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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  Nice car - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ambular0832 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for about 2 years. I have had great experiences with it. It has not broken down, or anything broke on the car, which is different from my neon that I had before.

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  Nice car to drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Albert Wiley - January 21 - 10:00 am

  this is a very nice car to dive. It hanldes greqt with enough power to get you out of trouble.

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  Rented the Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SomeCarReviewer - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I get a chance to rent different cars, this week it was this car. I like Mitsubushi, but seems like the Japanese rip-off of the Chevy Impala - minus the ugly tail lights, 50 lb doors and GM craftsmanship. Cost-cutting apparent. Good car for a spend thrift who doesnt care about looks and wants solid wheels. Probably low resale. They need to pick better materials other than the cheap/hard/sand textured plastic. Run your hand over this and then think about a three hour road trip – brutal. Need gas cap lock, unless you want your gas siphoned or bake cookies in your engine.

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  A Whole Lot of Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tennis_playa - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought a used 2003 Galant a month ago and I am very happy I did. Great looks, fun to drive and peppy! If you are looking for a newer car and you seek a good value, then a Galant should definitely be considered! Buying this new is not a good idea, but buying it used is a great deal!

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  Impressed - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By First Jap Car - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt sure about buying Japenese but I am loving the Endeavor. Traded in an explorer and this rides and handles 100% better. Had good luck with Fords and hope I do with the Endeavor.

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  This car will be missed if it ever dies! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By cynbaby - January 18 - 10:36 am

  This has been the only car to ever outlive a car loan. It is still going and still has great gas mileage. The reason why performance is not a ten is because it has slowed slightly in its old age due to the fact that I beat it up. Only basic maintenance has been done because thats all it ever needed. I am quite surprised since it is a first year model. I have never had to doubt my safety in it and have off roaded in it despite the fact that its a sedan. I dont even avoid pot holes and after five years, still great suspension! I get roughly 32-33 miles to the gallon w/126,000 miles and counting. I will cry when I retire it.

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  True Quality - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 123456789 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car.

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  1,000 Mile Review - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By has5kids - January 17 - 11:39 am

  My wife and I are the proud new owners of a 2013 Mitsu Outlander Sport in Mercury Grey. We test drove two ES models, one was FWD with the standard transmission and the other was AWD with the CVT. My wife actually was excited to have the standard transmission as an option, but in the end, she elected to forego the fun and added driver control offered by the stick in favor or the AWD w/ the very cool paddle shifting. We have nearly 1,000 miles on the vehicle in just over a week and have noted many highlights and only a few lows. The styling is aggressive and cool... almost menacing from the front. The interior materials are great and original. The AWD actually works and is useful.

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  Its all that I could expect it to be - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mr Mark - January 16 - 1:33 am

  I bought this car out of necessity. I really dont like the exterior styling much. I added 18" custom wheels, which made it look much better. The stock tires are tiny. The interior is bland but functionality-wise is great. A lot of interior space for a small car. The car has been very reliable. Ive had zero major problems. Engine-wise the only thing Ive had to replace is one ignition coil, which wasnt too costly. The car doesnt have much muscle - slightly more horses than a Civic - but its what youd expect for this class of car. I really like the stock sound system. Its fairly loud and clear, and after over 3 years still sounds the same as when I bought the car.

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  Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart fan - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Illini Ed - January 16 - 1:13 am

  I LOVE my new Ralliart. Ive only had it a week but it might already be my favroite car (and Ive had at least 15 cars in the thirty years Ive been driving). I purchased a new 2005 model in March 2006 with 60 miles on it. It is an auto transmission, Lightning Yellow with Rally pkg, Sun & Sound pkg, and dealer- installed Sirius radio and side air deflectors. The 2.4 MIVEC engine is FANTASTIC! Its silky smooth, gives immediate power on demand and gets good mileage . Im already getting the EPA mileage and the engine isnt broken in yet! The exhaust note is a sexy growl when accelerating but nearly silent at idle.