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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  WOW! - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dually - May 27 - 9:53 pm

  Bought car for my wife and fell in love with the quickness and feel of it.

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  Best bang for the buck right now! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dan - May 26 - 5:36 pm

  Ive had this car now for about 9 months and am very happy. Eye-catching exterior and the interior is nice. It runs great and Im getting 30-35 mpg on the highway! The CVT takes getting used to and the engine is a bit loud. In normal city driving, it feels as if the transmission is slipping but you eventually get used to the CVT. If you need to get up to speed fast, the paddle shifters give you everything you need WHEN you need it! Sun and sound package is a GREAT upgrade! My biggest gripe is the rather large rear spoiler- it blocks your rear view quite a bit. Overall, a very nice car at a good price.

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  2010 Endeavor-love it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ACK - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2005 Ford Expedition in on this and we love it! Were able to have same payment as ford, but with 1.9% interest with Mitsubishi-wow! I get twice as much drive time out of a tank of gas than the Expedition, so for me, the mileage is great. We downsized to this and drove the GMC Terrain-looks great, drives terrible. Never had a Mitsubishi, so far so good

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  I hate this car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Andrea - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle three years ago. I have one year left before it is is paid off. I have spent at least $10,000 in repairs. I have had to replace the following: clutch, transmission, busted head gasket, radiator, thermostat, clutch cable,stereo and speakers (not a system, just a standard radio),idle control valve, paint due to crappy factory clear coat and rims. The following remain broken on the vehicle: The clock and display system are busted the dashboard is cracked all over the place, the a/c does not work (its gone out twice), the trunk opener is broken, the sunroof is broken and the cover is as well. The trunk wont stay open and the passenger seat adjuster is broken.

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  03 Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By C.Mozeley - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My 03 has 150K miles, purchased new in 02. Replaced front struts within 2 months. Have replaced the brake pads and rotors 4 times. The brakes start pulsating after 3500 - 4500 miles. Also, 3 heat shields have rusted off, 1 of them within a years time. Dealership advised me not park on dry grass. Sunroof sticks. Rusty inside engine compartment.

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  2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Adam S. - May 25 - 10:40 am

  The car has decent room w/ comfortable seats for long trips (folding in the rear 4 more cargo space). It has great features like the GPS, hands free Bluetooth, 650W stereo w/ the 30GB hard disk w/ Sirius and especially the Fast Key! The CVT is really smooth and the paddle shifting is fun w/its 6 dedicated gears. The 2.0 engine is surprisingly peppy, though just not off the line. Mileage has been much better than I expected w/ 33-40+MPG doing 55-65 mph on the highway and no less than 26+ around town. Overall ride is well controlled & neve r harsh. Handling is really fun in this car and the brakes are also really good.

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  Fun to drive, lot of features vehicle. - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Sidney - May 25 - 2:03 am

  We traded in our minivan for our Mitsubishi Outlander. We were impressed by the 100,000 mile warranty, 5 year roadside assistance, all the standard features, and the great gas milage. The ride is nice, it has has plenty of pep for our conservative driving style. The vehicle seems well made, solid, and comforable. Of course, we gave up some room, however for an empty nest couple there is plenty of room for the luggage we take on our many trips. My wife, being 5 foot 2, loves to drive it because the drivers seat elevates to give her the driving height she likes. If you are in the market for a vehicle of this style check it out, I believe you will be pleasantly suprised.

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  Great Driving Sportscar - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rayhallnc - May 24 - 8:50 pm

  Lots of power and handles very well. GT with the rear fin gets a lot of looks and even questions as to what kind of car it is. Read other comments and noted concerns about the short distance of the low beams. There is a switch on the dash to adjust this. I panicked the 1st night I drove mine.

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  Best vehicle i ever ownef - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tim allen - May 24 - 3:55 pm

  Timing belt replacement dates. Fluid change maintenance records. Mine has 170,000 miles, runs quiet, smoothly, like new.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kelly - May 22 - 11:10 am

  I am a teacher and cant afford a luxury SUV. I purchased this XLS Endeavor because it offered the most luxury and power in my price range. I couldnt be happier! This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I owned a Tahoe prior to this and that was a great SUV but wasnt as reliable as I had hoped and it really ate gas. I love this SUV, and I hope to own my Endeavor for a very long time. The warranty is amazing, it looks great and runs even better! I would highly reccomend this vehicle!