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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  Horrible No Confidence - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 1lemon - November 27 - 5:44 am

  If you need a car to get to work and family this is not the car. Continued electronic failures which prohibit the car from starting will cost you money and time. Wait an hour and try again until the next work day and a trip to the car rental. Beware the Outlander is a bad deal. The feeling of no confidence overtakes you when you attempt to start the vehicle and nothing happens, and let me tell you it is not a good feeling everyday after work to go through that. If you have kids and need to get home too, this auto may not be the best option.

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  Decent car for the price - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By savvyguy - November 26 - 7:40 pm

  This is a review based on 5 months of driving. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase. The styling was a major appeal, plus it does very well on corners. The only gripe I have about this car would be --> the paint <--, thin metal ( i have a few dents already), cheesy interior, and some-what slow performance from the cvt. The gas mileage was decent, about 23/30. Although I cant complain much since I got the car with the S&S and Nav for 22k OTD.

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  My First Coupe - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lisa-Marie Arpaia - November 26 - 4:53 pm

  This is a classy car. Eclipse SE 2.4ltr automatic (black). The 18" alloy wheels on this beautifully wide coupe make a driver feel secure, especially in bad driving conditions, as well as make you look good while driving... lol! Very smooth ride. Ive only had this vehicle for a few days. Although I researched my options with other makes and models prior to this decision, I must admit, Im very pleased!

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  Very Good Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Vinny - November 24 - 7:50 am

  I previously had an 06 Galant GTS, but traded up because of the interior and exterior improvements. The use of the mivec V6 from the Eclipse makes the car much smoother and more responsive than the previous 230hp V6. The 5-speed automatic transmission makes slightly sharper shifts and has improved my gas mileage. Probably the most notable improvement is the interior fit in finish, nothin shakes or is lose, and the car is much quieter on the rode. I opted for the navigation system which is much better than in the Accord and Maxima. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is one of the best on the market. Lastly, the suspension provides a better feel around the corners than the previous generations did.

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  GTZ Rocks - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Wisecat74 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Great looking car feels good, drives good, great pick up, I LOVE IT!!!

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  Would never buy again - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By moonbeem - November 23 - 5:33 am

  Wheel base is poor compared to my Celica. I thought buying a 6 cylinder car would increase my power speed at take off, but my 4 cylinder Celica had much better power. I do like the looks and the comfort, but it has a long way to go to beat Toyotas quality.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ashleemays - November 22 - 11:20 am

  Ive had my Lancer for over a year and so far Ive loved it, it has only broke down on me one time the camshaft sensor went out than my battery went out but other than that its been a great car. I did notice that people have been saying that they had problems with the temperature knob I have too ever since I bought the car!

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  Super Galant, Supreme gas is a bummer - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DMithell - November 20 - 4:43 pm

  Love the car, worry about a lemon report on TV about the brakes...my new loaded LS V6 is a little dream machine...rides and handles like a Porche, lots of power. Supreme gas requirement a total bummer...I refuse to abide by that one totally.

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  One thing missing - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GC - November 19 - 9:20 pm

  The 2008 Lancer GTS is almost where it needs to be. It looks the part, but if it had more juice it could play the part. I have owned several cars and looked at/drove several others prior to this purchase. Bottom line up front: you get your moneys worth with this car. The ride is firm and balanced, not too harsh. It looks interesting both inside and out. It is on the verge of replacing the Honda Civic, Scion tC and Mazdaspeed3 as the next tuner favorite. The CVT is a pleasure to have along with the other tech-worthy toys inside. Mine is a daily driver, but will also be my hobby to add upgrades to. My intent is to find the hidden horsepower that Mitsubushi neglected to give the GTS.

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  Outlander - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jane Wright - November 19 - 11:03 am

  Overall reliability has been good.