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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  Great Car - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DivaahJoy - July 28 - 10:00 am

  had 600 miles on it when i bought it. has almost 200,000 now. very few problems first 4-5 years - just brakes and oil changes. recently have more major repairs - engine, a/c, water pump - but repair costs have been reasonable. would recommend Mitsubishi to anyone. will buy another car within year but this has served me well.

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  NOT BAD, NOT BAD AT ALL - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Romanizer - July 28 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a reliable car with a small price tag....this is it. I put about 110 miles per day on this car. Great fuel economy and solid ride. One down fall is rear seat room, small kids are fine, but the big kids will complain. I hav ethe 4 cyl. and it acts like it, i will not be winning any races but it does the job just fine. all in all a good car for the money, I will even recomend it to anyone.

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  Love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By straycat - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I looked at several other suvs in this class and found the overall best value in the Endeavor. Ride quality and performance are great. I like the seats and have had passengers comment on how comfortable they were in the back seats. Fuel economy is about what I expected and is exactly what was posted on the window sticker.

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  Good style and reliable - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By J - July 27 - 8:53 pm

  Have had the car for going on 7 yrs and still love it. No real issues with the car (only the timing belts which were expensive). Brakes lasted 60K, still original clutch, leather still looks great (garage kept). Still performs great. I have been very happy with this car. I have read some of the other reviews and have had none of the issues mentioned in the negative reviews. Only criticisms I can agree with is the small turn radius (though not as big deal as some make it) and the hatch channels water into the edges of the trunk space when it is raining (only if you open the hatch all the way though). I have had every Eclipse except the newest body style and have been the happiest with this one.

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  Cant wait to trade it in! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KW - July 27 - 5:10 am

  I purchased this car new in 2003. At first I was in love with...which quickly passed. The seats continually shocked me (humidity level in this area) when I got out of it. I installed leather from an LS. Sound system could not produce enough sound to be heard with the windows down, replaced speakers and head unit with MP3 player. Door trim peeled off (luckily was under warranty). All radiator clamps came loose and began leaking, dealer had to replace all of them. Valve cover gasket is seeping oil. Now that it is hot and humid, car can barely pull itself. Last fuel tank I averaged 19.3, generally around 23-24 MPGs. Now modifying intake and exhaust to attempt to regain power.

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  Fantastic car for the price - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By teknooh - July 25 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned two Lancers, the basic model and now an OZ, and I have to say I love this car. Theres nothing spectacular about it, but for the money I feel like I own a quality vehicle that will take care of me. I also disagree that its severely underpowered. Sure Im not going to win any races, but it is faster than my friends Ford Focus. It gets gas good, mileage especially on the highway and generally is just a pleasure to drive. Even a friend who owns an Audi said he was surprised at how well-put- together my little Japanese car seemed to be. I would definitely purchase this car again and again, and Ive recommended it to several people.

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  Great For Young Drivers - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jake - July 25 - 3:30 pm

  I have loved this car since my parents rented one for a family trip in 2005. I got one in kaplana black, it has a great look and the exterior design is gorgeous. The interior blue lights are brilliant at night and the whole car has an understated elegance inside and out. I did not buy it for the cargo but I put subwoofers in the back and it fits great. The car can fit the look for anyone, mothers driving kids to school to just driving with your friends to a club.

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  Bad Paint on Mitsubishi Outlander! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By kathy - July 25 - 9:50 am

  I have had this car for 2 years and can accurately review it now. I have several complaints. 1-The paint and body quality is terrible.It looks like Ive been in a hail storm from the side. I have had cars for 6 years that didnt have as many dings and marks as this car does. Its a mess. 2-I have found there to be large blind spots on the bottom front windshield corners. I have, on many occasions, just missed pedestrians or cars coming from the opposite corner. The corner joining metal and the rear view mirrors create too large of a blind spot. 3-The interior being black on the red model. The other choice was light cream (on and SUV?). It is the hottest car I have ever been in.4-Gas mileage

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  Best SUV Owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Best SUV Owned - July 25 - 6:06 am

  Purchased used Endeavor in 2006 with about 60K Miles. The Endeavor is very comfortable and great to drive. It has not had any issues at all. All wheel drive is excellent. I even had the car on the wet hill and it would not spin a single tire. I would recommend this SUV to anyone. Its a very comfortable drive on the highway. Large mirrors and plenty of space for 61 foot guy. Lot of space in the back seat.

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  BEST OF BEST - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Gene Leahy - July 25 - 12:56 am

  I have 25 tears experience in the atomotive industry. I have driven themall and repaired and serviced most In my book better than a Lexus or BMW for a much lower price. This is a real winner and I higly recommend this car to those who enjoy the ultimate experience in driving