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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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By royce - October 20 - 12:03 am

  I have thoroghly enjoyed this car my only problems have been the SRS system in the passenger seat. The car safety features are the most appealing. I was driving home from Cleveland when an ice/snow mix started falling. A vehicle spun out in front of me and I applied the brakes. That along with the traction control prevented a major accident.

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  If only the dealers.... - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Terrance - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I felt I got a good deal on the car, but my father warned me that Mitsubishi dealers are far and few between, and terrible. He was right. After owning a Saturn, and being spoiled by Saturn service, it was quite a shock the first, and subsequent times, I returned my car to Mitsubishi for service. I gave them a horrible rating on my after ownerwhip feedback card, and never heard a peep from them.

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  2000 montero sport - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tom d - October 13 - 4:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle new 1999, little work has been needed basic maintenance only. I have 190,000 miles and I figure to get another 75-100 k.

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  A good solid car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LancerGuy2003 - October 11 - 7:23 pm

  This was my first new car. Mostly the first 5 years or so no real problems with it. I have had some big expenses starting at the fifth year mark (65K miles). Still all in all, not bad. My mileage has been on the high side (26-28 city, 32-34 highway). Its at 94K and hoping to keep it around for another 40K or so.

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  UNderrated Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jodum - October 10 - 10:00 am

  My mother has had this car for almost 3 years now and I ahve driven it several times. For a 4-banger it has great perfromance and loves to be pushed. The interior is very cramped- with two adults in the front, there is barely any leg room in the back seats and Mitsubishi can do a much better job in getting more interior space out of the very long car. It has an enormous trunk. A good sound system and nice (fake) wood trim.

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  145 HP - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By carlos94110 - October 10 - 10:00 am

  nice looking car , not expensive , I like it .

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  One of the best looking SUVs - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By firstforeigncar - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I have recently owned a Escape. In my opinion the best small SUV on the market. Since, the 0% financing incentatives I decided to upgrade my car. I like the looks of the Monterro Sport LTD. It handle the farily nice, noticable slower on take off than the Escape and more of an typical SUV drive feel. Economy is average to a little above average, in comparison to other SUVs. Main suggested improvements are tighter steering and revise the timing of the transmission. Overall so it seems like a nice car.

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  A fun car with minor problems - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MitsuBenji913 - October 10 - 2:33 am

  I havent had my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT very long, but I already love it. The car itself looks great, Ive had random people on the street comment on it and often see people watching my car drive away. The inside looks good too, with the leather and design, but the controls could look a little better. Appearance isnt everything but they know that. This car had a lot of power and is a lot of fun to drive. Most other cars are left in the dust, although this does hurt the fuel economy a bit. Its painfully apparent that Mitsubishi does make these cars cheaply, though. The previous owner had to replace the clutch and Ive read about major problems this car has. I still recommend it.

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  Hmm, Lets See! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Bodzio - October 7 - 10:00 am

  First, I like the interior and probably that is why I bought it.Second, at the beginning I had a problem with differential,was making this noise and you could feel it as well.4 times at the dealer(long story)and I still think its not fix like it supposed to be.Next,had a problem with the sunroof (was leaking),3 times at the dealer.Next,I have a problem with getting this "Service Enging Soon" light,4 times at the dealer and still comming up.Also, as you know, Endeavors tank should be filled with high octane gas.If you try to put regular(87 or 89)the engine is not working properly.I will be going for service AGAIN with the Servie Engine Soon.

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  Great basic car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By karl - October 5 - 6:00 pm

  This was our fourth Mitsubishi and third from this dealer. I needed a car to get to/from work and the Lancer ES fit the bill. Knowing that gas could go higher in price, I had donated my truck to charity and wanted a car that would be reliable, safe, and at least double the mpg of the V8 in my truck. After driving a variety of small cars, I went with what I knew and got the Mitsubishi and I have NEVER looked back. I have taken it cross country twice and averaged 30.5 mpg on the highway. With a Yakima rack, I can haul my canoe and fit 85 duck decoys in the truck and back seat too. Sure, I get a few funny looks at the boat ramp but it doesnt break the bank to fill it either.