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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  Best Bang for your recessionary buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By tilolite - November 9 - 10:56 am

  I bought the 03 Montero 20th Anniv used for a much less than similarly loaded or capable SUV. I already own a 98 Montero Sport with over 155k mi which is still running great. I expect the same or better from this one. I was attracted to Monteros rally heritage, bullet proof engine and that I grew up with them in the Caribbean where they are known as Pajero. Although 7 yrs old, this SUV still turns heads since it is fairly rare. It goes anywhere in style. Its reliable, comfortable and cheap to buy especially used leaving me with money for new mods. I have added wheel spacers for improve stability and look. Next I will add larger rims & tires, a cold air intake to increase HP and MPG.

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  great so far - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By peyebp4 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  only one month old so far, so good

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  Good Decision - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ddurham - November 1 - 5:06 pm

  Great mpg if you drive conservatively which the info screen will help you achieve if thats your goal and at $3.33 a gal, its becoming mine. I noticed the throttle lag during a test drive but found a service bulletin on the forums and the dealer took care of reprogramming the ECM right away. The lag is no longer there.

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  My Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By joangell - October 30 - 9:40 pm

  The seats have such good back support that after taking a long trip your back is not telling you that you have been in the vehicle that long.

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  GREATEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mikeandstuff - October 28 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ever built. its comfortable,convenient, and just plain fun to drive. it hardly ever needs to go to the shop (other than oil changes) and its very reliable aswell. my lancer has great fule economy and accelorates like nothing else.(no engine work has been done) it handles great to. it turnes as if it was on rails. it can take a corner better than my old 1999 accord could.

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  Love my Mirage - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By kdcka1 - October 24 - 6:54 pm

  I was attracted to this car because of the low purchase price and low fuel costs - I get up to 48 MPG ! I think it is adorable and fun to drive. It is liberating to not feel the money flying out of your pockets every time you go somewhere. I previously drove a Jeep and got about 15 MPG. It is full of standard features and does not feel like a cheap car at all. My Jeep was a 2005 loaded limited edition - and I do not feel deprived at all making the change. Great bargain, reliable, and feels like you spent more than you did. Great size to sneak into small parking spaces.

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  I love the Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By eduardo Machado - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Althoug the power is a little on the slow side, i love the way it handles, the way a can drive like ill drive a car, i can take turns real fast and do be worried at all, To conclude its a real good buy for the money, performance side, i already installed a K&N Cone intake and it feels a lot more powerful, soon ill be installing and exhaust system

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  HIDDEN GEM OUT THERE - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By AL - October 22 - 7:15 am

  I currently own a 2014 Rogue and 2013 BMW X3 Msport. Comparing the ride quality, this suv beats both vehicle. Even if its a CVT, comparing it to my Rogue, when accelaration is needed, it does not hesitate and I dont hear the engine rev so much as compared to the Rogue. The CRV and RAV4 are overated. There is nowhere that they are up to par with this vehicle. I believe the only reason why consumers out there dont even consider Mitsubishi when shopping a car is because of their bad reputation for the past 10 years but I will honestly admit that they have come a long way to improve it. I am so thankfull that I went to a Mitsubishi dealer "just to see" what they got and boy!!! I was in for the ride that instant. If you are shopping for a vehicle that fits budget and have the basic perks especially....""ride comfort and style...Then I highly recommend to check this vehicle "no kidding" they say that the exterior style is ugly? I dont think so! Iit better looking than a CRV or RAV4 and it looks bigger too! If you look it sideways, its similar to a BMW X5 although..They could have done better in the vehicles front fascia. Overall..Im a very pleased to own a 2016 SEL.

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  Best Mid-Size Car Out There - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dan - October 21 - 6:06 pm

  This Car is awesome. It has a beautiful exterior, very sporty looking. The interior is very attractive with titanium trim and 6 speaker infinity sound system. The alloy wheels are worth the extra money since the generic wheel covers are ugly. The upgrades are nice but are a little more expensive than they should be. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a quality, sexy, and sporty sedan. The 2.4L engine is awesome and it doesnt make much noise. The car is very sturdy and I feel very safe inside of it. Also comes with the best warranty in the business, 10yr / 100,000, 5 yr / 60,000 bumper to bumper, 3 yr free maintence. Mitsubishi has a winner with the 2005 Galant!

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  Nice Sporty Car For The Money - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jessica - October 17 - 2:40 pm

  This is my first new car purchase and so far Im really loving this car. The exterior styling is gorgeous and the interior is in two words "simple elegance," not too overly done but eye catching none the less. The front seats are very comfy but the back seat is small with no leg room, but that doesnt bother me since I dont sit back there! :) Its got a peppy engine for a 4-cyl. but does get a little sluggish with the A/C on in my opinion. It takes turns like nothing and the the brakes are also wonderful, It it the best vehicle Ive ever experienced. The Rockford Fosgate sterio is killer, a MUST have. All around I adore this car and its a huge step up from my 01 Grand Am. Buy one, youull love it!