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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  Where did my paint go?? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By happyinIA - December 17 - 2:06 pm

  Ive had my GT for just over four years now, and I absolutely love it! Its SOO much fun to drive and definitely turns heads. The only thing is, mines turning heads for all the wrong reasons. Within a year of buying my black GT the paint started to fade, and is now almost completely gone. Ive called dealers to check about paint recalls and there arent any, but since buying my car Ive seen many many other black ones with the same paint loss as mine. Other than the vanishing paint Ive never had to do a single thing other than routine maintenance (oil changes etc). This is a very fun car, looks great inside and out and gets surprisingly decent gas mileage. I cant wait to buy the new model!

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  decent 4th car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By daddy-danny - December 17 - 12:43 am

  Overall, I love my car. I hear these bad reviews on it here and there, but overall, the car has power. It is semi-comfortable, soft seats, easy to drive, nice body, and great responsiveness on the road. Gas isn’t too good though, but it is sitting on 20” chrome rims which left the tire place to have to lift the car. I say Im getting 16-18 mpg! Whatever you do, if you want to save gas, stay with stock. But it is a great car. It’s a car that can be for both male and female, unlike the 2006 sentra! Guys, do not buy that, you will be considered a female! Another issue is how fast the resale price goes down on Kelly blue book!

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  Tortured - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ozrally - December 15 - 8:43 pm

  I have owned this car since 2003 purchased for 16,000 with 22k miles on it. It now holds 180k for commute. Been in three wrecks 1) old man cut me off and I trash is bumper all I did was crack my bumper and headlight. 2 hit a dear at 50 mph and knocked paint off and 3 hit a ditch sideways at about 85 mph flew out of thedmunds - once a weeke ditch and got stuck. Just had to replace a strut and some tires. Car looks like a mess but still gets me 40 mpg. Only change oil and tires. Have not even changed spark plugs or wires or belts and still pull strong like the day I got it. Clutch went out at 90k. Fairly easy to replace myself as it was my first try at clutch replacement. I drive a year on new tires without rotation.

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  Amazing car!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rod_1 - December 14 - 10:05 pm

  This car is overall an amazing car. We bought it in 2004 with 58k on the odometer. We used it for trips and put a heavily amount of miles on the car. This car has lasted us a long while until the radiator busted a hole due to the fan going out. The car had too many miles on it to even bother putting money into it but the car now has 275k on the odometer last time we looked and has lasted a very long while. Weve put a few dings and bruises on the car due to a dog jumping out in front of us and a go kart smashing into the side of it but it still went. Its protected us in many other situations too. I would recommend this car for anyone. We are looking for another one. Best car we ever owned!

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  Great Truck but poor Resale Value - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By a333f - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 3000 GT for my MS. Love the truck but am shocked at how the trucks value has fallen off the charts. Other than that its a great vehicle.

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  Finally - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By michal - December 12 - 12:00 pm

  The car drives more like a nice size sedan than an SUV. Grips the road nicely and takes corners well. Seating takes a little to get use to but once you find your spot and adjust your seat it feels great. Excellaration-just breaking the car in-you get a good response (a little delay) when you hit the gas pedal. Im getting about 24.7 mpg at speeds of about 70 to 75.

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  Great Mid-size SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jedidude75 - December 10 - 9:30 am

  We recently purchased a 2007 Outlander with everything, navigation, the Rockford Fosgate speakers, Bluetooth, 4 wheel drive, XLS and sunroof. The vehicle is a steal for its price! The navigation needs some map upgrades, but overall this SUV is excellent!

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  No surprise why named KING OF OFFROAD - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By bigk - December 8 - 10:16 pm

  The ride is so luxurious almost non-SUV like. The quality of material used is superior to all other vehicles in its class. For the price you will be happier than the Acura, Lexus RL300 and by all means happier than pathfinder, 4runner, explorer.... Test drive one for yourself and see the difference. I bought it on great reviews. Countries like Australia and China use this as their offroad vehicle of choice.

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  The Best! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Smarttttt - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car because it is sleek and CUTE!

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RBENSON - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I WENT FROM DRIVING A SPORTS CAR TO A SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE AND I LOVE IT. I CHOSE THE ENDEAVOR OVER MANY OTHER IN ITS CLASS DUE TO PRICE, LOOK, AND RATINGS. IT HAS LOTS OF ROOM AND VERY SMOOTH DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.