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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  2006 Eclipse GT Gas a Holic - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Piano Man - July 15 - 4:10 pm

  This is my third Eclipse and its flair seemed to fade less than two months after purchase. Its fuel economy rating is not even close to its EPA estimates though. I enjoyed my 1994 and 2002 models much more and am look to trade this gas guzzler before the end of the year. The styling is truly unique, so unique that it will be out of style faster than ever. The special "aero" kit required three adjustments and because it is difficult to see the front and back end, scraping curbs are unavoidable. The steering and brakes are great, and so is the acceleration, but like an amusement park ride it is time to leave for something else.

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  2002 Montero XLS - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Robert Walker - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because of its off road capabilities and I have not been disapointed. However a plastic panel has broken off with no other damage to show cause. The exterior of the truck cannot withstand off road trauma. The dealer says neglect and I say defective design. I lose.........

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  Thank GOD for the 10/100,000 warranty - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Mike - July 4 - 3:14 pm

  One of the biggest reasons I bought Mitsibishi was the 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain. Well I had to use it at the 17,500 mile mark. A new transmission had to be installed! Tech at the dealership said he has had several he has had to replace and Mitsibishi knows they have a problem. So why not a recall? Will be looking to sell or trade come spring of 2018, mileage has fallen off since new tranny was installed, drivers side power window is acting funny. After 27 months of ownership and 18,500 miles on the SUV, I have come to the conculsion that the vehicle is under powered. It needs a 6 cylinder in it. My time as a Mitsibishi owner is about up.

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  Mitzu not so great - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Last time owner - June 28 - 10:43 pm

  Have been very disappointed. Mileage is poor, 21 mpg city, 26-28 highway, even after K&N filter and Mobil 1 oil, must use 89+ gas. Ride is very choppy, there is no give in rear end. The brakes, I almost forgot, brakes stopped working when temp. dropped below freezing! Had to have master cylinder replaced. On the plus side, there is plenty of room for 4 adults. Thye dash is great at nite.

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  not the best in class by far - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By maxxmitchell - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My company gives me intermediate cars for 3-6 months. Ive had them all. The Galant has highs and lows. The fit&finish, reliability&mechanics, and the interior materials are all good. The 4 cylinder runs perfect, but is underpowered. The steering has a slow ratio and requires more turns to maneuver. The suspension is soft and bouncy making road sway and a bouncy washed out ride. The radio in not as loud and clear as others if you play loud music. There is no trunk or passengers side key hole.

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  Good and Bad - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By RickAS - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Plush, loaded with features, good looking, but gutless, prone to premature tire wear, bad gas mileage.

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  2009 Lancer GTS reliability - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By goreyno88 - May 17 - 2:43 am

  I bought my 2009 Lancer GTS in July 2009, it was running good until it reaches 39700K miles and my clutch just gave up. I took my Lancer to El Cajon Mitsubishi and was told that my plywheel was worn out due to a regular wear and tear. So I ask if it is still covered by warranty but the service advisor said it is not covered by the powertrain warranty since it is not part of the powertrain. So I have no choice except to pay $ 1,700 to replace the clutch plywheel. I have a 1996 Honda Accord but I have never had a transmission problem since I bought it. I would strongly recommend to consumer Look at Honda first before going to Mitsubishi.

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  Poor Interior Design and Materials - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By thomcat30 - May 1 - 11:10 pm

  The motor and transmission on this car have been reasonably reliable, there are problems with the motor mounts failing on this model, the car itself has never been weather tight meaning several leaks during rain storms etc. The car should get better gas mileage IE 25 to 27 mpg highway. The dash has been a flop. The plastic just crumbles into a heap of plastic. Dont waste your time on hiring Dr. Vinyl, just get a cloth cover and call it good.

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  mY BATTERY DEAD 2MONTHS OLD - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JohhnyNoxville - April 25 - 10:00 am

  bAD CUP HOLDERS. SLOW PERFORMANCE. BAD BATTERY, AT LEAST IT CAME WITH FREE TOWING!!

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  Very nice design and very low quality. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By deadeclipse.com - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and since the day one it had major clutch - transmission related issues. Brakes went out 2 times, gearbox rebuilt and still shifts very hard. Dealer service never finds any problems. $2K in rust repair after being less than 2 years old and the list goes on.... www.deadeclipse.com pretty much sums it up. It is true shame, because this car could be so much fun and I do like the design of it a lot.