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:

• 

  Whats with the performance complaints? - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By TobyG - October 17 - 10:00 am

  OK, granted that I wasnt looking for a sports car when I purchased my OZ, but Im still not sure where performance complaints are coming from. When compared to the other compact cars that I owned in the past (a 93 Sentra and 87 Horizon), my Lancer is just flat out more fun and a better performer. Add to that much better fuel economy (along with the other two) than the truck I traded for it (96 Nissan Kingcab SE), and thats a recipe for an excellent compact transport.

• 

  1 year model only - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By don booth - October 15 - 8:50 pm

  Cant figure out why this model was only made in 2004. It is a great vehicle, my favorite of the 34 cars Ive owned. This baby scoots when needed, love the exhaust note, very comfortable, I love the simplicity of the guages and control knobs. Id love to buy another and keep it for a spare in case this one gets hit. My only complaint is the gas mileage: 20 in town, 25 on the highway.

• 

  Handles like a charm - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By James - October 15 - 7:46 pm

  I just got my Lancer Ralliart last month and the handling is great. As for the performance stock my friends Spec V can take it but with a little money all he can see is my clear tail lights. This car is great around turns and rides smooth. The all around performance and handling is great for this FWD Sedan. You must drive it to understand.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Michael Paul - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It is very dependable and is a smooth ride. The seats are comfortable and the sound system is good. If you are looking for a sporty sedan, then this car is for you.

• 

  Great warranty, looks, & plenty of power - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By DocW - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Shopped SUVs for months. My wife hated the way most drove and they pretty much all looked alike. Drove the Endeavor, loved it, bought it same day, something Ive never done before in 30 years of new car buying. I love the power, the large sedan like ride, and the leg room. My wife also loves the ride and she really likes the looks. She happy, Im happy, and the Endeavor is really fun to drive. The 10 year, 100,000 mile drive train warrenty with roadside assistance aint bad either!

• 

  Great SUV - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Junaid Khan - October 9 - 9:55 am

• 

  Turrrrrbo - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By soundbarrier - October 8 - 10:00 am

  great little car, other than planned maint. I have had no problems with this car.

• 

  This SUV is highly underrated - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mneddy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Just read the review and drive it. This SUV is a gift comparing to the other ones. Love it and fall in love with it. True family SUV and supperb in all weather and terrain. Fuel economy could be increased but ... this is SUV not some mini car and comparing to other SUVs this is vehicle has some impresive fuel economy. Superiority of this SUV is very noticable comparing to the: Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander (the other ones doesnt even stand near). Plus the warranty that Mitsubishi offers is much better than the other manufacturers. DRIVE IT!!! Youll fall in love with it.

• 

  So far so good at 50K - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tjk in MN - October 8 - 1:26 am

  Its been good to me for a very reasonable price when bought new. Praises from me include, decent engine power, good gas mileage, great looks, and fun to drive. Small complaints would include the limited-small trunk pass-through, the back seat only fits two (2) kids car seats, and its hard to see the air conditioning light during the daytime. Ours also seems to have an affinity for attracting summertime hail storms (two so far). Overall, great vehicle with no maintenance problems...

• 

  Love my lancer - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By bassist48 - October 7 - 2:00 pm

  I didnt choose this car. this car chose me. after 2 minutes into the test drive, the car was sold. it is extremely fun to drive with a tight turning circle and a performance tuned suspension. CVT transmission is great; very smooth. 2.4 liter sounds awesome and provides good acceleration. the car rides like a beemer; quiet in the city and on the highway with very little road, engine, or wind noise. I got it fully loaded with the nav, 650 watt sound system, FAST key, stability control and HID auto headlights. gas mileage is not the greatest, but the car makes up for it with how fun to drive it is. would recommend to any/everybody.