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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  I love my Outlander! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Curlygirl60 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Outlander. It is fun to drive, looks very nice and has a lot of pep, something I did not find in the Jeep or the Forrester I test drove. The steering is just right, the brakes feel wonderful and I have just the right vision from all angles. Im very happy with mine.

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  Mitsu2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By luckyledi - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this vehicle 4 days ago and I absolutely love it!

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  Bad sway arm linkage front and rear - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By craig r - November 15 - 7:13 pm

  I bought the car new in Nov. 03 with 300 miles on it at the dealership. I bought the exterior package, but find the exterior is not holding up too well with dents and paint chipping. I have had to have the rear struts replaced at only 20,000 mile. Under warranty. I then had to have the rear sway bar linkage kits replaced not under warranty, sounded like bowling balls rolling around very disturbing, makes for a loud ride. Now at 40,000 miles I have to replace the front sway bar linkage kits. more bowling balls! The vent fan motor is also going out when I turn the fan on, a loud grinding sound happens then it finally quiets. to say I am disappointed is an understatement. How abut that resale val

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  UNDER-RATED!! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Happy Driver - November 15 - 9:52 am

  I traded my 2007 mitsu galant in for this gem and fell in love all over again! I searched for months for the perfect SUV upgrade from my sedan, and even test drove a few (rogue, rav4) but I could not get this car out of my head! The standard options that it comes with, no other car in its class offered... and not to mention its pretty! And the gas mileage on this truck is crazy good! Ive taken a couple of road trips, and have rode in comfort each time! This car company gets such bad/mediocre reviews, even the other dealers were trying to tell me that Mitsubishi is a bad brand to invest in, but I thought about it... every used car lot I went to was filled to the walls with Rogues, Rav4s and Escapes, but I could very rarely find a Mitsubishi... anything. Take that how you want, but to me (from my own experience with my 07 galant), that meant the owners are happy with their car and didnt need to get rid of it.

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  2002 Diamante LS - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Tika Scheurer - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Diamante has alot of head and leg room. It is the best car I have ever purchased. The comfort level is the best. The ride is smooth and quite. I feel the Diamante is a very reliable ride and the features it comes with are unbelievable.

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  Traded the Jag - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MickP - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Just traded a 1999 JagXJ8 for a new Diamante. The ride in this car is quieter, I swear! For the price, this is the best mid-range luxury car Ive owned. Smooth ride. Ultra-quiet and fun to drive. Beautiful look too.

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  Montero Sport - Performance is Fine! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Mr. Hoop - November 14 - 10:00 am

  We checked out reviews on the Montero prior to buying. I seemed to notice two common characteristics: best hwy driver, and most sluggish. We are tickled with the way our Montero rides. As far as performance, you could put a Vette, a Mustang Cobra, and a Viper together, and ONE of them is going to be called the "most sluggish!" If youre a good ole boy who wants to run the mud flaps into the ground back in the holler, than maybe the Montero is not for you! However, if you want a rugged, dependable, family sized, good-looking vehicle that WILL get you from Point A to Point B in an expeditious manner, than the Montero or Montero Sport is a good choice!

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  Best Backed Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Roberto - November 13 - 7:00 pm

  Clutch assembly failed at 10,700 miles dealer and Mitsubishi say racing/abused clutch not a warranty item pay out of your pocket. Dealer even said I race my car with 3 baby seats in the back. HAHA Buyer beware of Mitsubishi clutch. Once again they are "Best backed cars in the world!" - Not.

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  So So After 2 Years - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Duane - November 12 - 7:50 pm

  Overall, I still like this vehicle better than competing vehicles. However, I do have a few issues. First, the tires are horrible in snow and there are few choices available for XLS type rims. Second, already have several squeaks and rattles. Third, exterior paint scratches easily and body panels dent easily.

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  Im glad I didnt trust Edmunds review - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By shipleyclan - November 10 - 4:01 am

  Its unbelievable to me that Edmunds "professional" editors give this excellent car an average rating. The Outlander Sport, which is different from the bigger Outlander CUV, boasts top safety ratings from the insurance institute and the government, very agreeable handling and acceleration, eyecatching styling, and high build quality. The drivetrain is smooth. Its not a race car, but its got eager power and makes a comfortable ride. The value for the price is excellent. Sure its no BMW or Volvo but buck for buck this is an unbeatable car for every day driving fun. I really love this car, every bit of it.