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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  Favorite Car Yet - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jaschaeferiii - October 27 - 7:00 am

  I bought this car new, .3 miles on it. Its been a great car to drive. It handles very well (GTZ has sport suspension), and has a good amount of go when I want it. I have driven this car like I stole it from day one and it has taken most of the abuse. I have replaced the rear bearings once at about 90k, caused by cheesy caps on the inside of the rear hub rusting out. Blew up torque converter around 120k resulting in replacement boneyard trans (very, very rare issue, probably my fault). I have almost 180k on it now, getting some rust, need some bushings, O2 sensor, havent replaced timing belt ever. Still starts and accelerates like the day I bought it every time.

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  Rather Pleased - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jim - October 25 - 2:20 pm

  This is the first Mitsubishi I have ever owned. So far after 1000 miles it drives pretty well. No problems yet. I am getting very good mileage. Up to 34 mpg on the highway. Rarely do I get less then 27/28 mpg anywhere. Smooth ride and not too noisy. Yes, its a bit underpowered but I can live with that for better mileage. Overall a nice car and fun to drive. The price was good too.

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  Love My Eclipse! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Williams - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my eclipse. It is fun to drive, and the fuel economy is great. The only maintenance that I have had to do over the last 2 years and after 56K miles, is oil changes and tire rotations. I have had to replace the tires, but not due to any front end problems or anything like that. The downfall is that is sits so low to the ground that sometimes other drivers dont see you - I have almost been broad sided a few times - but thats what comes with the territory of owning a sports car I guess.

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  ** Too Hot - LITERALLY ** - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Fred Dryer - October 25 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is fine. It really is. My problems are with Mitsubishi service and the dealerships. Take a look at CONSUMER REPORTS magazine where they rate the dealers. Mitsubishi finishes dead last! This is very accurate. I have owned many cars in my life and have never been treated as miserably as I have by every Mitsubishi in the Souteast Florida area. Examples of mistreatment are too numerous to mention here. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR IF YOU LIVE IN A WARM CLIMATE. YOU WILL ROAST!

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  MY GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By StacyMarie - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my Car. It looks great drives great. Out of many compact imports this is a very powerful car. I LOVE IT. =)

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  Fun Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ruben - October 25 - 2:50 am

  My Eclipse GS has 105,000 miles (got it with 35,000). It has been pretty reliable, besides doing some maintenance which isnt cheap. Other than that, it is an extremely fun car to drive. Moon roof open, windows down, it makes you feel good. Acceleration sounds awesome, even on the highway. When you sit in the drivers seat, you know youre in a sports car. Its OK in New England winter, but AWESOME in the summer!

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  The Most Reliable Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mister Digger - October 23 - 6:43 am

  This is my fifteenth car in 20 years, so for this one to give me almost no trouble for 160,000 miles is truly remarkable. The AC went out at about 100K miles, just after doing a major overhaul as preventative maintenance (the timing belt was still good). The latch on the drivers side rear seat also went out at about 80K miles, but that was very minor. With gas prices soaring and me griping about only getting 24 MPG in this SUV, I did the unthinkable and tried to trade it in on a gas saving economy car. Well, I should thank the sales manager for giving me an insult of an offer for trade-in. I canceled the deal and kept this vehicle. If it works, dont fix it!

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  Satisfied owner - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 08Outtie - October 23 - 4:36 am

  Only owned the car for over a week. For the price of a fully loaded 4WD SUV, it beats all the competitors in the same market segment (mainly RAV4, CR-V and Ford Edge). The interior is not excessively rich, but it is comparable to the competitors. The technology features are hands down the best out of the competitors as my XLS model is equiped with touch screen harddrive based navigation, bluetooth, HID headlights, full function trip computer.

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  Been a great car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jb - October 21 - 9:33 pm

  Bought it new, now has 140k miles. Live in the DC area, so I needed a car with a little "zing" to get off and on the beltway. Have only replaced the O2 sensor. Reliable, responsive, good stereo. Everything still works (amazing with 3 teens sharing. Nothing has broken, though showing wear on the outside edge of drivers seat.

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  compact and sporty - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Rachel ALA - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car, and I would highly recomend it to any young driver. Its sporty, and handles extremely well. Compared to other manual vehicles, the Mirage shifts gears very easily. There is an issue with interior room if passengers are large or tall, but that can be expected with a compact car. The silver paint also seems to chip relatively easily. Overall, this car is perfect for a driver who carries few passengers at a time and is looking for a reliable, small, sporty car.