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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  Very Pleased - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By MtnTyme - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The first 3 yrs, I put over 36k per yr on this car, most of that in the Appalachian Mtns. The Yokahoma tires that came with it lasted about 90k miles, and the seat covers still look great. I average about 40 mpg overall. It survived a deer collisionw/only front end body damage. It handles very well in snow on paved roads, but does not have the power to handle deep snow or icy grades on rutted dirt roads. It now has a bit of tapping when it starts, and the suspension is losing out to the rough dirt road where we live now. Ill have to give it up soon for something w/more clearance & traction, but it will be sorely missed.

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  Decent enough car, poor resale value - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By clee1138 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car during the 0-0-0 deals for when we were cash poor. It has been a pretty decent car - fun to drive, comfy, and pretty reliable - but now that its time to trade, were taking it on the chin. The V6 is peppy and responsive with OK economy. Handling is OK with the right tires. The interior is solid, but Mitsubishi cut too many corners - small console, no rear dome light makes the back seat DARK at night, and very limited storage space. If you can find one used, its probably not a bad choice, but let someone else take the new car depreciation hit.

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  Love this car! - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mdark - August 23 - 11:06 pm

  Bought this car with 150k miles on it, has had a few minor issues but nothing abnormal for a car thats now pushing 165k miles. The car is extremely comfortable, I love driving it and the gas economy for a 1996 is AMAZING. The freeway MPG is phenomenal, however it dislikes stop and go in-town driving and traffic. Extremely reliable and the maintenance fees are pretty reasonable. Id recommend this car to anyone, I can expect it to go 200k with ease.

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  Never thought of Mitsubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JPA1 - August 22 - 10:06 am

  Thanks to Edmunds I added the Outlander to my list of SUVs. Also looked at the CR-V and the RAV4. I got it with the upgraded sound and navigation system. If you can swing them they are worth it. Being 60+ my wife and I like not having hop up or crouch down to get in. All and all a good vehicle for the buck. Thanks Edmunds.

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  Love My Outlander! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jennifer - August 22 - 12:06 am

  Let me start off by saying I wanted the Nissan Murano or the Mazda CX-7, but my husband wanted me to look at the Outlander just to see what it offered. I was so impressed with the standard features and price on the Outlander that we walked away with a fully loaded one at just over $30,000. This is something that CAN NOT be done with the Murano or CX-7. There are so many features on this vehicle that I am still trying to figure them out. You must go see it for yourself to fully appreciate it. The 3rd row seats are small but I knew this when I bought it. My kids (ages 10 and 12) dont mind sitting back there on short trips. I keep the seat folded down for space but its nice to have it when needed.

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  Some problems - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Laura - August 21 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had this car for two years and I do put a lot of miles on it annually. It ran great initially, but since I hit 90,000 miles Ive had to put about $2,000 in to repairs. front and rear axle, exhaust system, break pads and shoes 3-4 times in the last two years, transmission, etc. It is also extremely loud, the external noise I can hear with the windows rolled up is kind of ridiculous. It is extremely comfortable to sit in and fun to drive but not worth it anymore. Also, as I work in a city and have to parallel park, my car gets bumped around a lot be less contentious drivers. The thing dents as easily as a soda can! Theres a dent from someone having leaned against it!

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  Not bad for the money - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By killertaco - August 20 - 2:00 am

  So far this car has been pretty good. We have had a couple of issues with the car including replacing the wing as it was loose when we purchased it; incidentally, I pointed this out to the dealer (Huntington Beach Mitsubishi), but they declined to fix it as they stated nothing was wrong with it, until I took it to another Mits dealer and they fixed it----go figure. Another issue is at low speeds there is a humming sound that comes from the front end, and this "humming" is really evident when turning sharply, but again at slow speeds. The driver side power window stopped working after a year, but the warranty paid for the repair.

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  scary to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By disappointed - August 16 - 3:46 pm

  I wish Id listened to the advice another reviewer gave here on edmunds. He said the steering was "squirrely," and he was right! You cant take your eyes off the road for a second--this car will take you right off the road. And the sway in this thing makes my kids sick! No sway bar is available to correct it. Also, because the entire hatchback lifts up, it drips water right on you if its been raining. Then, when you get home, your groceries fall out! I bought this because I liked the way it looked, but dont do it!

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  Good bang for the buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dcmooreesq - August 15 - 5:40 pm

  Bought my 2003 Montero used (driven 1 year), so took advantage of a great price cut. Was in virtually new condition. Well put together, workmanship is very good. Runs great. V6 has adequate power for me, I dont tow. Fuel economy is okay for an SUV. Very reliable and roomy. I rarely go offroad, but this thing is one of the more capable stock 4x4s. Handles snow and dirt just fine. The Infinity radio system is okay. Controls and gauges are well laid out. For what I paid, Im very happy. Too bad Mitsu has decided to stop selling the Monty in the US.

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  I love this ride! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ucprincess2002 - August 14 - 11:41 am

  On 2/28/2015 I purchased an 03 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS with 124,000 miles on it and one previous owner. I love this SUV because it is stylish but most importantly reliable. My sons father has one and I said if I ever had the chance to purchase another used vehicle this one is it because in it has never given him major problems. The only con is the gas consumption but I will take that any day over what I use to drive. The previous owner took excellent care of this vehicle and I will do the same. Everyone who sees it is surprised at how old it is because it still competes with newer modeled SUVs. It should have never been discontinued.