth and quite. I feel the Diamante is a very reliable ride and the features it comes with are unbelievable.

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  Traded the Jag - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MickP - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Just traded a 1999 JagXJ8 for a new Diamante. The ride in this car is quieter, I swear! For the price, this is the best mid-range luxury car Ive owned. Smooth ride. Ultra-quiet and fun to drive. Beautiful look too.

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  Montero Sport - Performance is Fine! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Mr. Hoop - November 14 - 10:00 am

  We checked out reviews on the Montero prior to buying. I seemed to notice two common characteristics: best hwy driver, and most sluggish. We are tickled with the way our Montero rides. As far as performance, you could put a Vette, a Mustang Cobra, and a Viper together, and ONE of them is going to be called the "most sluggish!" If youre a good ole boy who wants to run the mud flaps into the ground back in the holler, than maybe the Montero is not for you! However, if you want a rugged, dependable, family sized, good-looking vehicle that WILL get you from Point A to Point B in an expeditious manner, than the Montero or Montero Sport is a good choice!

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  Im glad I didnt trust Edmunds review - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By shipleyclan - November 10 - 4:01 am

  Its unbelievable to me that Edmunds "professional" editors give this excellent car an average rating. The Outlander Sport, which is different from the bigger Outlander CUV, boasts top safety ratings from the insurance institute and the government, very agreeable handling and acceleration, eyecatching styling, and high build quality. The drivetrain is smooth. Its not a race car, but its got eager power and makes a comfortable ride. The value for the price is excellent. Sure its no BMW or Volvo but buck for buck this is an unbeatable car for every day driving fun. I really love this car, every bit of it.