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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  Pretty Decent Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ralli_Rules - January 2 - 2:33 am

  I bought my galant in 2005 used with 56,000 miles. All in all it has been a pretty decent car, its not blazing fast but still pretty quick. I have left quite a few people at the line even with a stock engine. The outside looks nice, inside could use some improvement but its not terrible. Not too much interior space but thats not a huge issue. I have customized wit ralliart parts for more performance. Has been a pretty good car, I recommend this car as a great car for a first time driver.

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  2005 Mitsubishi Lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tom Pounds - January 1 - 2:36 am

  My girlfriend has a 2003 Lancer and had no problems with excellent reliability. So I bought my 2005 and now I am very happy.

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  Mitsubishi Disapointed Me - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Misky - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I loved this vehicle when I first saw it. And that was all that I ever liked about my Mits. Mont. XLS. Out of the dealership... the next day transmission broke and needed a new one.. got jerked around service and finally got a new one... then a week later another transmission.. then CD problems.. mats came undone and noisy. Who designed the drink holder.. "Nice" it covers the stereo completely... "Accidents"... All in all the very worst experince I have ever had with a car.. no wonder they have great incentives.... something to lure new people with! Never will walk past a Mist dealership again...

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  Mitsubishi Diamante (Diamond) indeed - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Michael - December 28 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my Diamante for a steal at $2,500 last November 11, 2007. Its an ES but came with all the optional features (sun roof, leather, CD player, etc.). Ive been driving it since then with normal maintenance and its been just phenomenal. I was weary at first having no clue what I was getting myself into, but after testing the car out I fell in love with it! I wanted a car that wasnt already on the road at mass production like the Honda Accords/Civics or the Toyota Camry/Corolla. I wanted something a bit more speical, thats when I ran into the Mitsubishi Diamante. Ever since Ive bought this car Ive been a happy driver~ Good luck to everyone, I hope this review somewhat helps

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  Paid 2 much, my fault - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By K.M. - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st new car and I love to drive it. I realize now that I paid too much for not getting all the options. Expensive lesson learned. I dont think Id buy a brand new car again.

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  Oh yeah - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By A King - December 27 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 2 days ago. I love it. Its a smooth drive and good on gas. It looks great too! I had my 3 nieces in the back seat; they werent cramped (ages 18,14 and 9.

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  Buy One!!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Frank - December 27 - 7:10 am

  This is an amazing car!!!! The ride is excellent especially for a sports car, and the interior is amazing. Love the blue gauges. I have the 4cyl. and there is tons of power!!! Great bang for the buck!!!

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  Best Kept Secret, The 2000 - 2003 Galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Financial Advisor - December 26 - 10:50 am

  Its too bad this car is overlooked by Accord & Camry owners. This is my 2nd Galant and these cars are amazingly reliable. I have owned this my 2003 V6 LS Galant for 4 years now and never had a problem. I did change a leaking coolant hose by myself, that set me back $30 at the dealer. This car runs like a champ and comfortable, I have all the creature features that came with it. My V6 LS also looks great with 17" wheels. If there is one thing I that hurts this car, is that they dont hold their values, so its great for those who buy it used. Make sure to change the transmission oil every 24K miles and get the timing belt changed every 60K. You can get 180K miles out of these cars easily.

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  Good riddance - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LVnative - December 26 - 7:03 am

  Could not be happier its gone! The most underpowered vehicle I have ever owned; might as well mow the lawn. This car is a joke; would not buy again; would not recommend to anyone; STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR. Getting rid of this car was the best thing I did! Not comfortable, VERY underpowered!

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  Make sure you have Triple AAA! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ctepedino - December 25 - 8:17 pm

  We bought this car used a little over a year ago. It is a 2001. We drove it very little at first, but since August we have driven it everyday locally. Since August, we have had it towed three times and drove it limping into the garage two times. I have spent about $1500 in repairs. The worst thing is driving it with the anticipation of when will it go out again. The car had about 120,000 miles on it when we bought it. We have put about 11,000 miles on it this year (which is a normal average). Very scary driving knowing you will be stuck at one point or another.