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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  Could be better, but okay for now! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By identity01 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Hello everyone! Hope all is well, my name is Patrick, a college student at the Arts Instutite of Boston. I bought my Mitsubishi GTS this past May. Over all I think its okay. It does need some things....

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  Should have better reliability - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By some_fog - October 21 - 9:20 am

  I owned this car for a 5.5 years. The car got 5 years factory warranty. During the 5 years Ive got broken the alarm button, A/C and oxygen sensor. Dealership has fixed that for no cost to me. After 5 years Ive got broken the second oxygen sensor and two rear windows. It was unexpected to me and I decided to get rid of the car.

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  2005 Mitsubishi Lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chr15 - October 18 - 6:03 pm

  Take the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer to dirt, and turn the wheel all the way and hit reverse, woo is that fun! dont worry about moving much cause your making unbelievable turns. it would be better if you got one with all the features needed and security requried ABS is not standard, but a CD player is? I like the full grill as opposed to the two quarter size slotts. The clips installed on the inside panels are perfect for power wire for trunk thumpers. This is the only car Ive had where the seat didnt have to be all the way back to reach the pedals sufficiently and comfortably. I wish I would have gotten the Ralliart model though. The factory brakes seem to decipate too soon.

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  Sweet - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Phillygator - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We really enjoy our new Montero Sport. We traded our Nissan Altima for it and now I will never buy a sedan again. Its fun to drive in that it has good power for a big truck and the ride is surprisingly smooth. I would recommend the bigger engine (3.5 L vs. 3.0 L).

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  Love the looks, but some design flaws - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By andymick32 - October 14 - 4:01 pm

  Bought this car with 60k miles and put 30k miles on the car in 2.5 years before selling. All in all, the car was pretty darn reliable. I didnt have any mechanical issues besides the sun roof which is a known problem. Went to get the car inspected this summer and was told the bottom of the car was rusting out. The mechanic showed me the apple sized hole right underneath the drivers side floorboard and another spot below the gas tank and the fuel filler neck and the trunk lid! The car has some major issues here as certain areas are prone to collect water. Make sure you check these areas before you buy!

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  Love everything except.... - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ken - October 11 - 3:13 am

  The tires are horrible and I feel unsafe in the rain. The best mpg to date is 15.4, even on the highway. I wish there was a switch to turn of the daytime running lights when Im just sitting in the car listening to the radio. The back seats dont fold completely flat. The rear passenger area should have a dome light. The dash texture just traps dirt and dust. The A/C vents cannot be individually switched off. There are no vents in the back seat. The gearshift indicators are not illuminated. If we have that little computer in the front, why not have an available OnsSar, GPS, or nav system available? Or estimated MPG calcular? Or optional satelite radio?

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  My First Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Jmartin - October 6 - 2:13 am

  I was always a car guy, until I drove the Mitsubishi Raider. The ride is very smooth and quiet. I never thought a truck could drive like a luxury car. Well done Mitsubishi! It is also very durable too.

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  Cheap thrills - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By willy d - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a good looking sport coupe. Looked at them all but for the price and fuel ecom. this was the best for the the price--no question. Have had many from Corvettes to Cobalt SSs but for a 12 month car I think this was a good choice with front wheel drive. Just remember its more show than go, but it does handle real well.

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  Cant help but love and respect this car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Reluctant respect - October 1 - 4:03 am

  I bought this car because I had to - I hit an economic tough patch and had to downsize from my previously owned semi-luxury car. For the first 2 years, I hated the car and made jokes about it. But now, about 5 years in, I have to take my hat off. It has run great, with very little maintenance needed. Something else I have to mention: even today, Im getting about 30 miles to the gallon - no lie! The car now has about 160,000 miles on it, and its showing no signs of quitting. It really won me over as a Mitsubishi fan, especially since I so badly wanted to keep making fun of it after I got it. But now, all I do is smile and admit that I couldnt have been more wrong.

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  Great and fun to drive! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By sandydee - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has responded and performed very well. When 4-wheelin the wheels grip and dont let go and we have been in some hairy areas! I suppose my only complaint is that the console should be longer to rest my elbow and I wish the resale value was higher.