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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  my 2003 galant es - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rysco - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The car has decent pickup for being a 4 cyl. Very comfortable sets w/8way adj drivers seat. Very good on NOT using all your gas on short or long trips! The car handles very well not sluggish at all. The cd/player and speakers have great sound. I love the look and usefullnes of the fogg lights. It is a great car!!!!!!!!!!

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  Fine by me - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By HappyBum - May 1 - 6:53 am

  I bought my 03 new in February 04. I can say it has been a good car. I have 83K on it now. I had to replace the battery (last week) the 02 sensor, and just replaced the brakes at 81000 miles. Aside from that it has been fine. I drive it mostly on the highway and get an average of 27 mpg. For the money spent I have no complaints. I like the soft ride and the car handles fine. I have the 2.4 4 cyl, 6 would be better. However, it has get up and go enough for the commute to work everyday. Looks good, runs fine.

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  Good car for the money - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By mitsudriver1 - April 28 - 10:56 pm

  I have about 30K miles on my Outlander Sport. I purchased this car for commuting and general running about in the city. It took a little getting used to since I have been driving a Large SUV with V-8 power for the last 15 years. With that said this car is adequate for what it does. ITs not a very quick off the line but if you use the paddle shifters it helps. Once up to speed it moves nicely and cruises at 75-80 mph with ease. I have found it to be pretty versitile considering its size. I am able to haul around bicycles, potting soil, plants etc. I have averaged between 26-28 mpg in mixed city/hwy driving and I dont baby this car. The handeling is very car like and generally comfortable

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MikeinIA - April 19 - 2:00 am

  No complaints with ride/comfort/reliability. I bought the vehicle based on its reliability and styling. It doesnt have features that I would expect on a luxury car. This car doesnt have automatic headlights. Come on, even Chevy Cavaliers have this option!!! It doesnt have an auto dimming rear view mirror. I left my door cracked open and the inside lights stayed on all night and drained the battery. Most new vehicles have an auto shut-off feature if the doors are left open. Great acceleration from a stop, but dont expect much when stepping on the gas once the car is between 20-30 MPH (the transmission wont kick down).

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  Piece of junk!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By honeybee27332 - April 18 - 6:56 am

  I purchased my 2004 galant used in 2007. It was a fantastic car until 2010. We have changed both converters 3 times & o2 sensors once. Also hsve had to have a new starter & a new altenater put on. Not to mention the AC doesnt work anymore either. Going to fix it & get rid of it. Will NEVER own a Mitsubishi again!!!!

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  10 Month Review - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Jim Anthony - April 17 - 11:50 pm

  This a follow-up to my one month review in January. The gas mileage problem is better. I have close to 8,000 miles on it now. The interior still needs work done on it, as the compartment that hold the jack in is poorly designed. The plastic fender coverings are also a major problem. I had the dealer work on them twice and they still come loose or leak glue. I have been waiting for new parts now for over a month and half. The dealer claims that this is a national backup for the parts. Would I still buy this vehicle? Yes.

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  75k death - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By joelor - April 17 - 3:43 pm

  At 75k entire rear suspension needs to be replaced. Car was cared for very well. Was told by dealer that I should have had a 4 wheel alignment every yr! Good bye mitsu

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  It is average, just having issues - 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Timothy Mellender - April 10 - 6:04 am

  I bought my 2013 Lancer a year and a half ago and about 6 months in I start having issues with my car saying it is overheating and kicking into safety mode, where it slows my car down until it comes to a complete stop and then it cools down, yet my temperature gauge sits halfway like normal every time, and Ive taken my car to4 different mechanics over the past year and they all say nothing is wrong with my car. Even a Mitsubishi dealership mechanic said the same thing, yet my car still continues to have this issue. I would give this car a 4+ star rating but unfortunately I cannot because there is something wrong with my car yet nobody seems to know what it is.

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  A Smart SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gold star - April 8 - 10:00 am

  The Outlander LSAWD surpassed our expectation.Its like youre riding in Lexus based on comfort and its rear end design.The height is lower Compared to Rav4 & Honda CRV so you are more closer to the ground in proportion to its center of gravity so you are more stable,its like riding in Subaru Forester.In regards with fuel its good it doesnt cost as much as other suv.If your looking in SUV which you can use in all terrain try the Outlander,I can say you wont regret it.

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  Descent for its purpose - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Soldonnissan - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a good vehicle. Could use more power and get better mileage. Good interior space and standard audio system. Rugged exterior design still looks good after all these years (better than the Endeavor). Bought it for the wife who just loves the looks. Not a bad ride for a truck-on-frame design.