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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  My Second Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ronnie - April 5 - 4:26 pm

  This is my second Mitsubishi Montero, I still have my first one 1998). The performance is more than I need, I dont need more of a gas-eater when gas costs $3.00 per gallon. This Montero is fast, shift smoothly, has good fuel economy and I feel safe in it. If I were to tow anything, I have all the pep that I need. I compared the Montero to the Dodge Durango, but I have had past service problems with Dodge dealers. Ford Explorers double timing belt costs $2,000 to replace. The Volkswagen Touareg and BMW X5 are way out of my budget. Even the Toyotas in this segment are expensive. My Montero is a 2006 XLS. I got it at a "Buy It Here" lot in Puerto Rico. I paid $29,000 for it. I decided not to pay $34,000 for the Montero Limited with leather, moonroof, and wood dash. I didnt need the DVD system either.

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  SECRETS OUT - SMART MANS ACCORD! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By blb - April 3 - 6:40 am

  Ive looked for over 4 months for a used mid-size car, I looked at 2008 Accord, I wasnt pleased with the road noise and the asking/selling price tag of $17,000+. My research began again, back to square one back to crash test ratings sites/edmunds.com and thats when I found the Galant. I liked how it drove more than the Accord and the price was over $8,000 less! Most used Galants for sale had been rental cars and with over 35,000 miles on them, but I kept looking and found some with less than 18,000 miles and for below $12,000! So I was sold! I couldnÂ’t be happier - I did my research and I have saved over $8,000.00! I may do an update review if IÂ’m still pleased with my poor/smarts Accord!:)

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  AWESOME SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SANDYco - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased brand new, I dont have it long but I can tell this will be the best vehicle I ever owned. Feels luxurious, rides like a sedan with the comfort and security of a mini-van/SUV. Gets better gas mileage than most SUVs. Mitsubishi vehicles are highly underrated!

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  fun to drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jguertin - April 3 - 2:00 am

  outstanding value in a mini suv. this is a solid car that is fun to drive. it gets great gas milage and we have had no problems at all.

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  Montaro Ltd world rated #1SUV, USA#? - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Diane Literski - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased due to world acclaim (known less in USA). In Europe & Australia rated “Overall Best Large 4WD” for performance, quality, safety and value. Toyota/Lexus 2nd, Mercedes ML320 3rd. First lge SUV with indep. rear suspension. Won Paris- Dakar rally the last few years. Not liking big vehicles -needed one for the family, this large vehicle handles as if much smaller- more like a car than SUV. Transmission as smooth as the 525i BMW previously owned. Good performance (V6). Fuel consumption good for size - a real 15-17 mpg (city). Build quality very good. Dash a little plain. After 36,000 miles in 18 months - Happy.

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  Good looks and rides great - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Domenick - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th galant since 1993. By far this is the best looking. Both in interior and exterior design. In my 10 years with a Galant, never had any problems. Good on gas, but this GTS has a 6 cylender engine, compaired to the other 4 cylinders that i owned. I dont expect to get better mileage with this baby, but she handles great and feels even better.

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  Nice Truck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Driver from Michigan - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I had this truck for a couple nounths now. I like the handling & confortable seats. Does excel. on job site & snow W/4X4. Graet towing capacity. Ave. 17.5MPG not that good.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kina k - April 2 - 7:03 am

  I bought the 06 6 speed Eclipse GT, and this car can move! I really like the fact that the car can accelerate to a high rate of speed so quickly. I have the aero kit, and it sets the car apart from the others out there, all of the ones Ive seen did not have the kit. The Eclipse is a lot of car for the money. It is a better value than Nissans Z; it is faster overall than Hondas Accord; and has a much better warranty than Fords Mustang. What else needs to be said?

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  Great car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Allen Fort - April 1 - 6:33 pm

  Wow!! What is there not to say about this car. Ive had it for almost a year and already put 16k on the thing. I cant leave it parked in the driveway, its just to sexy for that. It definitely needs to be opened up to get best results. I have the fully loaded GTS, has nav, blue-tooth, great system and dont forget the paddle shifters. The new Lancer gets great gas mileage and is extremely fun to drive. I do enjoy the keyless entry, however, dont leave the car on and take the remote out too many times, soon it will tell you the key is missing even though its not. This car is definitely a "Head Turner".

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  alot of fun - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By horsplay - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Always wanted a SUV. We went shopping for someone else and ended up with 2 Outlanders. So much fun to drive and comfortable for myself and passengers.