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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  About My Eclipse - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By David - June 27 - 9:36 am

  Drives very well, especially if have driven a manual before. Gas mileage is good 20-21 mpg in the city so far, havent taken it out on a long drive. If you know how to shift properly youll get better gas mileage and also know how to down shift to extend life on your brakes. I also have a motorcycle and that has helped me drive a manual transmission better. If youre complaining about your gas mileage its because youre probably not shifting at the right RPMs. It could have used a few more compartments to place items maybe behind the seats etc.; other then that a very good vehicle. I love my car!!!!!

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  1st Mitsubitshi Product - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ginch - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Only a recent owner but to date I am extremly satisfied.

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  Reliable endeavour - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rodo - June 26 - 6:59 pm

  I had in the past a VW, Chevrolet, Nissan, Chrysler, dodge, ford, Toyota, and after i bought this Mitsubishi endeavor I was concern about it, because Ive herd bad comments on Mitsubishi cars, well I never had a problem with it, drives very soft and good all the time, is quiet, never made any repairs of nothing only regular maintenance it has 176,000miles and it looks like it can go for 300,000 easy without a problem

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  go get one - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mr. Ern - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I highly recomend this vehicle. I never had one problem with this car with the mileage I put on it. The only thing you have to do is change the fluids and go. After about 30,000 miles the engine became nosier but still pleasant.

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  MY NEW CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SUPRBABE2000 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I WAS LOOKING FOR A CAR AND I WANTED A SPORTS CAR. I NEVER WANTED AN ECLIPSE BUT THE SALES MAN TALKED ME INTO A TEST DRIVE. I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. IT SHARP IT LOOKS NICE AND IT RIDES GREAT. WITH GAS PRICES AS HIGH AS THE ARE NOW ITS GOOD TO KNOW I CAN GO A WHILE ON A FULL TANK. AND THE PRICE ON IT AMAZED ME.

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  Terrible Idea - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kimberly - June 23 - 8:46 pm

  Ive owned my Mitsubishi Endeavor for approximately five months now. It requires premium gas which I am not happy about and wasnt informed of when I purchased the vehicle. Already my air conditioner drain has clogged, flooded the front passenger floorboard, and because of a design flaw, the whole motor has to be taken out to get to the air conditioner. The dealership and the corporate office told me this is not covered under warranty. It is going to cost approximately $1,000 to correct a "design" flaw. Also, the paint is terrible and I have chips from touchless carwashes. I absolutely hate this vehicle. I wish I would have purchased an American made vehicle. Mitsubishi is not a customer oriented company!

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  A g vehicle at a great price! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By AP_From PA - June 23 - 10:16 am

  I bought this outlander ES (FWD) base + Conv. pkg in Black on 28 June 2009. This vehicle runs great and performs as expected or better considering that this is a 4 Cyl engine. Fuel economy on a 70 mile straight highway was about 29 mpg, and my usual driving of a 20 mile trip (80% Hwy) gives about 25-26 mpg. There seems to be a very faint buzzing sound, I need to look into that. Lots of cargo room, and comfortably seats 3 avg. adults in the back seat. Seats are nice and firm and are very comfortable on long drives. I am happy with this purchase.

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  Reliable but not as fast as it looks - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrod - June 21 - 3:26 pm

  Just recently bought my 03 gs eclipse, its a 4 cylinder so less power, better gas mileage. I thought with slight mods it would be a lot faster than what it is. Hasnt stalled or broken down on me once, and it is still fun to drive, and just by painting the rims and spoiler you WILL be completely satisfied with the look. I give it 80% outta a hundred.

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  Its a Fair Car. - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cori - June 20 - 12:50 am

  I bought my 2000 Mitsubishi Galant when it was one year old with 17,000 miles and kept this for four years. Its been very good to me. I have had no repair problems. It was my first car, so I cant really compare, but I gotta agree its fun to drive compared to some other cars Ive driven like Subaru AWD and Dodge Sedans. The Eclipse was as much fun to drive, though. I agree its a good car for females. Im 54 1/2 and this car is a perfect size for me. I understand my 62 husband has very little leg room, at least it has more than his Mirage. And It must be not enough space for children in the back.

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  Montero Sport LS 2WD - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Simon Marchant - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Looks great, could use more power. I tow a 21 ft boat around with it without any trouble. Decent fuel mileage for an SUV. Dealership are crooks. Told me the brakes were almost worn out at 18000 miles and they actually lasted another 30000 after that. Has been very reliable - I have had no problems with the car in 48000 miles.