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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  Galiant Galant - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Nsdqmstr - March 4 - 10:00 am

  My other car is a Mitsubishi 3000GT - So the inherent ride quality of the Galant is a little cushy as I sometimes take corners as if Im in the three thou. There are many great things to list - Picking one, Id say the styling vs. price ratio. From certain angles (grill excluded) youd think it was a BMW! I like that.

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  Garbage - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ghostman - March 2 - 3:16 pm

  Got this car for my girl from the El Cajon dealership, first mistake. Paid too much for it and the people at dealership are chumps and dont know anything. ECM died a few months after we bought it thankfully it was under warranty. Dashboard WILL eventually crack due to cheap thin plastic, paint is fading fast(car is 2001!)bottom weather strip came off back window, shocks dont work well for the glass hatch. Other then that it looks alright and drives smooth and quick. For a car with under 60k and the price we paid there should be way less problems.

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  Best value I have found - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Teclarosa - February 28 - 2:50 pm

  I could not have found a better deal than the one that I got on my Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Its power lacks a little, but it drives like a well, not like an SUV, and its a small SUV thats easy to park but still has room for my luggage, supplies and a sound system for my gigs. Ive had no major and almost no minor mechanical or electrical problems. The interior is very comfortable, even the seats on the 10-hour vacation drives. HINT: look for a program (rented) model if you can find one in good condition - mine was 1yr old & had 13,000 miles on it for $21,000. My long-time mechanic says it should last me another 6-8 years if I want it to.

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  fun, but lots of trouble - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Anth1031 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Its been a very expensive car to have, even if i do like it. Its broken down on me from atleast 4 major mechanical problems, from a new engine to a new transmission, 2 clutches, altenator broke down the next morning when i took it off the lot. It was a new car with only 26 miles on it too. Only the engine and altenator were covered with the warranty, everything else was out of pocket, even car rentals which lasted up to 1 month. My out of pocket cost would be about 6,500. I wouldnt recommend any mitsubishi, service from all areas was equally as bad. The minute you pay them, they forget who you are and ignore any of your other concerns.

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  Love - Hate - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Flerurp - February 15 - 4:20 pm

  Noisy at times, front suspension geometry is lacking - watch those corners at speed!

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  Disappointed - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ksdclan - February 9 - 5:13 pm

  We loved our Mitsubishi Lancer until we found out that once we recked the vehicle in an accident that the air bag did not go off. Our vehicle was totaled in the accident. The whole front of the car was torn in half and sqished into the front tires and the air bag never deploied. I am dissappointed in the car.

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  firstimer - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brucein - February 9 - 2:00 am

  so far i love this vehicle. plenty of room,smooth ride,great looks.Alittle disapointed in gas mileage,thought it would be better.Overall very happy with my endeavor,for the price.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By BIGK - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This an SUV you will really enjoy. Rides like a car but with AWD its great in the snow.

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  I love my lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Keron - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I think it is a great car. I drives great. And has very good pickup.. I would recnmmend this car to any one that wants a reasonablly priced new car.

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  Mitsu - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By robin m - February 2 - 7:36 am

  Although the critics seem to dislike this car I not say enough about it. Handles the road really well and is extremely comfortable to drive. It may not go from zero to 60 in three seconds but overall it has pretty good pick up and is fun to drive. Cant wait for it to snow so I can test out the AWD