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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  mits galant 2000 - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kshwetz - June 26 - 10:00 am

  the only vbad thing about this car is the value drops fast.

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  2004 Galant GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Daryl - June 22 - 8:50 pm

  This is my second purchase of the top end Galant that is offered from Mitsubishi. I love the control and power with out sacraficing comfort and luxury. I love the car.

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  Have an open wallet - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gert06 - June 22 - 7:06 pm

  While initially loved the truck, as time/mileage wears on, no after market parts available, so costly. Also, the need for Premium fuel. Dealer had stated could use regular at a loss of mileage-I guess with regular the best I get is 10-12mpg! Fuel filler set known by many mechanics to rot out, had back order for over 6 weeks, all the while spilling gas every time I tried to get it into the tank.

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  Mitsubishi Endeavor - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ERICS - June 22 - 5:46 pm

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor is better than I had expected. It has excellent handiling and a nice ride. It did well in heavy snow, however the all season Bridgestone tires are not agreesive enough for heavy snow conditions. It provides an all around great driving experience!

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  Very Angry - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Italia Parisi - June 22 - 10:00 am

  When shutting the doors, the sound is very cheap. Mileage is way way way off what is claimed. Transmission already feels like it is slipping. Stereo sound is not clear. Fog lights are for appearance only, they serve no other purpose. All things considered I paid way too much for a 4 cylinder car. And I did my research on your sight!!! Shame on you.

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  Love at first drive. - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John Crocker - June 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have not had this vehicle for long but we just got back from driving it on vacation and we both love it. Plenty of power, low road noise, no water leaks, standard sportronic automatic transmission is easy to use and works great. My wife loves the style and has been asked about it by a lot of people when she fills it up. I cant keep her out of it now. This is the third Mitsubishi we have owned and they all have been great, a vastly under-rated brand. We checked the Toyota RAV 4 and the Honda CR-V also but the Mitsu beat them in the areas where it counts. If you want to stand out in a crowd try put this machine on your shopping list.

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  Underpowered - 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Wally - June 20 - 1:33 am

  Outlander is a nice vehicle but is sluggish to drive. To upgrade to a 6 cylinder brings the price up too high. There are other vehicles available for less money. Also to get the safety options you have to pay more. The base models dont have them.

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  "LEMON" is an understatement! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TyKc - June 18 - 11:06 pm

  We purchased our Galant in 2006. The look of it really appealed to us. We loved it at first, but things went downhill. We have had squeaky brakes since we got it, the mechanics on the rear driver side window broke causing the glass to fall into the door, and our air conditioner has broken SIX times! We live in the desert so to go without air is NOT an option. We have put more money into fixing the air than our car is even worth. We paid way too much for it and the value decreased too much too fast. We hate it so much but are stuck with it! We have met 3 people with the same year and all 3 have had the same exact problems. I would never buy one again and I was very disappointed.

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  Love It - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fink - June 18 - 10:26 am

  I went through a major transition getting my Eclipse. I had an 01 Grand AM SE before this. Needless to say, I like the Eclipse much much better. I have not even tested it fully, but the handling is great, and it doesnt take much to get it moving.

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  Owner - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Mangham - June 18 - 12:46 am

  This car is an excellent value. Too bad they quit making it. It has been extremely reliable. I have spend virtually nothing on maintenance after 60 months. The USA could learn something from this car designed in Japan and built by the our Australian friends. QMI used with this vehicle since new. At speeds of 70-75 mph I have been averaging 27 mpg.