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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  Excellent 4 Door Sport Sedan - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JDeauseault - April 4 - 10:46 am

  My driving experience has been excellent: good road feel, firm, not stiff or jarring ride. I would and will buy Mitsubishi vehicles from now on due to this being my 4th purchased from the manufacturer. All have had the same qualities: excellent fit and finish, above average powertrains with power and efficiency, outstanding, unique styling (many compliments from friends and strangers alike).

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  My Second One - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By vermontergirl - April 3 - 9:43 pm

  Before the two Montero Sports, I drove a Volvo 850. This truck has only needed one minor thing in its 60,000 mile history. Just change the oil and go. One winter (I run studded Nokians), it made it up the last 600 of my very steep driveway with 22" of unplowed snow! It took about four passes, but did it. My driving is split between city and highway. For mileage, I usually get 21 mpg in the summer and slightly less in the winter (studded tires). This is not bad for a big SUV. Of course, if you want to go 75 mph all day you wont get the same results. The 2003s are really AWD all the time (90/10), which probably accounts for the decent gas mileage, and lock into 4HI+LO when needed.

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  Not Bad! - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chet Baker - April 2 - 9:53 am

  I do agree with Edmunds regarding comparison with other vehicles in the 24K range, but lets put things into perspective... Mitsubishi is letting these cars go for about the same price that you would pay for a well equipped Civic! I was able to purchase the SE model for 18K. For the money, I know that a reliable, fun to drive, and not bad looking car was purchased. The warranty cant be beat. I do wish that the gas mileage was a little better, but its not terrible.

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  Not the only one in town anymore - 2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV
  By mitsulover - March 28 - 11:20 am

  Lack of back seat leg room and basic seat design meant I could only give the car a "3" for comfort (but its not advertised as a family hauler anyway). I already had two Mitsus, so, I had to pick the I-MiEV over the Leaf. But if you have a family of 4, buy the Leaf. As with my other Mitsus, the Japanese built or designed models (think Lancer vs. Galant) seem to have a better build quality and design (this one has the "J" VIN). Like my Buell, this thing is still rare enough to get lots of people coming by with questions, so be prepared. At $0.15 per KWhr, I pay a little over $3 for a full (22 hrs @ 110V) charge which gives me a little over 60-miles on the freeway or 80+ in the city.

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  Incredible reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By M. Taylor - March 24 - 10:08 pm

  Mitsu has a poor image here in the US but the Outlander was a great car for my family. We purchased ours new in the summer of 2003. It was the XLS model with AWD and all factory options. It was originally my wifes car and she chose it over the CR-V and RAV4 due to our positive experience with a prior Mitsu SUV (Montero Sport) and the availability of a sunroof along with heated leather seats. A year later, we got her another car and I took over the Outlander. We traded the Outlander in for new car in Feb 2016. It had 302,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. The Mitsu was extremely reliable for us with the interior and exterior holding up well through the those 13 years. My only gripes: slow acceleration, average fuel consumption, and timing belt had to be changed every 60k miles.

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  Rough in the Diamante - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Mauricio - March 24 - 8:13 pm

  I bought my Diamante with 77,000 miles for cheap. Its a dream ride. Its quiet, powerful, smooth. But its a heavy car, so the brakes go fast and they are not strong enough for the car. The transmission is not strong enough either. Over a long period and it starts to fail when down shifting. It seems like its a common problem on high mileage Diamantes. A lot of little things have started to go wrong. The AC started failing. The trunk didnt open from inside anymore. The leather seat started ripping, etc. They are excellent cars for a while. The drop in the bucket was the failing distributor at 99,000 miles. After that, I had to sell it. Too bad, they are not easy to find and I miss it.

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  Never Would Have Made It - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Toya - March 23 - 6:10 pm

  I got my 2000 Mitsu. Mirage DE in April of 2001 after I wrecked a Honda Accord and I was not happy about it. It was plain and cheap (I was 18 and wanted something sporty). However, when I got it, it only had 15,000 miles on it and Im still driving it today over 7 years and I have a little over 192,000 miles on it. I put rims on it to make it look nice and a sound system for my entertainment. I have never ever had any major mechanical problems with it, it took 5 years before anything went out on it and I got it fixed immediately, I get my oil changed every 3 months(just because) and I love my car. Ive taken good care of it and it is taking good care of me, and its great on gas.

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  Buy This car if you want to be safe - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By luvarabhorse - March 23 - 3:37 am

  I have had this car for nearly 70K miles. It is incredibly reliable. The only thing wrong is its comestic defects, like the finish becoming dull with age. I have had problems with the air conditioner, like many of the other reviews state and currently need a new air compressor. If you want a car that will save your life should you ever get into an accident get this one. It gets great gas mileage on the highway, but not so great mileage in town. Reliable reliable reliable though! I love my car

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  Reliable, 2nd time buyer - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mickey3145 - March 21 - 11:56 pm

  My daughter is driving my first Montero Sport, 180K miles and still going. We have never had any serious mechanical problems. We have done normal maintenance and it still runs and looks great. My 2003 is the same. I currently have 40K miles and it is great car for my business. I also have an Endeavor and love it!

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  09 Lancer sports - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jldixon - March 20 - 11:03 pm

  Very dependable,low maintenance and average interior. Has great reliability. Ownership since new.