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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  Impressive Ride - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Austin - August 14 - 1:06 am

  Great on gas with ample power. 4 wheel drive with climate options allows you to help the car maximize traction.

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  Great value for your money! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Fritz Lindstrom - August 13 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle for use instead of my useless Ford F 150. I was a bit nervous about my first backroad/offroad trip but the Outlander handled great. It is almost as high of the ground as a truck so you can go through potholes and deep puddles. Highway mileage is good, city mileage is decent. It is definitely good value for money.

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  My dream come true - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jenn - August 12 - 12:53 pm

  I recently purchased a used 2000 Eclipse GT. I love it. It runs amazing and is the perfect car for me. It is stylish among being very resourceful. I wouldnt own any other car. I am 100% satisfied with its performance this far. It hasnt given me any problems. As far as I can tell it is going to be the best car I own.

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  An OK alternative - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Drew - August 11 - 9:03 pm

  I bought my Lancer used, with about 36,000 miles on it. Its been a solid performer so far, but it should be for the first 100,000 miles. Any car should. The car should have more horsepower. Theres no reason it shouldnt be in the 160-170 HP range when the Rally version is well over 200. The gas mileage is disappointing, it too should be better. Ive experience high 20s when traveling on the highway - it should be in the mid-30s at least. All in all, the Lancer is a half-way decent alternative if you cannot afford the Civic or a comparable Toyota or Nissan. My only other concern would be the automatic transmission. I hope it doesnt give out before its paid for. Go with a stick if you can.

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  GS or GT? - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason S - August 10 - 2:00 pm

  When I drove the GS I thought it was a pretty neat car. Then I made the mistake of driving the GT and had to fork over some more money to take that one. The ride is fairly quiet and it is great to drive. The interior at night is very pleasant on the eyes. The front seats are very comfortable!

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  I love my Mitz - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Jamie0827 - August 9 - 8:30 am

  I am a proud owner of a "Mitz" Mitsubishi Diamante. I love my car its fast, nice inside and out, and its good on gas, I got it used and I have not had any problems with it since. (Thank GOD!) I also just love the color it like a baby blue, also like no other.

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  Awesome Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jessica Nevins - August 6 - 8:23 pm

  My Eclipse is very nice. It gets awesome gas mileage, and I love the way almost everything looks. The 6 disc CD changer is awesome. I definitely will stay in the Mitsubishi family!!

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  Paint chips and plastic - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jamie - August 5 - 8:50 pm

  I was a happy owner of the 04 outlander and fell in love with the look of the 07. Got a good deal on a sun and sound package demo... I thought, until I noticed the paint chipping and rust on the bottom of the back doors. Went rounds with mitsu only to find that since this is exterior damage that occurred after the vehicle left the lot, it is considered wear and tear. I figured the person driving the demo was abusive, but have learned this is a common problem with the design. This chipping paint is going to look terrible in a year or so. The finishes on the 07 are of a much lower quality than the 04 I previously owned, which has left me with a negative impression of Mitsubishi.

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  2003 Outlander - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gina M. - July 30 - 12:33 pm

  Great small SUV for the money. Dependable. If you dont mind a little bumpy ride, this is a very inexpensive SUV to own. I have owned it since their debut in 2003. Gets through the bad winters, high enough to see well. Not great for carry more than 4-5 adults. Small cargo area. I like the truck a lot.

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  Good Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jmac - July 28 - 11:00 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year now. I really like it so far! I havent had any problems with it. My only complaint is that the back seat does not have very much leg room, as I am 6 1", so my passengers sometimes feel cramped in the back, especially if its a long drive. I love the features mine has (see below). It has been a very reliable car so far and seems very safe. If youre looking for a Galant, I would definitely buy an LS or LTZ, the DS and ES just seem very cheaply made in comparison to my LS. Just remember, you get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap car, then youll have some problems. I see a lot of people mad about their Galant purchase on here, but mine is great!