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:

• 

  not bad at all so far - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tyree9 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for about 7 months so far and have had one minor problem with it and that was with the check engine light. it was just a simple replacement of the gas cap. the car moves for a a heavy 4 cyc but i wish it had a little more pep (and i have the manual). since ive lowered it and added 18" rims and tires with a strut bar it handles WAY BETTER. I would would recommend this car. the car is definately a head turner.

• 

  Good car - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Dina - April 29 - 8:10 am

  I have it for over 5 years and have 75K on it. So far no problems at all. Its been in 3 relatively big accidents and all passengers were OK, so I guess you can say it is a safe car. It is good for one or two people, but a little small for more than that and doesnt drive as easy with more people. It doesnt accelerate fast, but it is expected from small car like this one. Once in a while, doesnt shift fast.

• 

  ES AWD Review - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cosme1 - April 26 - 12:06 pm

  This is my second day with this "CUV" and can tell already (as long as no problems come up) that it will be in the family for at least the next 5-6 years. Its comfortable, rides smooth, and it has all the space in the world as far as cargo. We test drove the comp. (rav4, santa fe, equinox, forester) and this was it - the Outlander took the prize.

• 

  OK , for now... - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Manual Shifter - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a little over 3yrs and slapped on 46k miles. Major gripes: perpetual tire/wheel issues: requires regular rotor smoothing; uncomfortable seats for medium/long trips; "adaptive" transmission - One minute you actually feel like theres almost 200bhp under the hood, next you have a Geo Metro. The dealer informed me that it gets "confused". Clearly a very technical evaluation of the problem. My trick, which will likley cost me later, is to manually shift into 3rd or 2nd at a suitable speed. Its average car with nice styling and a better than average engine for the price. Ill be keeping it for a while longer.

• 

  Quality Vehicle - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Richard - April 16 - 1:10 pm

  We bought our new 05 Endeavor AWD in Jan 2006. I added factory fog lights, rear mudflaps. All the parts were ordered by the dealer and were installed without any trouble. We have 39k on the SUV now and have had Zero problems. Our dealer is Lees Summit Mitsubishi. They have done a really nice job of taking care of our vehicle. Most of our mileage is in town family and grocery hauling. The vehicle does everything that we want it to do. We average about 18 mpg. On the highway about 20/21. I am about ready to buy new tires as the stock tires are almost gone now. We dont miss the 3rd row seat as we seldom haul more than four people.

• 

  Great buy - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By truck man06 - April 13 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my raider for a few months now and love it. Got it for 10,400, great price and it does great. The v8 has more than enough power and the payload is great. I had 18 90 lbs bags of concrete in the back, 3 separate times! Didnt even bottom out. Truck is clean and interior is plasticky so its easy to clean. Can fit my 3 18 year old buddies in the back with plenty of room, and my 66" 260lb dad fits fine in it. The bed is a little short, and the worst part, the fuel economy. I only drive around town and the 22 gallon tank goes 200 plus miles. Would do better on the highway, but around town the mpg is bad. Great truck overall!

• 

  A lemon turned to lemonade - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By EFL - April 12 - 5:16 am

  I bought it new and had minor problems to start (the liner around the sunroof kept popping out). It is still not right to this day BUT, what a great car it turned out to be. I put over 207,000 miles on it with just regular maintenance and upkeep. But the one time I didnt do what I should have (change timing belt), wouldnt you know it, thats what blew. So now its in the shop and Im not expecting good news. The engine is probably shot. But up to its last day it was driving great, getting 28-29 mpg and no issues. I got more than a few tire changes, brakes, normal wear and tear but overall I was very happy with it.

• 

  robs ride - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By tgtgtgtg - April 12 - 2:00 am

  The purpose of this vehicle was to buy something economically efficient for the purpose of driving back and forth to work from Ohio to Indiana. It really has been a great little car!

• 

  Very Satisfied - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Caroline - April 10 - 6:00 pm

  I bought my Outlander about 6 months ago, after months of researching and test driving several small SUVs including Toyata Rav4, Honda CR-V, Chevy Equinox, and the Saturn Vue just to name a few. I am not disappointed. Although the 4 cylinder lacks initial get up and go power, once its going the Outlander provides a very smooth, sporty, fun drive. Having driven a Landrover before, I am loving the fuel economy! Im averaging about 24 mph in the city, on a recent 8 hour trip I averaged about 32 mpg/hwy. I would have paid thousands more for the options I have, the SE model comes loaded with a lot of unique amenities the competition just did not offer. Overall what a great buy!

• 

  Great Improvements from the previous year model! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Priji Eapen - April 2 - 10:46 pm

  I owned a 7 seater Outlander 2014 before. When I did a test drive of the 2016 model, I was quite surprised to see the improvements that Mistubishi made in the 2016 model. Ive noticed a considerable reduction in outside noise and vibration. They’ve made significant improvements to the performance of the vehicle as well. 2014 Outlander lacked the responsiveness you’d expect when you press the gas pedal. Mitsubishi addressed this issue and new model is much more responsive compared to the previous year models. Ride comfort is also better. Although not significant, improvements to the interior and the steering wheel are also adding to the overall improved appearance of the interior. 2016 Outlander is fun to drive. Although the the third row seats are not ideal for adults, it serves its purpose when we have to occasionally transport 7 people in a single car. I’d say there is room for more improvements. However, this is definitely a step in the right direction for Mitsubishi. Hope they keep improving the Outlander to make it even better. I feel that the SE model offers a great value for the price you pay for the vehicle.