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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  SUV-just the right size - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Melly11NY - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my subaru WRX wagon because I needed something bigger and cheaper (to fuel and to insure). While I loved the performance of my WRX, it wasnt a car that was easy to drive. And two adults in the backseat were definitely cramped. The Outlander has a big trunk but also room for adults in the backseat. The controls (cruise, radio, etc.) are easily accessible for the driver. The XLS comes with most of the options I wanted; I upgraded to the sunroof and enhanced radio package, though. The additional speakers sound great. The sunroof is a little clunky-fully open doesnt seem that open.

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  aa - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ttk - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Good SUV, Nice Ride, Quite inside, Handles well.

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  LANCER LOVER - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By KEN K - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I TEST DROVE CIVIC, PROTEGE AND COROLLA FIRST. LANCER IS THE BEST COMBINATION 0F BUILD QUALITY, SMOOTH RIDE, GOOD HANDLING AND POWER. LANCER IS ALSO THE QUIETEST CAR BY FAR!

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  Happy with my Lancer! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By DR4eva - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought a second hand Lancer ES from Dixie Mitsubishi for a great deal and "AS IS". Few things I had to fix were the tie rod, the lower bumper had a crack probably from a speedbump, new tires, and new brake pads.. nothing out of the ordinary! Overall the ride is very smooth and humble. It doesnt roar like a mustang but it is quick to respond and drives very nice. My dad was equally impressed with the quality of parts (he works on our cars a lot) and I will buy Mitsubishi again!

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  Nice to look at - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrpowell01 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Just needed a car to get me to college. All I needed was a car that had a nice price target and looked nice.

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  my car - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Mrs.f - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I havent had the suv for too long. I do however love to drive it. I actually feel safer than in my smaller car. I think the suv rides smooth, but I have seen better gas mileage. I think the dash needs a bit of updating. Other than that I am quite happy with the vehicle

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  Good hybrid of old eclipse and 3000GT - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By kiljaerdan - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a good strong vehicle with a low, wide sport stance. The handling is very good and nimble even above "driving" speeds. The interior is of intelligent design with only minor problems, like head room for those of us over 6 ft, which is compounded when you add the moonroof option. Economical with price and fuel, a good all around vehicle.

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  Not bad so far - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By eedog64 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Well I just bought it and so far I Love it. It isnt my style of vehicle Im more a truck Guy, but with the gas prices the way they are it seemed to be a great way to get a nice car that will last a long time and still has the functionality I need. So far so Good.

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  Covering too many goals - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By oldkrog - August 17 - 11:16 pm

  I wanted an suv with relatively good mileage, as much room for my autistic son as possible, good handling and a v6. Got them all in the outlander. But inside, plastic not very good, upholstery just so-so and there is Styrofoam under the floor carpets. Glad I got it, but wish I had gone for the xls loaded. Accelerates kinda odd, but you adapt to it. Turn on the air or radio, nothing happens for a couple seconds, like it has to think about it.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jasidus - August 15 - 9:16 pm

  This car is an absolute blast to drive. It performs pretty well, one of the best in its class. The engine is very good with lots of torque. The handling and suspension give this car a very sporty feel. The quality and design of the interior are also very good. It was sort of an impulse buy, but I have no regrets.