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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  Great Truck - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ali - September 17 - 10:40 pm

  I picked my Mitsubishi Outlander when I compared it to its competitiors. Its amazing. I have droven 2004 Ford Escape but found this one to be a better value.

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  The way the Eclipse was meant to be! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason From Jersey - September 17 - 9:50 pm

  This car is a pure and powerful head turner. The perfect blend of style, performance, and personality. This is a car that tuners can appreciate due to its 263hp and 260 torque. This car rivals the likes of the Mazda RX-8, Nissan 350z, Infiniti G35, Acura RSX, Toyota Celica, and the Ford Mustang 2005. More spacious backseat then the Generation 1 & 2 but still maintains head clearance issues in the back seat. Overall however its a perfect car for a tuner or someone who just cant afford that new BMW. So go out and take a test drive today and you can be sure to see the value.

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  Great Crossover, would be better 6 cylinders - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By sjcruiser36 - September 14 - 9:53 pm

  I have had this vehicle since October 2012. My check engine light just came on, and the code at AutoZones states its the oxygen sensor. Hopefully this is covered by the warranty since I only have 18,000 miles on it. Other than this issue, I havent had any others issues with it. It would be better with a 6 cylinder engine, and if the current engine didnt make the clicking noise, but its apart of the design. I havent had any road noise issues, and she gets pretty good gas mileage especially when Im paying attention to the green fuel efficiency line. The ride is comfortable for me, and others who are driving or are in the back seat, and the cargo space is enough for most needs.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sfranklin - September 14 - 6:56 pm

  The 2004 Mitsubishi Galant is wonderful to drive. It drives quietly enough to promote luxury and fast enough to perform as a race car. I love this car.

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  Value - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Happy in Houston - September 10 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this fine pre-owned automobile in 11/03 w/ 32000 miles for around $14k. Half its new retail price. I have not had one single problem (other than brake job). Only pure enjoyment of this luxury/sport sedan. Everything that made me want this car to begin with still has me smiling today. My previous car was a Lexus LS 400 and I sold it due to high mileage and scary repair probablities. I had to find something that compared to its ride quality and luxury and performance for a reasonable price and this Mitsubishi fits the bill perfectly!

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  So Easy to Drive - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By aebsworld - September 6 - 5:20 pm

  I really love my car! Very basic wear & tear over the years. No major work needed! Ive driven my car to California, Arizona, Texas, and all over the Rockies here in Colorado! Does well is any weather on any type of road! Its so fun and easy to drive! Great gas mileage! I wish it had cruise control, but its the best purchase Ive ever made! Im so proud of my car! I love it!

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  My 99 Galant - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bearsfan22 - September 3 - 1:32 pm

  My Galant which is a V6 is a great car overall, i love everything about it. The style, looks, and more. But, mostly the one thing that i love about this car would be the power that it has. I have put a couple grand into this car for performance so mine is puttin out about 210-215 horsepower. I have put this car to the test on the highway and in the city. I would mention this car to a few people I know. But, sadly, its a 99 and 1999 Galants arent made anymore. But if they still were i would mention this car to alot of people.

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  Wow!!! I never thought I would be this happy with car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By galantbylisa - September 3 - 10:17 am

  I saw the one negative review on here about the glare of the interior and the blind spots in the rear flanks and how it is difficult to park.. and all I have to say is LOL! I am IN LOVE with this car and I NEVER thought I would ever write a positive review for a car in my life, but the Galant has driven me to it (no pun intended)! Yes, there are blind spots in the back (I have yet to drive a vehicle that does not have blind spots), and I have NO idea what he is talking about as far as the glare goes. The u-turns are a little more wider than say a Toyota Corolla (a car I currently still have), but not at all difficult for parking (unless you dont know how to park). HIGHLY recommended!

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  My Favorite SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Dugan - September 3 - 8:26 am

  I love my XLS! Handles great, hardly feel when it shifts. The A/C is outstanding, Im in marching band and after our 4 hour practices in the hot sun, getting in this A/C is great - it gets cold quickly.

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  Fun & Sporty - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dan - August 30 - 11:20 am

  I traded my 07 Spyder GT for this black 07 GT coupe back in April and have no regrets. I have the sun & sound pkg so I still have some open air. The hatchback has come in handy with our recent move, you can fit a lot in there. Love the exhaust note, comfort & all the looks I get. I have averaged 23 MPG for city driving which is the same as my wifes 04 Spyder so no complaints there. I dont "get on it" much because then you will see the needle fall. I find it funny that the critics hate this car and all of the consumers love it. Ill believe an actual owner over a magazine any day. I expect it will do well in our Ohio snow as did my spyder. Great car and highly recommend!!!