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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  Good, but not great - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Zakko - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over a year now. I didnt buy this car to race it and my driving style is actually pretty conservative. Problems Ive had in the past year: Clutch was completely replaced at 14,000 miles at MY expense; the sunroof is CRAP, it has a mind of its own and will open and close depending on its mood; the factory tires are CRAP... I had to have mine replaced at 12,000 miles because two of them had large bubbles in the sidewalls; the brakes are crap. At 10,000 miles, I had to have the rotors turned. If youre considering buying this car, I HIGHLY recommend you go to www.neweclipse.org and www.deadeclipse.com to read up on it.

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  Good Value - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Daniel P Gale - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The Montero Sport, in my mind, is an underrated SUV. The craftmanship is of quality, it is very reliable and priced very reasonably. My wife and I test- drove the 4 Runner, Chevy Blazer and Dodge Durango during the decision making process. We found the Montero Sport a better vehicle then the Chevy and Dodge. And very close to the Toyota!

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  Somewhat overrated - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jhill99357 - October 15 - 12:50 pm

  After an extensive test drive and looking at the available competition, I thought that this was overrated. I saw the great reviews by everyone and thought that it was going to be a home run. Since the Outlander is based off of the Lancer, it definitely drives more like a sports car. The ride is very firm and you have a tenancy to feel every bump in the road. The interior left a lot to be desired compared to the Santa Fe and CR-V. The plastic door panels looked cheap and the arm rest was made of hard to clean cloth. The car itself is basically a clone of the RAV 4 in how it looks and drives. If you like that car, youll love the Outlander.

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  Great car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By FLASH - October 11 - 11:53 pm

  This is a reliable and sporty ride. Its quick and good looking. The only negative is after 3 years, the black paint became spotted with white dots and the dealer in Florida would not warrant the repainting. This is my 2nd galant purchase brand new, this one being the V6. It now has 86,000 and with the new paint job(silver) looks great. The resale however is poor.

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  Great value in a nice looking SUV - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By m_masaschi - October 11 - 11:16 am

  I purchased my 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport used and got a great deal on it, partly because it was listed as an LS pkg. I think it looks sharp, especially since I added an exterior push bar on the front. It drives a little rough for the rear passengers, but that doesnt bother me as a driver. The only mechanical problem that I have had with it was with the electricle system left me high and dry twice because of a loose connection. I have 88,000 miles on it and once that got fixed I have not had any problems, knock on wood.

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  Easy car to maintain and drive - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mitsu:>) - October 4 - 9:50 am

  Car is great on highway but not city. Easy to maintain and drive. Reliable and comfortable for all weather.

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  EVO-light - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By go4broke89 - September 19 - 3:56 pm

  The lancer ES CVT is an EVO look-alike with average capabilities. It comes with almost everything you need for the daily commute and has some room for the occasional spirited driving. The limited trunk space gives room for 3 laundry baskets. Rear seat room is decent. Car feels heavier, yet agile and nimble. Responsive engine sounds good, but CVT is loud and leaves you wanting/wishing for more. Acceleration is average. Handling and suspension is above average: light and neutral with quick turn-in. Understeer can be dangerous when entering corners too fast. Fuel economy is average, combined 30mpg +/-2.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TW - September 18 - 4:16 pm

  Yes I was one of "those" who bought this car brand new. Of course after two Fords and a Chevy, Id wanted to give the foreign market a try. Honda and Toyota were too expensive and the Galant turned out to be a great commuter car. 146K miles later and I must say its been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. No major work outside of schedule maintenance. Changed the oil every 5K. Id rate this car just as high as any Honda or Toyota from the same year. Are there things that could be better? Yeah usually there are, but Im very pleased with the Galant.

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  Its no evo - 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
  By colby_butler - September 14 - 11:59 pm

  This Mitsubishi isnt special or have bells and whistles yet its a comfortable ride and spacious. My model was a base, however Im sure there are better options available.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cbk2000 - September 13 - 5:00 pm

  Just bought a base XLS less than a week ago. So far, I really like it. Very roomy, drives and shifts very smoothly. Very good handling. Love the paddle shifters. Good storage up front, too. Waiting to see how gas mileage really is and whether I need to protect doors and rear fenders from front tire splashes.