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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  Great Little Dependable Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By edawg - February 22 - 1:46 am

  I purchased this car new in 2002. I have been both surprised and pleased. I have only put 28,000 miles on it, and the car has surpassed my expectations. The gas mileage both in town and on the highway is great, but the best thing about the car is that the only maintenance it has required has been regular oil changes and new tires. Considering the engine it has, the car has decent pickup upon acceleration, and is fun to drive. I expect my Lancer to last me for years to come. I highly recommend this car.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Aseelah - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my car for a couple of days but I love it! It is so quite and handles the road like no other.

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  Honest Reality - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By DrieOlo - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had to replace the transmission and the passenger side window. The sunroof also has occassional difficulties opening but will eventually open if you play with it long enough. But its an overall good car/ powerful car.

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  Galant - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tyron - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car is good. The value really drops after you drive off the showroom floor. (nothing like the Nissian or Toyota). Two break jobs and I only have 36K miles on it. (The dealers has a license to steal)

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  Excellent Value, Very Reliable - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EclipseOwnerJPB - February 11 - 11:26 am

  I bought a used, year-old Eclipse GS and have been extremely pleased with it. The interior is very comfortable and gives you that sports-car feel. It is great in the snow, handles very well and has been very reliable. For a sports car it gets good mileage.

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  endevor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By riverat2 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  vehicle lacks in many interior features. I owned a Montero sport that had much more interior features. I love the way endevor drives but dont think I would buy a new one for its price when I could get another brand with third seat for the same price

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  WAS WORTH THE CHANCE - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RSL - February 3 - 2:00 am

  NEEDED A NEW CAR.HONDA,TOYOTA, OR GIVE THIS GALANT A SHOOT BECAUSE OF THE PRICE? HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM OF ANY KIND. BACK SEAT COULD HAVE MORE LEG ROOM, BUT WHAT THE HECK. LEASE OVER IN 8 MONTHS. I MIGHT JUST BUY THE LEASE OUT MYSELF.

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  2012 Outlander GT - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By eoddeputy1 - February 1 - 12:51 am

  Overall this is a good SUV. The exterior design is very appealing. The interior is more like a sports car cockpit. Everything is at the drivers fingertips. The MIVEC 3.0 performs very well and responds good when needed. The fuel economy seems very good for a V6.

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  Very Few Bumps in the Road - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Hogczar - January 30 - 3:36 am

  Overall, the Mitsu is a wonderful midsize SUV. Excellent towng capacity for two Harleys on a trailer and a nice spartan interior. (If you need GPS to drive, you really shouldnt have a license) A few minor switch problems. The only major complaint is an intermitant rattle that the dealer cannot locate.

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  Mostly quite pleased. - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sarah - January 30 - 3:10 am

  Have only had the car a few days, but heres my contribution. Its a gorgeous looking car, smooth ride and super quiet, hardly any road noise. Daytime running lights a nice touch. Soft, comfortable seats. I usually prefer leather but the cloth seems updated and luxurious. Very impressive stock stereo, blew my 2001 Mitsu Eclipses stereo out of the water. Bass you can feel in your chest. Unfortunately, the plastic cover over the mirror on the sun visor snapped off with barely any force, I simply flipped it up and it came off in my hands, rather disappointing. A very mature, classy, and still young looking car for a professional 21 year old woman. Overall, very pleased with the car.