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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  Watch for the heater/air switch - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jen - April 26 - 1:53 am

  I seen a review above me about the heater knob not turning to air conditioning. So I decided to chime in. I had the same issue and so did all 3 of my friends who own the same year lancer. Never on recall and they refused to fix it. 3k was the estimate. I traded it in this year got 2,200 trade because of the knob. It also had issues with the timing belt I had to replace it 2xs under 100k. Transmission started slipping at 90k. Lighted mirror cover broke off. Dont let me deter you. Im sure some of that wear and tear was my fault. Light bulbs burned out quite often watch for water under hood. Drives beautifully in snow. Drove through snow storm, 1 ft deep snow and icy wipers and all.

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  Galant ES. Great buy.. a few issues - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Patrick - April 25 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this car for mom at the end of 03. The car performed well for 4.5 years and required only routine maintenance. Two problems came up at around 55,000 miles that I think you should know about. Heater problem- The heater began failing intermittently (vents would blow, but no hot air). The problem was not the heater core, but rather a component (a valve or a switch) of the heating system. I found that this was a common Galant issue and is not cheap to fix unless you diy. The other problem was that the drivers power window began to fail intermittently around 57,000 miles.

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  V6 Outlander is Amazing - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bayernforever - April 25 - 1:59 pm

  Please, do not listen to these reviewers who are trying to kill mitsubishi. I tested my new outlander 2014 for a week now and it is amazing. i have got the GLS V6 Model Biege Leather Inside. the quallity of interior is outstanding. This car is a little bit heavy when you start but after 40km/h it will goes very fast. I was driving on 160km/h and the car was very quiet. The Price of the outlander V6 Top of the line is cheaper than a toyota rav 4 standard edition. If you are still thinking of buying this car , go a head and save your money.

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  Nice car - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By cm - April 24 - 12:26 pm

  Love my 97 diamante ls. Only thing bothers me is the transmission. Sometimes it jerks like a stick shift but other than that its a great car to have and buy.

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  The Lancer is Fun to Drive! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Terrynconnct01 - April 24 - 12:13 am

  The Lancer met all expectations; (except no leather), great fuel economy, some of the highest emission standards, great handling, especially for New England roads.

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  Great value for money - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By beck_u - April 23 - 12:39 am

  Reliability: This is the third Mitsubishi in my family, and I knew this was going to be a very reliable vehicle as its predecessors were, we still own the 2002 Galant and totaled another Eclipse. Fuel economy: I average about 25 mpg on daily commutes and 30.5 mpg highway. Comfort: It is a great ride for two, especially on long journeys. Rear passenger needs to be less than average height to be ok. Practicality: The trunk is big enough to easily fit any shopping and with folding rear seats it is huge. Handling: It accelerates as fast as any other 4 cylinder, cruses effortlessly on highway speeds, and easily gets over 100+ mph. Elderly people may find suspension a bit stiff.

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  Luxo At Half The Price!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By DOntTryItX - April 21 - 2:00 am

  ok, I bought this car USED (2002, With 20k Miles Still Under factory Wrty, For 14k) So I Personally like RESALE VALUES to Go down (Its a 30k Car) I Buy all cars 1 yr old or 2 yrs, for Half the Price. - if your a smart CONSUMER, do not buy this car NEW!! You will lose around 15k The First Year....

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  Great small SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By RCC - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Im 60" tall and have plenty of room. While I dont ride in the back, friend who are my height do with little issue. The one thing I liked about the Outlander was the exterior styling. While it is still and SUV, it looks more sporty than most. It definitely stands out. I also cant complain about he AWD. I live near Pittsburgh, PA and didnt have any problems in the snow this winter. The only thing I wanted that mine did not have of the lot was a sunroof, but I added a one-touch power sunroof and love it. I wouldnt hesitate to get another.

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  awesome - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By bpanther - April 21 - 2:00 am

  i wanted a sports car and couldnt affod it so i got my 04 O Z Rally and i have no regrets. I love my car. its very comfortable. Perfect for anyone, young, family anything.If you want a good car get the lancer.

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  Love at First Sight - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By D.Miller - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I had no idea what I was going to purchase, so I looked at around 50 different makes and models (Audi to Toyota), but the Mitsubishi Endeavor LTD AWD kept calling me back. I couldnt believe the comfort and performanace. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Hylander were Spartan by comparison. I also liked that it was designed and assembled in the USA. Everyone who has seen it says "WOW".