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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  2006 Eclipse GT - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MK - May 19 - 8:43 am

  We have currently put 12,000 miles on our Eclipse GT. Its fun to drive, handles well (even on the icy roads), and accelerates nicely. The front seats in the GT are extremely comfortable for people of an average size, though can be restricting for larger people. The standard heated leather in the GT (front only) is wonderful for the cold weather. I wont even mention the rear seating - its a joke really, even with the front seats pushed far forward there is no leg room for anyone in the back. Dont consider this vehicle if you plan on having more than one passenger very often.

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  Mediocre car for a decent value. - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By pubmain - May 17 - 9:26 am

  The only thing my GTZ excelled in was handling. Superb handling for a FWD. Ive already avoided two serious accidents from idiots failing to yield to oncoming traffic. I literally pulled some McGuyver moves on the road with this car. However, the exterior and interior is plagued with cheap manufacturing and design. This car is an absolute embarrassment to be top dog in the American Galant lineup. Models overseas make this thing look like a POS. The premium fuel gets extremely annoying and I wish I would have purchased a Hyundai or Ford Mustang for the same price. My advise, get a used Chrysler Sebring v6 if you dont need to leg room

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  Lancer Sportback! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By polli - May 15 - 3:10 pm

  The sportback has been a great vehicle and tool that I can use day to day and have a little fun while Im at it. The engine is strong, and the lower gears pulls pretty hard and therefore really quick. I just wish the 4th and 5th gear ratios werent so close. Also it would have been nice if this was offered in a 6 gear manual transmission.

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  Excellent, but... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By 04endeav - May 15 - 4:16 am

  I just bought this used in Nov 2009. Its got good power, and handles well. Also, for 2WD, it seems to do just fine in the snow. Gas mileage isnt very good, but Im used to a compact. I have found 18mpg city, but Im not that aggressive of a driver. The EPA claims 14 or so, which isnt true. It will move if you put your foot down, and feels very settled even under hard acceleration. Fuel economy disappears with aggressive driving habits. The engine is noisy at high RPMS but not unpleasant. I would like to see a better lit display for clock/audio, and rattle from interior panels. I would recommend this model, and feel that Mitsubishi offers quality vehicles.

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  Good option at a good price - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Dave - May 14 - 12:20 pm

  Although my Raider (rebadged Dakota) may not compete with some of the more refined trucks in its class, the Raider is an excellent choice for the price. The V6 provides decent power, the interior is roomy, and the features are simple to use. For the price and what I get in return, this vehicle is a good option.

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  Excellent value for money - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By TomK - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great deal! You get a lot for your money although I would have liked rear discs and ABS standard. The build quality is excellent, lots of low end power for just 120hp, great stereo, rides nicely, handles well. Compared to the Golf/Jetta I also looked at, the interior is far roomier and the performance was better at least compared to the non-turbo versions. The clutch is very nice but the 5- speed is a little notchy and is gated too close together.

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  Decent SUV but Im never again buying Mistubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Anthony - May 9 - 6:49 am

  I liked this truck from day one. We lucked out getting it in such good condition. The truck was getting older and I didnt notice the rust damage underneath. However, the engine was good, the interior was clean and unmarred; she drove nicely. That being said, there was a lot that needed to be changed after the first year, there being 69,000 miles in. The tires, belts, filters, and battery all needed replacing. Not the worst except the battery was annoying. However the engine required a tune up; there was an issue with the timing belt which could have caused an engine seize and car being totaled if we hadnt caught it. Then the damned intake manifold went. The truck is great the problem is Mitsubishi is the worst company to deal with in regards to parts and service. You have to use their parts and those parts are NOT CHEAP. We lived with a non-working key fob (no lock/unlock) which would only have unlocked the front driver side door. I have to say good product, but bad product support by the company. This will be our last mistubishi, as a result. Traded her in after almost 2 years...and didnt get near anything to what we paid for her.

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  You Get What You Pay For. - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By qball5 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Well built Very good fit and finish Great seats Visibility is good Like the placement of cupholders both front and rear Good cargo room Can always find a good seating position

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  my endeaver - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By larry jonson - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent so far. Has surprising pep and very comfortable to drive.

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  Late Purchase - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dennysmitzi - May 5 - 11:51 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Galant in 2009, with only 31K miles on the ticker. Currently, it has 80,500 and still running quite strong. My biggest complaint is the oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets that have been replaced 3 times, and the wheel alignment issues that cause vibrations in the front end at times. Otherwise, it has been a good performer, and has never left me stranded. I would definitely consider another one, should the powers that be at Mitsubish Motors consider bringing the Galant back to the market. Overall, I am a satisfied customer.