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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  Best Bang for your recessionary buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By tilolite - November 9 - 10:56 am

  I bought the 03 Montero 20th Anniv used for a much less than similarly loaded or capable SUV. I already own a 98 Montero Sport with over 155k mi which is still running great. I expect the same or better from this one. I was attracted to Monteros rally heritage, bullet proof engine and that I grew up with them in the Caribbean where they are known as Pajero. Although 7 yrs old, this SUV still turns heads since it is fairly rare. It goes anywhere in style. Its reliable, comfortable and cheap to buy especially used leaving me with money for new mods. I have added wheel spacers for improve stability and look. Next I will add larger rims & tires, a cold air intake to increase HP and MPG.

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  great so far - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By peyebp4 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  only one month old so far, so good

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  Cheap to high performance - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Michael - November 7 - 5:20 pm

  This car handles great, good on gas, to gain more horse just replace air filter with a KN filter. That will give you 12 additional horse power and if you spend an additional $150 bucks you can up the performance with an after market chip for extra 30 hp without affecting smog. Cheapest way to get performance for a very reliable car-try it!

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  Good Decision - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ddurham - November 1 - 5:06 pm

  Great mpg if you drive conservatively which the info screen will help you achieve if thats your goal and at $3.33 a gal, its becoming mine. I noticed the throttle lag during a test drive but found a service bulletin on the forums and the dealer took care of reprogramming the ECM right away. The lag is no longer there.

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  My Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By joangell - October 30 - 9:40 pm

  The seats have such good back support that after taking a long trip your back is not telling you that you have been in the vehicle that long.

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  Great car, great value - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bosox1001 - October 29 - 5:55 am

  I purchased mine with about 42k miles on it and a year later have it approaching 61k. Its a great car that is both practical for commuting AND fun to drive! As far as value within class, it blows away anything Honda can offer. Dont be fooled by it only being a 4 cylinder 4 speed automatic and think it has a weak engine. It gets a surprising amount of power for its engine size, but since its not a 3L V6, it gets very respectable gas mileage. Plus the tank is huge, I can get around 420+ miles per tank. The trunk is also HUGE, as I do a lot of tailgating and it can fit multiple fold-up tables, grills, wood, coolers, with room to spare. Overall, its a very great value.

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  Montero Sport Limited 4WD - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tfd - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The limited has all the power you need. It drives like a reasonably comfortable car with everything you want with a 4WD. One set of Brakes in 75,000 miles. Have the 100,000 milese Bumber to Bumber but the only thing Ive replaced was the Rear Wiper Motor. Should have saved the money. Dealer is great. I drove a loaner that was the base model that didnt ride anything like mine. Im glad I got the limited.

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  Everything is great, but - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Marioe - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed this truck, the handling is great, the reliability is awesome, but the rear suspension is weak. Going over some bumps, it feels as if there arent any schocks in the rear.

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  GREATEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mikeandstuff - October 28 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ever built. its comfortable,convenient, and just plain fun to drive. it hardly ever needs to go to the shop (other than oil changes) and its very reliable aswell. my lancer has great fule economy and accelorates like nothing else.(no engine work has been done) it handles great to. it turnes as if it was on rails. it can take a corner better than my old 1999 accord could.

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  Dont believe the negative hype.... - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By pwernich - October 25 - 4:14 am

  I bought my 2014 Mirage with less than 5,000 miles and got a great deal. I have the blue one with the navigation/back-up camera/info-tainment system, ground effects kit, and interior ambient lighting. It is very sporty and unique looking. I average 40-45 mpgs and I am an agrressive driver. I recently drove over an hour in high winds and hard rain and the Mirage handled like a champ. It accelerates to my satisfaction and the car has a great warranty (5/60 bumper to bumper). I disagree with all those so called "experts" who bash this car. The Mirage has a low price, gets super gas mileage, and a terrific warranty. If you have reasonable expectations you wont be disappointed. Test drive one.