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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  Less Money, Great Value - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Pinto - September 19 - 6:20 am

  This is my fourth year of driving this car. I bought it used at 58k miles and have been very positively surprised by its reliability. Now I have 117k miles on it and still nothing to worry about. So far, I have only changed the normal wears and tears, otherwise, really nothing else. A very reliable car. My wifes dodge grand caravan was a big money guzzler, quite unreliable. This car can go another ten years, but its time for another Mitsubishi - may be a Mitsubishi Endeavor. A friend of mine recommended Mitsubishi and I am positively surprised. They are not as popular as Toyota , and for this reason - pretty cheap. However, they may out-perform the popular brands. Less Money,Great value.

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  Amazing! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Nicole - September 18 - 6:36 pm

  Although I havent bought the car yet, I have to say the two days I test drove it, I was so impressed. I currently own a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am and have always loved the sportier cars and have to say the Eclipse is pretty amazing. The get up and go is awesome, def. more torque than my grand am and the sound system is pretty awesome too. Im getting the green/silver/blue color and think its a very classy choice.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ali - September 17 - 10:40 pm

  I picked my Mitsubishi Outlander when I compared it to its competitiors. Its amazing. I have droven 2004 Ford Escape but found this one to be a better value.

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  The way the Eclipse was meant to be! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason From Jersey - September 17 - 9:50 pm

  This car is a pure and powerful head turner. The perfect blend of style, performance, and personality. This is a car that tuners can appreciate due to its 263hp and 260 torque. This car rivals the likes of the Mazda RX-8, Nissan 350z, Infiniti G35, Acura RSX, Toyota Celica, and the Ford Mustang 2005. More spacious backseat then the Generation 1 & 2 but still maintains head clearance issues in the back seat. Overall however its a perfect car for a tuner or someone who just cant afford that new BMW. So go out and take a test drive today and you can be sure to see the value.

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  Wont Buy Another One - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Myarw - September 17 - 6:06 pm

  I have owned my Mitsubishi Montero Sport for four years and I cant wait to unload it. It has many transmission problems. Its very sluggish starting out and has an annoying slip between 2nd and 3rd gears. Its a smooth ride once you get past 3rd gear. The sensors are a big problem, Ive replaced my O2 sensor two times at the tune of $189 each time only to have them go bad again within a year. Then the service engine soon light came on. Now the 4 wheel drive is going bad too. I am trading it soon and cant wait to be rid of it.

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  pjs galant 2001 - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By pj - September 17 - 5:43 am

  We bought this car new, very reliable It has 185000 mi on it. I have changed the oil every 3000 mi and Ive tuned it up twice. I love it, it runs like brand new. ALL original parts and no rattles. I do not plan to get rid of it any time soon. Im going to see how many miles I can get out of it.

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  Great Crossover, would be better 6 cylinders - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By sjcruiser36 - September 14 - 9:53 pm

  I have had this vehicle since October 2012. My check engine light just came on, and the code at AutoZones states its the oxygen sensor. Hopefully this is covered by the warranty since I only have 18,000 miles on it. Other than this issue, I havent had any others issues with it. It would be better with a 6 cylinder engine, and if the current engine didnt make the clicking noise, but its apart of the design. I havent had any road noise issues, and she gets pretty good gas mileage especially when Im paying attention to the green fuel efficiency line. The ride is comfortable for me, and others who are driving or are in the back seat, and the cargo space is enough for most needs.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sfranklin - September 14 - 6:56 pm

  The 2004 Mitsubishi Galant is wonderful to drive. It drives quietly enough to promote luxury and fast enough to perform as a race car. I love this car.

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  Now you See Me, Now You Dont (Mirage) - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Ivory - September 14 - 12:43 am

  The best quality of this car is how little fuel it uses. My car has not had any real mechanical problems. Just wear and tear issues only. I love the car! I wish it had a bit more horse power though (91hp only).

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  Value - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Happy in Houston - September 10 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this fine pre-owned automobile in 11/03 w/ 32000 miles for around $14k. Half its new retail price. I have not had one single problem (other than brake job). Only pure enjoyment of this luxury/sport sedan. Everything that made me want this car to begin with still has me smiling today. My previous car was a Lexus LS 400 and I sold it due to high mileage and scary repair probablities. I had to find something that compared to its ride quality and luxury and performance for a reasonable price and this Mitsubishi fits the bill perfectly!