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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  2000 Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pjjackson - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This car lacks the power of the previous turbo-charged Eclipse/ Plymouth Laser but the styling is nicer. The 3 L six uses premium fuel but averages 32-34 mph on the highway and about 28 overall. The suspension is a bit soft but, with good, well balanced tires, the ride is very good.

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  All around great car - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chris - October 5 - 5:50 pm

  I am very happy with my purchase, car has been flawless so far. Great performance for the money and awesome styling. Visibility is a major problem though. Car also likes to get silly when pushed hard in corners when flooring it. Car should have at least came with a LSD or AWD. Interior also should have higher quality. Although nice enough for most people the interior materials dont belong on a 30K car. All around Great buy with a lot of potential. Just with a CAI performance and engine sound is night and day. In the end you get a little more than what you pay before.

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  Updated comments - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander2 - October 2 - 9:10 pm

  Two months ago I rated my newly purchased Outlander. I still feel that the car is very smooth. It rides very quiet and is very comfortable. I especially like the transmission, allowing to shift up and down on the go. The sound system is great. I found that the rear wiper to be almost useless. It does not clean a large enough surface to allow for a clear vue, The rear wiper is a pain to change. The plastic on which mudguards are mounted is beginning to deteriorate. Gas mileage is disappointing from a 4 cyl. car. I find the tires 215/55/17 to be oversize and the 94V rating in unnecessary for this car with a top speed of 120 mph. The windows and sunroof freeze when cold.

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  My Mitsubishi - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By msmonica - September 26 - 11:10 pm

  I have had this vehicle since I bought it new in 2000. It has been a very dependable SUV. If you keep it maintained with regular oil changes and yearly suggested maintenance, it will run forever. I have over 150,000 miles on it and its still going strong!

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  rice rocket - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jckedup - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Cool car... Can be customized very easily... tons of aftermarket parts from exhaust to nitrous kits.... No problems so far... 33 mpg on highway...Glad I bought it.

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  NEW SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By kep5 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunatley I dont feel like Im in an SUV anymore. This vehicle is more lke a car. It is very comortable though. I really enjoy the interior. I will be taking it for its first camping trip soon and Ill report back with how it handled on the unpaved roads.

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  Better than the rest - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By B. Purcell - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Looked at all the competitive models in this price range and found this the best value for the dollar. Decent power, more distintive styling and features. Also looked at Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and 4Runner.

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  The All Wheel Drive Is What its All About - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Helen Meade - September 25 - 9:26 am

  This car is not sexy. It doesnt zip along in the city. This particular used model has practically no bells and whistles in the interior. But it drives steady-as-you-go. Its big enough for large teenagers in the back, as well as small amount of cargo. Mileage is as good as my smaller HHR. It has good number of airbags. Most importantly, it was the only vehicle in my price range that came with All Wheel Drive. Where I live theres snow, ice, and hills. My previous front wheel drive vehicles have always been a little dicy in the winter. I havent driven this one in the snow yet - just bought in in May 2017, but I have high hopes.

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  Decent import - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JMarsh - September 17 - 9:36 pm

  Overall, the OZ edition is a good buy. No one would be dissatisfied by the features. Mileage is decent and the car is plain fun. Plus I havent yet seen another just like mine on the road anywhere Ive been. The audio is weak, but replacing the head unit makes for a decent system. The car is also highly modifyable, though nearly every possible change voids the warranty. By the way, the 10 year warranty is solid.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Drew Day - September 17 - 7:31 am

  Literally the only complaint I have is the finish quality of the interior. Too heavy on the hard plastics (we opted for more of a base model trim.) Everything else is par excellence! The CVT is silky smooth. The 2.4L engine offers plenty of pep. The ride is sublime, very quiet cabin. Solidly put together. Comfortable seating position. Nimble handling. Took it for a spin at elevation on a rainy, then slushy, then icy road - 4WD auto and 4WD LOCK are a must have - offers incredible traction. Confident around the corners and a great feel. Wish for a smidge more room in the back for our big dog, but we are exceedingly happy with our purchase. The dealer was eager to please. Subaru has more brand recognition, but we believe we purchased the better crossover for the money.