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 little runabout. - 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Alex Schaf - December 19 - 4:41 am

  Dont just believe enthusiast reviews, do yourself a favor and text drive it for yourself. I live in Portland, which is full of hills and thick traffic. My Mirage has no problem keeping up and passing traffic. The interior has great fit and finish, and the Android Auto is awesome. It is much larger inside than the outside gives off. I am regularly getting over 44 mpg each tank. If youre looking for a race car look elsewhere, if youre looking for a great runabout, this is it.

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  good to the last drop - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By kgb108 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I like this SUV, its comfortable, fun to drive, looks good, runs good. Handles the curves better than any other truck or SUV ive ever driven. And when it snows...no problem at all. The ABS have saved my a** a few times and the AWD can handle the worst weather better than anything else Ive ever seen.

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  Nice Car - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By meeisdee - December 19 - 1:00 am

  This is my third Galant - I have owned a 1992, 2004 and now a 2010. I also own an Endeavour. To me, the Galant can not be beat. It looks good, drives good and is overall - reliable. My first car was topping 200K miles - 140K of which I put on myself. I never had ONE (not even one) major problem. The car was even rear-ended and held up beautifully with no injuries in the back seat. I am pleased with my new 2010 and hope to get as many miles out of this one as I have my others.

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  This is a great vehicle! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By CarinErin - December 14 - 11:56 am

  I bought the Lancer because I wanted something similar to a Civic, but more unique. Buying this was actually a better deal than a Civic! It is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, & looks great. It is a GREAT value! I love my Lancer!

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  Impressed With Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AksJay - December 14 - 8:23 am

  I spent 3-4hrs a day to and from work in Chicagoland traffic and weather. I was very impressed with how it handled all of these situations. Its now 4yrs old with 121000 miles and still have not had any trouble except for tire issues which is expected with distance and weather issues. It still has same back brakes and suspension is near perfect. Very happy and will probably buy a new lancer soon.

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  2011 Endeavor SE - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mygrace - December 14 - 4:52 am

  I did not go to the dealership looking for this car. But I was looking for something with great options. What I found was a comfortable interior (Im a tall person) and smooth ride. It sits high and is wide enough to provide the stable feel some SUVs lack. Im very impressed!

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  Eclipse Baby - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Frogboy - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the greatest cars I have ever had,and still will be forever. I cant wait until 2006 model comes out. I will buy it for sure.

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  more bang for your buck - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By donald blue - December 13 - 10:00 am

  i found that for a small car it is really fun to drive. i am typically a truck person but let go of my truck for my lancer o-z. it still has enough room to seat four people comfortably and move on down the road, and get good fuel economy.

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  Surprise winner - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Sunnyvale - December 10 - 6:56 pm

  We were looking for a green car with if possible style and performance. Test drove the CRV, Pilot, Highlander and a hybrid Escape. None came close to the Outlander in style and performance. In CA the engine is rated PZEM and is the cleanest non-hybrid SUV out there, I think. The big surprise was that we can fit both our road bikes in the back upright! None of the others could do this. And the mini tailgate is very convenient. A solid, nice handling, luxurious little/big SUV.

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  Won Me Over - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rick3 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I really did like the Eclipse because of the lack of power compared to others in its class. The new GTS changed my perception. The extra 10 horses makes all the difference in the world. The car is fun to drive and the leather interior is much improved over other models. Its very quick off the line and has solid handeling.