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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  Ralliart Power!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Adam Klintworth - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been in the market for a new car, and I came across the Ralliart. The performance from the variable timing MIVEC engine is great, and the handling is first rate. Combine that with a simple yet tasteful interior, a firm yet quiet and smooth ride and the reliability of a Japanese built car, and Mitsu has definitely delivered their "Baby Evo." This car stands right up to the SE-R and Mazdaspeed models in every aspect.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kyle - September 26 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had my Endeavor for 4+ years and have very few complaints. I get 18- 19mpg around town and 22-23 on the hwy. It pulls our popup camper like its not even there. You will not find a mid-sized crossover with as much cargo space as the Endeavor. Ive had just two problems, both at 75K. The window mechanism (they call it the regulator) failed on the drivers window ($250 to fix) and the ck engine light came on ($600 for O2 sensor and new plugs).

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  Awesome - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tneman - September 25 - 10:53 am

  It has been an excellent vehicle overall. I would diffently buy again. I have not had one single problem with any part of the Endeavor. I love everything about it. Mitsubishi has hit a home run in my ballpark, I will definitly be a Mitsubishi owner for life.

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  Cheap and affordable. - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bankerman - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Nice little car, looks are ok and all...My only wish is that Mitsubishi would feel good enough about the car to give it a 3YR-36,000 mile bumper to bumper AND a 5YR-60,000 mile power train warranty like Toyota and Nissan does. If Mitsubishi doesnt want to STAND behind THEIR OWN VEHICLE for longer than 36/36,000...then why should I? I mean, I could have bought an extra warranty, but why should I when Toyota and Nissan gives it for free.

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  You must get one! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Melvin - September 23 - 11:13 am

  Love the car. Sexy style, fun to drive, hot sound system, whats not to like? If you are thinking about getting one just do it! I am 6 feet tall and theres enough room.

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  Fantastic CUV - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cme4brain - September 22 - 6:18 am

  I owned a 2008 Outlander and bought the 2010. This is the best combination of style, performance, interior comfort, and reliability for the money. You will not be disappointed. Even with a distant dealer, I bought the car as it is so reliable- this is my 6th Mitsubishi. The rear back up camera, the integrated Audio and NAV systems are excellent, as are the modifiable computer controls. My next SUV/CUV will be a Mitsu as I am so pleased with this model. I drive 32,000 miles per year so I spend lots of time sitting in this car, very comfortable.

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  My G - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By S L F - September 20 - 8:30 pm

  Ive owned this car for 2 1/2 years and it still handles and rides great, and is as much fun to drive today as the day I got it. Its acceleration is great and it has lots of power. I love to hear the sound of the engine. It has great interior and trunk space. I enjoy the pass through into the trunk which makes it safe to slide my purse and packages into without being seen. An additional safety feature is the illuminated release inside the trunk, which really works. People still stare at it and ask "What kind of car is that?" I smile when I tell them iss a Galant. Its an excellent car! My son enjoys it as much as I do.

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  nice wheels - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By josam - September 20 - 10:00 am

  attractive. smooth engine. no vibration.luxurious interior. does the job even though less powerful than other suvs.nice comfy ride.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dcedte - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Eclipse GT with Sportronic (automatic) transmission. I bought the car new, and now have nearly 53,000 miles on it. The car has been completely reliable thus far. I average about 25+ MPG. Power is good and smooth. Handling is excellent, and still comfortable. The car looks great. I enjoy the "auto- stick" style transmission very much. I compared the Eclipse GT, Accord V6 Coupe, and the Celica GTS when car shopping. My second choice was the Accord, but I liked the Eclipse appearance, handling, and engine performance better. The Accord seemed to have a better quality interior.

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  Never recd this many complements - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MerleB - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle partially based on the rather negative review by the Edmunds staff. Basically the stuff they didnt like is what drew me to the vehicle. We dont do much "canyon carving" in Michigan. My dealer had to go to Ohio to find a bright red GT for me, but it was well worth the wait as Ive never had a new car that received more raves from the onlookers. I do miss the 40 miles per gallon that our 98 Eclipse achieved, but that was a 4 cylinder.