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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  Almost there - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Edick - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have 8000 ml and only problem I had - wheel aligment. Since the first day (tried to make make myself think, that the road is always drifts to the right). However the dealership was able to fix this, but since its so common issue with Outlanders, Mitsubishi has something to think about. Other than this there is only excitment and pleasure. Strong AC (live in Florida), comfortable driver seat, lots of room for rear passengers. Looks agressive, stable cornering and holds the road well.

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  Great Suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jim2 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  After 17,000 miles(sales,service rep.),I have almost no complaints.Gas mileage is an amazing 23+ MPG in mixed urban,sub-urban and hiway travel.The auto-trans is a little odd, feeling somtimes abrupt.The suspension handles taught yet sucks up the horrible Baltimore city roads(more like off road).The interior has swallowed huge items and is both relativly long and wide with the 2nd row seats down. Seat comfort is very good.Front and back seats are roomy enough four 61" big men.Interior materials have a course feel,yet seem very durable.Radio w/6-CD was great till the rear speakers went sort of bad.

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  Overall a decent car - Needs many small improvements - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By diesengine - December 11 - 1:57 pm

  Overall quite pleased. Car yields about 25 mpg in 90% city, 10% highway driving. Like the sound of the engine when accelerating. Not that many on the road so it stands out with its sporty styling. Random noises occasionally come from the cabin. Can hear sound of gas sloshing around in back when filled full. Rear was redesigned in 2009 which looks somewhat like Lexus IS although with larger tail lights. Also added for 2009 was 4-wheel ABS, Tire pressure monitor, shiftable transmission and daytime running lights. The car sits lower to the ground than other midsize sedans and is more fun to drive than just about all except for the Mazda6. Has tight steering which lets you feel the road.

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  Great Purchase - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By E. Henderson - December 5 - 2:40 pm

  I purchased my SUV new as a lease in 2001. After my lease was up, I decided to purchase the truck. It was the best decision I have made on an automobile. I have kept up with the maintenance since day one. I have not had any problems, except the battery. I currently have 113,000 miles as of today 08/04/09. It only gets about 17mpg city, but besides the gas mileage, I really like my automobile.

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  2001 Mirage - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By svricha1 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  easy to drive, ext. paint nicks easily, picks up speed quickly, a tad rough in shifting, antenna in really bad place, good brakes, good second car or starter car, big trunk

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  Montero Sport, 2000 LS 4WD - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By chris221 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought in fall of 2000, got the 0-0-0 financing deal (not such a good deal) then went way upside down on the loan vs value. Sold the 88 Suburban after new rear diff., tranny and engine...what a piece of junk! Anyway, the Montero Sport is awesome, rides like a dream, and has been 100% dependable. No repairs after 51,000 miles. MPG has been very good, even towing 16 foot fishing boat. Tranny is a little weird when cold. Only bad experience was when a "quick lube" service accidentally drained a few quarts of tranny fluid, and "forgot" to replace it! The local Mitsu dealer does a much better job on maintenance.

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  Great for off roading & passenger riding too - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Klpm - December 3 - 7:45 pm

  This has been a good running car. Interior comfort is good but 3 row seat is tight for adults but grandkids fit ok. Love the off road capabilities. Have taken it places & have never had to use more than high 4. Gas mileage is not great. Average 15 miles around town. Overall look is a little quirky but there is excellent visability all around with no blind spots. Windows appear slightly larger than other SUVs. Too bad Mitsubishi quick making this model.

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  A Great Car often Overlooked - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Dustin R - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the price. Its roomy, has good performance, and looks good. I have over 5K miles and no problems. Lots of standard features leather, 10 way power driver 8 way power passenger seats, a great traction control system, and good brakes (a must have).

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  galant review - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chris litterini - November 24 - 10:00 am

  its a nice 4dr car. its great on gas and its great on the highway. Its very comfortable and quiet. Its a good well-build and reliable car.

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  5 spd manual transmission - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By augustlee - November 23 - 12:20 pm

  I am having this great car for 2 months and got 4000 miles on it. It is so far so great and I am totally satisfied. Especially when you think about the vehicles price, this is the best value you can ever get. It is very roomy and cozy for long long drive. We drove down to Vegas from San Francisco and to Los Angeles and again drove back to SF (its about 1k mile) with 3 people and one cello case (which is bigger than golf case) and 2 big luggage and few bags and waters etc in the car. Car was running very good at hills with 3 people and such load in it. And since this is manual transmission, you get more power than cvt and probably more mpg if you put little more effort on it.