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 car for the money - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Mike4Winns - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car, and i love it! Its a wonderful car. I love the lighted dash and i especially like that I dont see one on every corner. Trust me, this car gets the "look".

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  Update-2-22-06 - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Ajl - March 11 - 5:53 pm

  In my first review of the car (after just purchasing it) I said I was concerned with reliability. After 30,000 miles in 6 months, my fears have been unfounded so far. I have only made one trip back to the dealer for a minor problem. Its fuel mileage is OK, as mentioned the real culprit is the small fuel tank. I get about 25-27 mpg in the mix of driving I do (usually about 40% city / 60% highway). Paint is irritatingly cheap tough. My car already has lots of swirls and scratches and I generally dont use automatic car washes. As was also mentioned, road noise on the highway above 65 mph in this car is obnoxious. The seats are OK, but were never designed to spend hours in everyday. It does seem to run better on high octane fuel.

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  Highly Suggested Buy - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TLC - March 10 - 7:16 pm

  I had been researching several SUVS and this one just stood out to me. I really enjoy the drive although it is a little noisy. I love all of the storage compartments as well as the storage available in the back,. It is made for tall people to ride in the back which is good because most of my family is tall. I love it, cant wait to take it on a trip to really test it out. I am really surprised I dont see more on the roads.

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  Just test drive one. - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ryan - March 10 - 12:06 am

  I own an 04 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart that I have auto-Xed about 6 times and done very well. I have tryed every thing I can to break this car. Nothing has broke or needed to be fixed! It still feals like a new car after 14,000 miles. Power is awesome! I upgraded rims and tires with 9.5lb 15"s and Falken 615 205-50-15 auto-X tires. Using a G-force meter my best 0-60 time was 6.6 I just test drove a Chevrolet Cobalt SS and the best run I could get out of that pos was 6.7. if only more people knew about this amazing little car! The only mods that I have made to it are, Injen CAI DEI rapped headder, road race ceramic coated 2-1 down pipe with magnaflow cat and wide open muffler.

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Fast Eddie - March 9 - 1:50 am

  We looked hard for several months and decided on the Galant. The Korean cars didnt have the quality of construction and lacked the performance and styling.The warranty and price were a big issue when compared to Toyota and Honda.

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  Not Happy with my Eclipse GT - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Little old lady - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT brand new. It has been a nightmare since almost the first day. I have replaced the wheeel 5 times.(one wheel 2 times) here have also been problems with the rotors, the clutch, the A/C, the lights, and starter, severe rust, and a few more problems. I tried to trade it in but after 50 months of payments, the trade in was still less than what I owed. Also, the parts are skyrocket high - $500 for a headlight, $500 for a muffler, $600 for a tune-up, $600 to replace the timing belt, etc. I would not recommend this car.

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  BEST - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By adadio - March 8 - 2:00 am

  It is the best car i have ever bought

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  its tight - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By freeze - March 8 - 2:00 am

  i just got 2 weeks ago at leith mitsubitshi. its worth buying

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  in the mountains - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JCFISH - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We have been very pleased so far with our endeavor.It seems to be well made and is very comfortable on the road.We had a minor problem with the fuel injection right off the bat and the dealer could not have been better.Everything fine since.It really does handle like a car and less like an SUV.You feel attached to the road.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ElleCristine - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Im enjoying my purchase. This drives like a car, handles well and is unique on the road of the usual SUVs. Its roomy inside and has side airbags and the DVD keeps the kids quiet on long drives. CD system is great. I truly recommend you test drive this one. Was NOT overly impressed with the dealership after purchase.