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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  Dream car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MochaMint - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE this car! No, its not a race car (yet), but the handling of it is incredible. The body is sharp, and its so quiet, even at high speeds. The Lancer is very quickly going to become more popular than the Civic.

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  Best SUV Value - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DonMitsu91 - October 13 - 8:50 am

  Best 7 passenger offroad capable SUV for the money. Interior is great! Good Looking Exterior. Good off road.

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  Liked it so much I bought two! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Neale - October 10 - 10:56 pm

  Great flexibility, good gas mileage! I have a 90 lb. Doberman who loves to ride in the back! Very dog friendly! I dont think I have paid anything in maintenance with my dealer sending free oil change certificates and rotating my tires for free! Great sound system, hands free phone. very comfortable seating with good support. I am getting about 23 mpg with mostly city driving.

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  Frustrated but totally in love - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ddplumley - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I cant get my Montero up my driveway (about 15 degree incline) in snowy or icy or slushy conditions, and thats why I bought it in the first place! At first, I thought the problem was the inferior all-seasons that it was sold with, so this year, I bought super-rugged Mastercraft Courser C/Ts, and my Mitsu STILL cant climb my drive (yes, we have already our first snow storm). No one can figure out why - someone please help me if you can. Im disappointed, as the 2002 Dodge Ram climbs my drive with no problem using worn summer manufacturer tires.

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  WHAT A GREAT CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By 1BILLY - October 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A FAR BETTER VALUE THAN ALL OTHER CARS ON THE MARTKET IT STYLE AND RIDE IS LIKE A $40000 VEHICLE MITSUBISHI DID IT RIGHT THIS TIME

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  I love it - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rubykimie - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I truly love this car! Fun to drive, great on gas. beutiful inside and out. Great price too.

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  So far so good - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By NBolay - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving the OZ for 1.5 months now and I am impressed. Ive yet to achieve the suggested fuel economy, but I drive at high revs. and have a rooftop bike-rack (lots of drag). Space is accomodating, style works great for me, and handling is well above average. Two 400mile road trips so far and still feels like new. Last attempt was against high winds, but 105mph is not much for a top speed, but its not like I get to drive that fast anyway.

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  2001 Mitsubishi Diamante LS - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Joe D - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Diamante Ive purchased. I had a 93, 99 and now a 2001. Each model had been a pleasure to own and drive. I believe that this model offers premium features at a very reasonable price. The transmission is flawless, the design eye - catching and the engine is powerful and quiet. The 1.9% financing was a bonus. The interior is very well trimmed with much attention to detail. The sound system is superior and quite easy to use. In summary, this car has all the features that anyone could ask for with a price tag under $30,000.

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  Better than Reviewed - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Michael Blades - October 6 - 12:21 am

  I read a bunch of reviews but wanted something specific: a car that could hold an extra smaller kid when I needed it and 30 mpg on the highway. Alternatives were a minivan...nope. A ton of cash...nope. Or a Journey or a Rogue. The Journey with leather seats and AWD came out with less mileage and more $. Plus they have not been reliable and have a short warranty. The Rogue back seat was ridiculous, plus no leather with that extra seat option. -So I went back and forth on the Outlander because it got middling to poor reviews, particularly with Consumer Reports. But I realized the poor reviews came in areas I do not care about because I drive like a grandma. Acceleration slow? So what. Some lean on corners? Who cares. I stick the thing in Eco mode X 2 (AWC Eco and the Standard Eco) and get 34 on the highway with an AWD vehicle on a nice day. -Its also comfortable and quiet and my 35 mile commute in the am is incredibly pleasant. -The warranty is king, and I took it to the life of my payments (84 months...at 0.9%..Yeah, seriously) for 1200 bucks. -The safety ratings are outstanding. -It looks good with a metallic coppery brown exterior and beige leather interior. -Im happy.

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  Great but I Didnt have a need for it - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hal - October 3 - 1:33 am

  I bought my Mitsubishi Outlander in December 2004 and just now traded it in for a Scion Xb. I drive a lot and I cant justify 21-27 mpg for me. I dont have a family.