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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  03 RS Eclipse still running fine - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mutt - March 4 - 12:46 am

  Its been a fun car with enough acceleration to drive however you want (manual transmission). With only a 4 banger, it gets almost "green car" gas mileage. A perfect blend of mpg and acceleration. When I test drove the automatic, it didnt respond how I wanted to drive. Its easy to work on, the spark plugs and oil changes are easy access. Its had 112,000 miles driven in about 5 years. No problems with regular maintrnance. Now if only my wife would learn to drive stick shift.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By flclewis - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I loved my 1999 Galant. I had over 100,000 miles at the time my car was totalled in an accident in August.

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  Everthing I was searching for! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nels79 - February 24 - 4:57 pm

  After searching high and low for a family car, I came across the Outlander. I was tipped off by being the chosen brand for the Paris/Dakar endurance race as the support vehicles being that they were champs 10y in a row. That said, I wanted something that you dont see passing by you 50 times a day on the road. Its a pretty unique SUV. This is my first SUV but Im familiar with the Jeeps and Murano. So far I am very please with it, I got the lower end 4C engine for better gas economy. Still had all the power I need on and off the road. The paddle shifts work great when you need to downshift and take off! Snow, rain, sand and mud. No Problem! Great features and fuel economy at good price tag!

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  MANY improvements! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Michele, FL - February 23 - 6:33 am

  I have been driving Mitsubishi cars since 1994. Most of those years I have driven the Eclipse. (2004 I had the Outlander XLT, nice SUV! But I did not like how an SUV is blown around on the highway by winds). I have NEVER had an engine problem with any of my Mistsubishis, but did have problems with the quality of the bodies (only in the Eclipse) and loose handeling. This years model has MANY improvements from those in the past! It has MANY more saftey features, like WINDOW airbags, as well as front and side airbags. This years body feels much more secure on the road, it is MUCH tighter. The body is of a higher quality also. It also has much more of a "sports car" feel and look. I have to say I love the car.

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  Best Mitsu Yet - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ron - February 22 - 9:16 am

  Everybody turns their heads to look at it. Handling is excellent and the tech load is impressive. Two thumbs up for Mitsubishi.

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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steven E - February 22 - 4:26 am

  This is my first Galant, its not a bad car at all. Its fun to drive and the trunk space is great. The rear seats have a lot of room!

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  Great Car for the Price - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By M Schu - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost 3 years, and Ive really enjoyed driving it. It has good power and looks really nice. However, some components arent durable enough - at 42,000 miles the struts are already going bad. Occasionally, it doesnt shift as nicely as Id like. Plus, the rear window trim is peeling off, which looks bad. The resale value goes down quickly after you buy it new, so buy this if you want to keep it for awhile. But once you drive it, I bet youll want to keep it for awhile.

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  There should be more on the road!! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ibrahim - February 19 - 6:36 am

  Was on the market for 3 row SUVs with good gas mileage. We wanted the 3rd row only few times a year when our extended family visits us, so we did not really care about the 3rd row leg room. Like others say, the value for money in this SUV is incredible. This is what I would pay for other sedans. Remember this is a efficient family hauler, not a sports car, nor is it a SUV loaded with unnecessary creature comforts. I am a hypermiler, and if are one, this is the SUV for you. I always clock 31 + mpg on the gallon when I drive. The CVT transmission is not designed for aggressive drivers, but for those who drive sensibly. When others drive my car with a heavy braking/ acceleration, they got 25-26 combined mpg. Road visibility is great, the safety features are also awesome. I have lived in the middle east where Mitsubishi Pajeros (Montero) are legendary. I see that Mitsubishi has integrated some of its class leading AWD (they call it is Super All Wheel Control) into this SUV. Other awesome factors (84 month 0% finance, 10 year powertrain warranty + lifetime powertrain warranty from dealer, etc) made this a no-brainer buy. Remember that this is a unique class in itself (bigger than the RAV4s/ Tuscon/ CRV/ Rogue) but smaller that the Highlanders/ Pathfinders/ Traverse; which is why some of the experts confuse themselves while reviewing this SUV).

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  Price, quick, safety, mileage, extras! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jamie - February 19 - 3:43 am

  Awesome, A looker, and so many air bags I forgot how many! Fun to drive, cant get enough. Never get lost again, No more CDs as they simply burn right into your library in 2 hot minutes, So much more.

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  Happy To Switch! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Marly Simsuangco - February 16 - 10:16 pm

  I was looking for a car to replace my 2009 MB E350. This is basically a company car that I use for work. I love it but the maintenance cost is brutal. The higher ups got tired of the expenses and ordered me to get a new car. I actually picked a Mazda CX-5 and was ready to get the papers when I walked by the Outlander...... It sounds weird but it felt good to be next to it and I just had to test drive it! Needless to say, I completely forgot the Mazda and bought the Mitsubishi Outlander SEL! I brought my "Navy Mitsu" home the next day and love it!