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:

• 

  Better than expected - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Ron - January 29 - 4:27 am

  I bought a 2015 leftover in April 2016 because I got a real good price. I bought with some trepidation, considering the expert reviews I read, but noted that most consumer reviews were pretty good. Maybe the experts expect too much from a vehicle because they can compare the vehicle to many more expensive ones. I have only had the vehicle for a few weeks, but Im fairly happy with it. It is not a sports car, but handles adequately for an SUV. Acceleration is decent, and the engine doesnt seem any noisier than on the Rogue I traded in. Interior is a little less upscale than on some competitors, but is practical and comfortable. The ride is a little stiff, but the vehicle has 18" 55 series tires, so that is somewhat expected. Exterior is rather attractive, and Im getting better than advertised MPG. So far, Im satisfied After 6 months, everything is pretty much the same. Im still satisfied. I get about 25+ MPG locally, and around 30 on the highway. The ride could be a little better on rough pavement, but is not terrible. 18 months now. Nothing to add. Still satisfied

• 

  Think Twice - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Doug Lieberman - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is nice but still needs work. Big Sunroof and nice color choices.

• 

  Just to let you know about some issues... - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By fdlbym - January 3 - 12:13 am

  In a nut shell, if youre not impressed with the exterior design, just dont spent time looking at this one. Mileage is okay but not the best (low thirties on highway). Handling is good for its class but you can find other cars handles as good if not better (Mazda3). Leg room in second row is one of the best but is it that important? When it comes to shortfalls the list is longer; Engine noise is something to pay attention. Interior plastics are not better than what you would find on vacuum cleaner (similar to previous generation US cars). Together with weak engine, CVT makes you feel dead.

• 

  Reliable, poor fuel economy,poor resale - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By phil9164 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Engine is reliable but it consumes too much fuel for a 4-cylinder. Noticeable road noise and not too smooth a ride. My 94 Accord still gives me 30 miles/gal and still is a more solid ride. Dont buy this car brand new as the value goes right out the window by quite a chunk as soon as you leave the car lot( or keep it for a year and youll see how much its worth)

• 

  Would not buy another - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Robk11 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I like the vehicle. I would not buy another though. The resale loss is outragious . Have had a devil of a time trying to keep the chassis aligned . Excessive tire wear. Vehice is top heavy and likes to wander and sway. Could be a danger in high crosswinds. This is two hands on the wheel vehicle. AC system is very poor at slow engine speeds. You are going to get hot in city driving on a hot day. I have had all these issues looked at by the dealer with no fixes.

• 

  Should have purchased another car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jads mom - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt find a carseat to fit my sportscar after having my son. Mistubishi was offering a great deal (I thought). Appearance-wise the car is ok. Other than that I wish I had made another choice. Nothing about this car is impressive to me and now that I want to trade it in, I find that my $22,000 car is only worth a little more than $8,000, even in excellent condition and I still have tons to pay on it!!!! Im beating myself over the head for buying this car new or used!!!

• 

  Its a okay car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mitsufreak - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is a okay car, it lacks in power, design, interior, and some other things, but it saves alot of gas

• 

  Worst Car Ever - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By HIGH ROLLer - September 26 - 10:36 pm

  The 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante was the worst car ever. I bought it to see what everyone was talking about and I have no idea what they were thinking. This car is pathetic. I returned it as soon as possible. I suggest the 2006 BMW 7-Series; that is the car I got once I returned that piece of trash. It has horrible handling, terrible interior comfort, and the outside is hideous. If I were one of these owners I would pay Mitsubishi to take it off my hands.

• 

  A Good Car in my opinion - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By LocoDonkay - September 12 - 12:06 am

  With this car I have enjoyed myself. I have had no major problems with the car like some of the other reviews. I have made some minor upgrades to the car....Euro tail lights,Short ram intake system, clear bumber leans,and a Hayame muffler.

• 

  Junk - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Beth - September 2 - 10:10 pm

  I bought my Galant after receiving a settlement from a bad car accident. Figuring it was a good deal (89k for 3,900), seemed fantastic. It drove fine for a while. Then I realized, it gets 21 MPG on average. Really? For a 4 cylinder motor I expected much more. As for handling, its alright. Ive driven better and Ive driven worse. I would never ever endorse this car. My mistake. Hopefully no one else does the same thing.