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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  2nd one and we did buy again!!!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By miamommie - May 3 - 11:50 pm

  We have had 2 Mitsubishi Galants and we have loved them both. The only problem is the room in the back for older kids. Small kids dont have a problem. Its fun to drive and good on gas. We have only had this 02 for 2 days but it seems like we got a great deal for our money. My husband is a mechanic and he looked it over good before buying it. We only payed $6800 and it looks new sounds great and runs well.

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  A little bit of everything... - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ½mv² - May 3 - 6:23 pm

  I bought the car without ever test driving it - I didnt even like the way it looked. I used to own an Avalon XLS, which was the biggest and baddest luxury car I had ever seen. I also owned a 1993 twin turbo RX7, which outran and outhandled everything but the Corvette Z06. In February 06 I got in a crash that cost me both cars. I needed a car quick, and I didnt have time to shop around so I looked for the best deal I could get on a reliable ride. Ive had the car for less than a week and I already love it. The car glides along highways and satifies the desire for a luxury-car-feeling, yet locks down tight onto the road when you get the burning desire to rip around a 90 degree turn at 30 mph.

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  2007 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By charlie b - May 2 - 4:10 am

  500 miles on it in 5 days and inital impression is that it is an average riding and average comfort vehicle that gets decent gas mileage. It is a small suv but the interior seating room is good. The engine and tranny combine for very decent power and fuel efficiency.

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  Whats the Problem? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mr.Big - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Handles well, tight steering is great. Could use a little more power without having to modify yourself.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By scopla - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Lancer O-Z 5 speed and Im very impressed with it. And for everyone who says the mirage has power and the lancer doesnt, check the specs. Its the same engine!

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  Most fun I ever had - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BBusnardo - May 2 - 2:00 am

  When I was buying my car it was between the RSX and my GT that I got. Im so glad I got the Eclipse GT. I have a 5-speed manual and I love opening that door every morning and sitting in the drivers seat. The ride is a thrill and the engine roars as you take off.

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  love this ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tonym1963 - May 1 - 12:13 am

  I have owned my Endeavor for almost 2 years I love it. I would like a little more variety in option packages but it came nicely equiped. I think the site lines inside are 2nd to none and the ride is like a car.

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  Love My Montero - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By desertwitch - April 30 - 2:03 pm

  I love this SUV. Ive taken it on 500 mile plus trips and its been very comfortable. I tow a small boat with it and experience no loss of power. The Infinity stereo system is really good for a factory install. Security is great with a chip in the key. It couldnt be more reliable. Ive had it for six years now and its never had any problems. I found it handles much better with slightly wider, taller tires. Prior to that, it didnt handle well on wet roads. For an SUV, I cant complain about the mileage. It seems very well made which is good as parts are on the expensive side.

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  Mistu Eclipse 03 GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike Danes - April 29 - 4:03 pm

  I got a great deal on this car, with Mitsus 3000 rebate and 3000 customer loyalty last year and my 1992 Eclipse had 160K miles on it, so I figured it was time for an upgrade. I have no gripes at all with this car. It has great acceleration, has great handling and excellent performance. I enjoy the sun and sound package and the interior midnight blue leather combo looks great. If you can afford a few extra grand, definitely go for the GTS model. In my opinion, Eclipses blow Mustangs away; they are much better looking, more reliable and just made with better materials (Mustang is mostly fiberglass). The only drawback is gas mileage, but we dont buy sports cars for mileage.

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  Cell phone totals my MPG - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By MY LIL BUGGY !!! - April 28 - 10:56 am

  Bought it after 1 test drive ! I gotta give it to them, after 9.5 yrs & 41mpgs I did nothing but regular maint. and this car never let me down ! Thru 16"s of snow she just would not quit! Today 4/7/09 it was totaled by a cell phone in use! The power was slack especially w/ac on but other then that & some interior improvements would have been nice Ill never replace it for the money paid 13,000 & some change I never once had this car in a shop but for regular timing belt change @ 100,000.