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:

• 

  Bought new - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Art - November 22 - 9:46 am

  Looks great-mileage is still improving, have only 3000 mi on it. Am getting 18 to 20 in town-no hwy. drive yet-handles great-ride is wonderful (car like). Roomy compared to my 02 Ranger XLT-if it proves as reliable as Ranger-will be terrific. Price was right. V-6 Plenty of power for me. Cruising along at 50mph results in no more than 14 to 1500rpm.

• 

  A Bit Disapointed! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gardengroveguy - November 17 - 4:36 am

  This new Outlander is light years ahead of the outgoing one. It even rates above the new Rav4 and C-RV, in most respects. It is a better value, more stuff, and great quality. And here comes the "but!" This thing has the worse case of torque steer that I have experienced since I owned a 200 hp front wheel drive Fiat! Stomp on the gas and you better be holding onto that steering wheel, with both hands. And she wanders on the freeway, it feels like its up on tip-toes...wandering! And bring your Dramamine, because the rocking movements caused by diving when braking and accelerating will cause sea-sickness! Nice effort Mitsu...but you missed out on the important stuff...like being able to drive it smoothly!

• 

  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By xochimahuac - November 15 - 5:20 am

  We bought this SUV a month before having our first baby and we love it. It has a huge trunk to put everything we need to travel with the baby, and it is quite comfortable. It hasnt had any problems and the body style and alloys make it look very nice.

• 

  endeaver tire issue - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By joe middendorf - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for about two months. Had to take it back to the dealer several times to address an issue with th front end vibrating. They eventually had to replace all of the tires because they were "out of spec." Recently have noticed that when I stop and hold the brake pedal it begins to get soft. I havent taken it in for this problem yet. Other than these two items it seems to be all we expected.

• 

  Still love it! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Temple - November 9 - 5:06 am

  After two years of ownership, I still look at my 2000 Eclipse the same way I did when I got it. "Buyers Remorse" has yet to set in. Although its considered a bit older design now, it still looks pretty on the road and can proudly be displayed right up front in any parking lot. With proper care and maintenance Ive had no problems. She rides smoothly on the highway and has the power when I need it. North American car makers shouldve taken note...the Eclipse is a sweet looking car thats fun to drive at a very reasonalble price. This is a winning combination. Given the choice over again I would have NO hesitation on purchasing the same vehicle.

• 

  Glad that It Came with a Warranty - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chris - November 5 - 6:20 am

  We have owned our 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart for two months now and its a nice car but we havent been too pleased with it. We bought it with 12,000 miles on it and got a great deal. Unfortunately, we have already had it in for new struts, motor mounts,and the clutch is starting to shutter a bit. On top of that we only get on average 18-21 MPG with a mixture of city and freeway driving. We love the style and the handling. The power is OK.

• 

  Best Choice Under 20K - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By driveboston - November 4 - 10:25 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 years and 4 months, and have put 40k miles on it, so I feel its kind of safe to say I made a wise choice that picked this car from this price range and bought it. Driving experience is very sporty. I espacially like the steering wheel which is tight enough and very accurate (hard to find on other cars I tried under 20k). Reliability is excellent, zero problem since I bought it and all I need is oil change every 3 months. Interior is no fancy leather seat or luxury things, but you can clearly feel Mitsubishi put the money saved here into things you dont see under engine hood. Overall this car is not comparable to bmw or infiniti, but best choice under 20k IMO.

• 

  This Ones Tricky - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By AlmostGood - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I got a nice deal on a this car and walked out of the dealership without putting a dime down plus 2.9 percent for 6 years (thats like free money). The 0 down is misleading, b/c its a 36 month term and the payment can be really high (unless you put a significant down payment on it).

• 

  Value value value - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By leftysrule22 - November 4 - 1:58 am

  Ive owned my Ralliart since January of 2005. I am about to cross the 90k mile marker, and I can honestly say every single mile has been a blast. You wont find a comparable 2005 of any make that can touch the value of this car. Other comparable cars have higher peak hp numbers (only slightly higher too), but cant match the ralliart torque. What other 2005 under $20k can do a standing burnout without bouncing off the rev limiter? What other car comes from the FACTORY with an upper suspension brace?

• 

  Great Car - Lousy Dealer Service - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Car man NE - October 31 - 10:00 am

  V6 engine is VERY powerful, though it likes to eat GAS. Dealer could not program the Keyless door entries, Headlights and brake lights cant be replaced by owners. At 62000 the only replacement item was the alternator. At 20000 there was a problem with a noise as the car was in motion coming from the brake area, the dealer fixed this. The only thing lacking with this car is the DEALER SUPPORT network like HONDA or TOYOTA offer. Still I would rate above average.