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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  280k miles..... - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By John - December 15 - 9:33 pm

  Well bought it used with 130k miles in 2014 here in 2022 it has 280k. Has had no major engine or transmission issues at all. Most of the work done has been cv joint stuff and rear axle and new catalytic converter and drive shaft, and one gasket repair. It’s been an amazing vehicle if you discount the expected cv joint stuff that is unavoidable maybe then $2500 in repairs last 150k miles.

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  Overall performance/Reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Patricia Wood - August 28 - 3:16 am

  I have had this 2003 Mitsubishi outlander for 18 years. I bought it with about 1300 miles on the odometer. It now has approximately 260,000 miles on it. I live in the Colorado high country and my Outlander has always gotten me through snowstorms, hail, icy roads and muddy off road driving. It is reliable and fuel efficient!! I love this car! The interior has held up remarkably well, in fact, looks like new except wear on the pedals. Of course I have always given it regular oil changes, replaced wipers, battery, brake shoes, muffler and headlamps...things of that nature. But never have I had issues with the transmission, engine, alternator or major components. This gem has cost me very little to maintain. Recently the serpentine belt, sway bar links, rear U joints and cv axles were replaced. The total cost was about $2000. I paid it gladly and never considered replacing it with another vehicle, used or new. Some may say it's foolish to put money into an 18 year old car but replacing my Outlander with a newer car would not guarantee that a new one would handle as well in inclement weather, run as well day to day, last as long with no major expenses and be as reliable as my Mitsubishi Outlander.

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  Great Economical, Reliable Transportation - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Fernando - November 22 - 2:16 am

  Great car if you want great gas mileage. Also fairly reliable. I bought mine used with two years ago. It had 240k miles in it and now 280k. No major repair bills, just regular maintenance. A reliable car with an awesome gas mileage. I dont know if its on its second or third transmission based on the milage it has, but so far so good. I love this econocar!

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  Mitsubishi Montero sport 3.0 es - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Joseph - March 17 - 5:14 pm

  I have a 2002 montero sport with 229,000 miles. Bought it used with 142,000 miles. The reliability of the montero sport is outstanding on and off road. I have taken it in many road trips and never failed me. It is also my daily driver. The Dakar Rally which the Montero won 12 times proves the endurance and toughness of their trucks. Im Keeping my beloved truck for many years to come.

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  The best car ever - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pommer820 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  It is a awesome car. Not only is it a nice design. But it is also fun to drive. Do not pass up a chance to buy a Mitsubishi Eclipse.

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  2003 Eclipse GT - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By finfan - December 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Mitsubishi Eclipse that I have bought in the past five years. This car is very reliable and its looks are great. One thing I do suggest is put some money away for a new stereo because the factory one is terrible. Also the v-6 is great but it is not as fast as the old turbos that were in the older Eclipses. Even with those things being said I still love this car. The new design is great and you will get some looks while driving in it.

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  2003 Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gjens - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This small Suv has been a lot of fun to drive and since Ive purchase this car over seventeen month ago has not cause me one bit of trouble. I wish it would give better gas milage in the city 18 mpg but it does rather well on the highway 27 mpg.

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  I finally bought one - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mb1982 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Great packaging design on the elcipse good city car, plenty of room for two poeple in the front without felling cramped, unlike the previous iteration. Love the manual/automatic trany. Great power and handling. Interior fit and finish are good, however texture of the platics bits should be upgraded for a higher quaity appearance. Also have notice parting line flash on information pod located in the center of the dash. Exterior fit and finsh are good, door and deck lid seems are even, paint quality is good little to no orange peel on the extieor pieces. Not paint variation noted between metal and plastic painted parts (I have a white eclipse).

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  Update 10-12-06 - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By ajl - December 19 - 2:13 am

  My Lancer Sportback LS now has 63,000 mostly highway miles on it and is still going strong. Its been a much better car then my Ford Focus was, although I miss the handling from the Focus and I still prefer manual shifting. But this is a pretty good automatic and the 2.4 liter 160 hp 4-cylinder runs strong. My 89 Acura Legend was only 160 hp and it was a V6 that was 2.7 liters in displacement! A very enjoyable little wagon that has been very reliable and rather fun.

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  LOVE THIS VEHICLE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Trishie - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride, easy handling, plenty of room. Great style and lots of car for the money. Its surprising there arent more of these out on the road.