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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  A good ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Steve Gottshall - June 21 - 4:20 am

  This has been a very comfortable, capable and secure vehicle to drive. I towed a 2500# pop up with little effort and approximately 15 mpg.

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  I like this car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tom in Vegas - June 20 - 1:50 am

  I was set on buying a Mazda6 until I stumbled upon this car. What I like the most is the comfort inside. Its got lots of room and the seats are comfortable. I really like the radio controls on the steering wheel, they are very convenient. I got a better price and got more than I would have with the 6. So far I am very happy.

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  Awesome car but lacks something - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RallyRed09GTS - June 11 - 6:33 am

  Mitsu could have made a winner with this lancer but have fallen short of the process. It has the looks, the killer instinct and presence that tends to say get out of the way am going through. Has all the bark but lacks some bite. Its not as slow as some people tends to believe. If it want to go fast it certainly can. It lacks acceleration though. Highly recommended for freeway driving (goes fast and gives decent MPG). Hate it on City driving (horrible MPG). Dont get me wrong, I love my car and I have it for 4 months now. Just wish Mitsu made it a little better

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  Better Than Expected - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rod - June 10 - 4:33 am

  My 2003 Lancer was purchased used at an "auto superstore" in 03/2004 with 15,212 miles, for $9,988. It replaced my 1998 Nissan Altima which had 217,000 miles and a fantastic service record, i.e., minimal problems and great fuel economy. My expectations for the Mitsubishi were "OK" at best, I did not believe that it was in the same league as the Nissan. iIwas wrong! I am a medical courier and as of 9/20/2006 i have 200,867 miles on this little cracker-box car. I change the oil (and filter of course) about every 5,000 miles, use only regular (87 octane) gas as recommended, and change spark plugs about every 30,000 miles using only the recommended ngks (dont make the mistake I did by using other plugs).

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  Not Happy - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By JVP - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd SUV in two months First had a vibration that 3 different mechanics couldnt find, gave it back Both get poor mpgs 11-15 and I drive normal both have poorly made front seats, spring in my butt. Traded 93 Pathfinder for 2000 Sport should have kept Path w/125,000 miles. Better mpgs and interior made much better.

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  Reliable - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jules - June 1 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my 03 Lancer ES new. I drive to work 33 miles one way mostly highway miles and average about 31 - 34 miles per gallon. I love my little car. It is a five speed and handles great in the winter snow. The only maintenance I have done is change the oil, had the belts changed at 100,000. I just had my spark plugs changed at $115,000, you think the dealer would have told me every 30,000 miles for the plugs, since that is where my oil changes are done. I have never had a more reliable car. It still runs like new.

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  5 speed stick 2014 Outlander Sport ROCKS! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Mitsubishi Convert - May 26 - 5:44 pm

  The Mitsubishi 5 speed manual Outlander Sport is truly a fine SUV that gets good MPG, has plenty of power and handles well...I really enjoy this car! and with the rebates, it is great value! One of the best cars Ive ever owned and fun to drive...Union made (UAW) and built in the USA, I had never bought Mitsubishi before but am very impressed and would highly suggest that you take a look at the Outlander Sport before you buy!

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  AC Broke - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dee 39203 - May 21 - 3:46 am

  At first I loved my Galant, but since the AC went out, Ive been in what has literally felt like hell. I have an all black leather interior which draws heat. I took the car to the shop and my air conditioner is broken. I was told that it would cost $941.00 to fix it.

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  Sport feel for Basic Sedan - 2011 Mitsubishi Galant
  By carriemae - May 15 - 7:00 am

  I purchased my red Galant as a prior rental. There is a big depreciation for Galants, so that is the only way I would buy one, as used. I like the sleek sides and look of the car. The red is very pretty, especially just cleaned on a sunny day. The car has a wide wheel base so feels good on the road, I think the power seem fine (I dont think it felt week like the pro review). The interior, however, is very, very plain and cheap looking. ..charcoal cloth seats and black vinyl, holds dust. Arm rests were separating and needed to be repaired by dealer. However, engine seems fine...I think this is a great alternative to a Honda/Toyota for those on a budget if you keep it long.

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  Beautiful, affordable, good not great - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JB - May 13 - 9:30 am

  The negatives on this vehicle are interior space. Hardly any back seat. Not good for extremely tall people. I am 64" and fit very snugly. Worst is severe blind spots. Very low to the ground. Handles very well. Average fuel economy for 4 cyl. Decent acceleration/power. Always been reliable. Speaker in trunk eliminates some storage space.