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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  2005 Mitsubishi Lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Defero - August 15 - 2:10 am

  After careful consideration against other manufacturers, I chose the Lancer and I must say Im extrememly pleased. It gets great gas mileage (as long as you dont go crazy), and is very peppy for 120 hp. I bought the manual to fully capitalize on power, good decision. It has excellent performance around corners, and is suprisingly quiet on the highway. Also, what took me buy suprise was the space in the cabin. Ive had six full grown individuals in my car and everyone was comfortable. I have the convenience package, cruise control, power everything, and its definitely worth the money, I do a lot of highway driving.

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  Mitsu Galant Review - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By skulka - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had it for 3 years. Driving to an from a construction site and have had no real problems. The shocks and struts have been the biggest issue. Had to replace a bushing on the rear shocks for warranty work at about 16000. Started to have issues with shocks again at about 60000 nothing that affects drivability, just an annoying squeek.

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  Good used car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By wwww - August 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle used during a really snowy time. I have never seen a car easier to drive in the snow. It has enough but not too many features, which is a plus for me. Too many cars out are loaded with features that you never use but have to pay for. We bought this used, so we did not loose the many off the lot value that everyone complains about.

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  not so great of a car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RallyStyle2003 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Well I have had a bad experience owning this car from day one. No ABS available on this "sportier" model, but the step down does. I got in a serious accident within 3 months because I couldnt stop in time. It would have been plenty of room with ABS though. And horrible dealer treatment from day one. The service manager tells me "hey we dont build the cars, we just service them" and that because my bumper has already faded to an obviously different shade of white, that is normal and the kind of quality product that Mitusbishi produces. The "sales" side has lied to me constantly too. Just horrible.

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  Tire Wear - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Misty P. Toole - August 15 - 12:13 am

  I really love this car! I am on my second Eclipse-just love the RF music system, and the way you just want to drive this car constantly! The downside of the 2006 Eclipse GT is that the tires need to be replaced much too soon in comparison to other "Low Pro" enhanced vehicles.What ever happened to 36,000 miles for tire life expectancy? I have 11,000 miles on my car, and at $309 per tire? I hope that the new Chevy Camaro is out for my next purchase!

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  Huge Step Up From 2000 to 2004 Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Stuckey - August 12 - 4:33 pm

  I always liked my 2000 Galant but after driving the 2004 model I feel like Ive moved up from a small economy sedan to a very well appointed and substantial mid-size sedan. I bought my 2000 Galant in part based on its very sharp looking body lines. The 2004 model is not quite as unique as the 2000, but much more exciting than the generic body styles of the Camry, Accord, and 626s. The Altima also seems to be the exception to the body blues. Where the 2004 Galant really seperates itself from the 2000 model and the rest of the pack is in its absolutely gorgeous interior. The car rides, tracks and steers nicely. It has very good visability, comfortable seats and is EXTREMELY FAST!

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  Stunning Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By azkid - August 12 - 1:00 pm

  This is an extremely beautiful car. This would be my first car and i am very surprised by what this car has to offer. Sure the back seat is practically useless, but hey, its a sports coupe! Go get a sedan if youre looking to haul around family and friends. This car gives pretty decent mileage and the turning radius is not as bad as everyone claims it to be. This car is an amazing value. Lots to offer for the price. The Gt has PLENTY of power and the sportronic transmission works very smoothly. Also, interior is stunning at night time. Wouldnt want any other car for a first car than the eclipse.

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  Good crossover for the price - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Nick - August 11 - 11:40 am

  We bought our Endeavor a year and a half ago and have put 25K miles since then. We have been pretty happy with it so far. It has a lot of cargo space in the back and the seats are easy to fold down to create even more. I love the power this vehicle has and the transmission is very responsive. The transmission does make a wining noise in warmer weather. This is a known issue with them - cant be fixed, so I deal with it. It is very comfortable on long trips. I question its durability, though. The interior is very cheap. The fabric, although comfortable, is already showing significant wear. The dash and doors are mostly brittle plastic and the sunroof seals arent sealing.

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  johns ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By jmw9851 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  its as good as a expedition with better gas milage

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  Rough location, good performance - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By M Furst - August 10 - 2:00 am

  While out of the mainstream, my Outlander is subject to unusual abuse - - I live in China and run this vehicle over roads in serious disrepair. I find the ride over rough serfaces to be pretty good (maybe a reflection of Mitsubishiss long off-road exp.). The engine is pretty good in this iteration of the Outlander. Plenty of power (presumaly the 160 horse version), yet fuel efficient enuf for the high gas prices here. I look forward to running it in the snow but will have to wait til next year for that.