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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  Dont Believe this so called expert review! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Bell - December 31 - 10:39 am

  This car deserves at least a high B in ratings! I bought mine back in July when they were first delivered to the public. Mercury Grey. It is packed with features that other suvs cant touch at this price......$32,545....I own a video production business and it is roomy enough for my equipment and crew. The wife loves it for the style and handling The paddle shifters are fun and it has plenty of pick up. The Leather and other equipment makes this a real joy to own...Drive one and you will buy one....

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  GEAR UP!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Private Eye - December 26 - 10:00 am

  A great looking SUV with dependability. The acceleration factor is not the best with an automatic transmission, (an additional gear may help that). Gas mileage needs improvement (an additional gear may help that also). The 3.0L GPM is disappointing. The GPM in my Chevy Truck is better.

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  I Love It - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By fmason79 - December 24 - 5:10 am

  I purchased my Galant in October of 2004 with about 30,000 miles on it. I now have over 100,000 miles on it with no major issues. I replaced the temperature control switch for the heat / air conditioning. I have kept up with regular maintenance and it has paid off! The only complaint I have is the gas mileage could be better. I get about 22 or 23 mpg with mixed city and highway. Compared with a Honda this is low! All in all I enjoy my Galant though!

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  Fun little car - 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chriss - December 20 - 1:55 am

  Actually my daughter purchased this car back in November, and I love it. The 4 cylinder motor isnt the fastest car on the road but it is really fun to drive. The sound system rocks and the heated seats are nice to have this winter. With a 10 inch bass cannon behind the back seat, the neighbors here us when we come and go. Lots of nice features with this car. Cannot comment on long term dependability since our 2012 has only 35,000 miles, but we love it so far.

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  Fun for this teen! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RkQue - December 17 - 3:46 pm

  I just purchased the 2008 ES with CVT and oh man is it fun to drive. I got all the options including the navigation system, Sun and Sound package, and bluetooth. This car is such an upgrade from my previous car (02 Chevy Malibu). It handles corners with a breeze, and its high speed pick up is very much unexpected. My brother just bought a brand new Lexus IS 250, and my car has all the same options for less than half the price! With a few performance upgrades coming in the near future, this car will be a fast, head-turning, teched out piece of automobile art! Oh and by the way, it looks great in black!

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  Slipped through Quality Control - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Andy - December 11 - 11:26 pm

  When I first saw the commercial for this car I was very intrigued. When my truck died I needed a new daily driver car. I test drove it and ended up buying it the same day. Sadly, after a month the problems crept up. ItÂ’s been in the shop for 10 total days now because of warranty issues. Anyone who has the nav system and the Rockford sound system try this: turn on the accessories but donÂ’t start the car. Watch a DVD or listen to your radio for an hour. Then start your car. On two separate occasions, my car shorted out its throttle body. 8800 total miles on it, inexcusable.

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  A Mitsubishi Lancer DE - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By BeGood - December 7 - 2:23 pm

  Overall I am very satisfied with the purchase. The size is deceiving, the car has lots of room in the cab and trunk. Compared to my 2003 Galant ES, this car is a generation better in technology. However, the Galant is better (fun and comfort) to drive and has better fuel economy. Having said that, this car holds its own in terms of performance and comfort. The interior is basic. Cheap looking/feeling fabrics and hard edged plastics. Not a lot of amenities such as an additional power outlet (option), covered storage, arm rests, seat adjustments (has fore/aft & back tilt), coin holder, etc. I have to step back and tell myself that I purchased this car as a beater to drive to work.

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  Decent car for the price - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By savvyguy - November 26 - 7:40 pm

  This is a review based on 5 months of driving. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase. The styling was a major appeal, plus it does very well on corners. The only gripe I have about this car would be --> the paint <--, thin metal ( i have a few dents already), cheesy interior, and some-what slow performance from the cvt. The gas mileage was decent, about 23/30. Although I cant complain much since I got the car with the S&S and Nav for 22k OTD.

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  Would never buy again - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By moonbeem - November 23 - 5:33 am

  Wheel base is poor compared to my Celica. I thought buying a 6 cylinder car would increase my power speed at take off, but my 4 cylinder Celica had much better power. I do like the looks and the comfort, but it has a long way to go to beat Toyotas quality.

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  Outlander - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jane Wright - November 19 - 11:03 am

  Overall reliability has been good.