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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  2004 Lancer Raliart 5-speed manual - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rbenram - June 6 - 9:15 am

  I have had this car for over a year, Im the third owner, this is my first car and i love it. for me there is nothing else to trust than a Mitsubishi. This type of car has to be keep forever. Sometimes they give problems but they are worth it. I replaced the clutch after a good time taking the hell out it. I also had change starter, clutch slave cylinder but those are things that get old, no worries.

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  Nice car! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By DFosness - May 29 - 2:00 am

  During my research I looked at quite a few different makes. I decided on the Outlander Sport because of the standard features. i was concerned about the 2.0 4 cylinder engine but it performed well over my expectations. I was passing everyone I came to on the freeway with no effort at all. The interior is more spacious then I expected. I have plenty of room at 6 feet and 350 pounds. Personally, I like the looks of the exterior but not everyone will. All and all, this is an extremely fine vehicle for the price. Thousands less then similar in class with far far fewer features.

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  Good value for the money - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Mirage Convert - May 27 - 1:36 am

  Good, reliable vehicle on a budget! I drove a Civic for 10 years, until suffering sticker shock last summer when replacing. The Mirage, with its "Civic feel" has comfortable seats, good acceleration (113 HP) even with automatic, and handles extremely well in snow. Powerful A/C, heater, defroster, and stainless steel exhaust system. My 94 Mirage STILL has its original exhaust system and I live in the salt belt. As for MPG, expect 33-35.

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  It;s okay - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Its cool. - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Its a cute car. The interior REALLY REALLY needs some work though. Its very basic.

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  I love this car!! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By scott90278 - May 20 - 7:03 am

  I just got my 2010 Lancer Sportback and I am loving this car! The car handles like a tight performance car. You will feel the road because it has 18" wheels, but it is not uncomfortable at all. When I am at lights people give me thumbs up on the looks. You cant get a better car for the price. The dealer I got the car from gave me the car at invoice and it was the best purchase my wife and I have made in a long time. My neighbor loved my car so much he might go out and get one as well. This car is a good balance of value, cargo space and good mileage. Go test drive one today and you will not be sorry.

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  Great Value for Price - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By angel_ortega - May 11 - 2:33 am

  I must say that critics review is harsh to say the least. I have recently purchased my 2010 Galant for $16K and am very much pleased with my purchase. I must say that the V6 option was a nice feature in the past but with gas prices where they are, I was in the market for a 4 cylinder anyhow. I researched the comparable Camry and Accord and the price margin was at least $3500. As someone that needs a daily commuter with great city and highway mileage (21 city and 30 hwy), the price difference helped with my purchase. Apart from great mileage, the car also has a torque happy 4 cylinder; helpful in lane-changing maneuvers, great cabin and trunk space, as well as, a great sound system.

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  Some Trouble, but Overall Happiness - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eric - May 3 - 2:46 am

  I love the car - the way it drives and looks, but a few problems are souring me. Water immediately got in the doors during rain and caused a moldy smell. Now the power windows are failing at 90,000 miles. The A/C went out at 80,000 miles. The brakes are of moderate quality and durability. The window tint started peeling within 50,000 miles. The hatchback is tough to open and wont stay up in cold weather. The interior poorly designed - I reach too far for many things. The plastic interior takes a beating. The plastic hooks for the floor mats break easily. Also, the blind spot is a major issue and the A/C (when working) saps much engine power. On small bumps, I bottom out the nose. But man, at 60 mph, the acceleration is great.

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  Nice Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sdguy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 16K mileage and after 6 months it has over 28K. I havent had any problem so far. I used to have a 1993 Lancer GLX, it was a very nice car. So, I decided to buy another one in 2002. I am very happy with that. Its very roomy and comfortable. Its good handling and the accelaration is adequate not great. It gets better at high speed, I hit 120MPH easily(sorry cops!!!). The quality is fine but I would prefer better interior quality. Not very happy with the gas mileage. I can say it is average. The wind noise is a little bit high but generally the car is quiet at highway speed. It comes with good standard package and it is very fun to drive!

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  Reliable Vehicle - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ole Reliable - May 2 - 4:46 am

  I purchased this car with 50k miles on it. It now has 191,000 and still runs the same. I have replaced 02 sensors, radiator, starter, catalytic converter and shocks. Car runs as smooth as the day I got it.

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  Expensive to fix - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Mike - April 27 - 2:33 pm

  When I first purchased this car it ran great. Currently have about 90,000 miles on it and I am about done throwing money into this thing. I have some of the same complaints as others; wind noise, not a very smooth ride, and most of all expensive to fix repairs. Inside door handle broke, I can only get from the factory they want over $200 for a piece of plastic. Back end has begun to sway. I have had over $600 put into it plus new tires and problem still isnt fixed. Probably going to need new shocks soon, most likely will get rid of it by then.