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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  What a Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mikey the 4th - October 11 - 12:46 am

  I love this cars gas mileage. Its labeled at 28/35 mpg but I have been averaging 30/38mpg. But I guess it depends on how you drive the car. The horsepowe isnt that great but for being a light car the horsepower doent matter too much. If it does for you, then go buy an EVO. I havent had any engine or any other problems with it at all and I have 43K miles on it. One thing I have to say if you buy it is to put on some high perfromance tires. It drives smoother, quieter, and you get better gas too. Not much but enough. The interior is nice and simple, plenty of room interior, exterior, and engine to deck out. Mitsubishi + OZ-Rally = Awesome!

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  I Love It - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kryto76 - October 9 - 11:36 am

  The only thing I wish that Mitsubishi had done was let the fog lamps stay on if you pressed the button. Instead you have to turn them on all the time when you turn on the head lamps. Also, this car needs an MP3 jack for the iPod.

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  A car that adapts to your life - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By garlinghouse - October 8 - 10:20 am

  My Lancer ES was my first new car. Being young and immature I drove it like a rally car the first 10k miles of its life. As I got more responsible and mature I began driving it normally. After getting married and having 2 kids it made a great family car. My wife now uses it everyday to make long commutes to work and school driving at least 150 miles a day. This car still gets great gas mileage around 27mph average, has never let me or my family down even at 80k plus miles. This car can take anything you or your life throw its way. All it asks in return is follow its maintenance schedule by the book and this car will do whatever you need it to do.... within reason! Highly recommended.

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  Run from Mitsubishi as fast as you can! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By AJ EZ - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Engine completely broke after servicing at dealer who denied any wrongdoing. Needed to replace engine at my cost and what a cost. This company makes junk! Just look at their reliability records to see for yourself. You have been forewarned! AJ

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  excellent - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GARY - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I AM VERY SATIFIED WITH MY ECLIPSE.I HAVE OWNED THREE.I WILL CONTINUE TO BUY THIS CAR.I BELIEVE THIS IS THE BEST BUY IN ITS CLASS.

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  Best deal around! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By usafwifey - October 7 - 12:41 am

  I purchased my Outlander used with 58,000 miles on it. I have put 2000 miles on it since then and I love it! This car is the best deal in its class! I shopped around for about 3 months before purchasing this car and looked at a Nissan Rogue, Xterra, Kia Sorento, and a Santa Fe previously. The Outlander is able to provide the best quality, most fatures, and best reliability for the money! I have a feeling my next car will be a newer Outlander!

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  great car for the money - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By glen29 - October 6 - 2:23 am

  I have owned this care for 4 moths. The best mpg of any care I have driven not to mention the price. The only thing I cant figure out is why all the so called professional reviewers give it such poor reviews. I think if your in the market for a inexpensive car with great mpg read the owners review and take one for a test drive you will be pleasantly surprised. 8363 owners cant be wrong this year.

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  Road Warrior Salesman - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By GEB in Seattle - October 3 - 9:43 am

  In sales and drive a lot of highway miles and have over 100,000 miles in 3 years. Still get looks and stares from everyone asking what brand of truck and how sharp it looks. Great reliability - new brakes at 75,000 miles and new tires at 90,000 miles. Used to get over 21 MPG on highway but now now get about 18 MPG but still pleased for a V8.

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  Love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mpantalo - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Im pleased with the vehicle and know several others who have Montero Sports and delight in them, with no reliability problems. The vehicle handles great, and I came to it from a Miata which has some of the best handling on the road.

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  GTZ - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By floejoe - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my GTZ new almost 2 years ago. For the most part I have thoroughly enjoyed. My wife mainly drives the car and she loves it. My only dissapointment is the sloppiness of the transimission. When you need the car to downshift for passing the transmission takes forever to shift. The car has a good ride to it and isrelatively quiet at freeway speeds. The gas mileage sucks for a v6. I normally get 22 around town and 25 on the freeway. My 97 z28 camaro gets better gas mileage than this car. Build quality is good and I havent had any mechanical problems.