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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  Good price, good car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Juiceman - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Coming out of an infiniti G35 it is hard to brag about this car but it did what I wanted, lowered my payment and got a car I could live with at a good price. 5 year 60K bumper to bumper, 10 yr 100K powertrain and 3 yr 45K free service at no additional cost Dealership is close to home, car looks good, interior is alittle low end but you get what you pay for. LArge interior and pretty quiet ride. Great family car. Do not worry about how I treat it as it is a cheap car. This was actually cheaper than a civic!

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  Like my Mitsubishis - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Debtei - June 12 - 10:00 am

  This is the third mitsubishi I have had and I love it. It is a very comfortable ride. I just wish that there wasnt that cheap plastic in the interior of the vehicle on the doors. It handles well in inclement weather. I am having some trouble with the airconditoner now. It is leaking inside on the passenger side. Also the switch for the ABS brakes had to be replaced at 8200 miles.

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  Brilliant little car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By crazehen - June 12 - 2:56 am

  To be a successful economy car, the vehicle in question has to have two things going for it; reliability and fuel economy. With that said, the Lancer is by far the best car Ive ever owned. Its been reliable as a rock and the engine can take a serious beating. Itll get 26 miles per gallon with your foot welded to the floor, and 35 while driving Miss Daisy across the country. Need I say more? Why not. On top of those things, its also roomy, comfortable, the stereo sounds great, the A/C will freeze your hands off and the heater makes Hell seem cold. I took this car on a 3,500 mile journey across the country and it didnt give me any trouble. A bold claim for a 12 year old 165k mile car.

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  Lancer Oz-Rally - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mlsfs0 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted an inexpensive four door as my first car. The mileage is a big plus, although it isnt as great as the new honda hybrid which is only a few thousand more.

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  2009 ES Sport - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By serrilion - May 31 - 6:59 am

  Ill make this simple for everyone... Good parts: Comfortable Kids car seats fit well Safe car Doesnt break down if you keep up with service Is a very good car in the snow for a FWD 5speed Good MPG Lots of Aftermarket Support Rockford sound system is perfect sun roof is nice as well Bad: Paint sucks Shocks in a bad road state get eatten alive Runs better on 91 octane vs recmended 87 should have come with a short shifter Stock factory tires suck and are to skiny Key Fob loses programing for fast system

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  OK Overall - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bit - May 19 - 11:03 pm

  When I first drove my 2000 Eclipse GT off the lot I loved it. I loved the power of the torque pushing me back in the seat and the looks of the car. I even like the sound of the exaust note. A couple of years later, I still drive it and like the power. The engine is as reliable as when I drove it off the lot. The rest of the car has had minor wear and tear issues. But, the car has been the best new car I have owned. I have not had major issues. I like the storage space in the back which shrinks away with the newer models. I can fit my whole mountain bike in the back without disassembling it and just go. I do think the car could be lighter and be tighter on cornering.

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  Great car for its class - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rhannah - May 19 - 6:46 am

  I love the car so far, it handles well, its spunkier than the reviews give it, it has a fantastic roomy & classy interior too. I dont feel like I own a compact "economy" car at all. I also have yet to see one in my city, which makes it feel even more unique, instead of the dozens of Hyundias running around.

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  04 Lancer RA - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By darkprojex - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on Aug. 2008 at 74,000 mi, now 86,000 mi at Ultimate Rides in Appleton, WI. 1 owner vehicle. Worst service ever. A salesman tells me to get out after testing two cars, had a argument with him and their manager and will never buy another car from there again, period. I love the power in this car but after a while the car starts squeaking. Replaced front sway links and tie end rods then later, rear sway links, struts, and bushings. Parts that were used to replace were practically junk. Just recently replaced brake pads and now the car starts rattling by wheels. Brakes were bled and installed correctly though.

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  Unsatisfied - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By outout - May 13 - 9:33 pm

  My 07 Outlander has excessive wind-noise...the worst I have seen in any vehicle. The wind noise just gushes inside the cabin. I just keep wondering how Mitsubishi spoiled an otherwise great vehicle with nice value and features, because they did not take care of small things like proper cabin insulation.

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  Comfortable driving with some fun - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vadim_st - May 10 - 10:00 am

  It is a mild, comfortable car for individual or small-family everyday transportation. The trunk takes a lot of luggage. My 4-cyl. engine is noisier and hotter than I would expect from a new car, but delivers smooth power sufficient to move around. Drivers seat needs to provide more support.