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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  I Love Mitsubishi! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DrivinFool - May 2 - 11:13 am

  When I first got this car in 2006, I was really worried because it had over 106k. I bought the extended warranty and that eventually expired. The only thing Ive had to replace on the car in 3.5 yrs was a windshield ($130), a new battery ($50), new tires ($250), the engine belt was squealing but I didnt replace it until it broke as I was on the highway and caused overheating and needed a new radiator, old one cracked (my bad). Oh, and brake pads. THATS IT! Love my car and intend on buying another Galant when the time comes.

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  my 2003 galant es - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rysco - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The car has decent pickup for being a 4 cyl. Very comfortable sets w/8way adj drivers seat. Very good on NOT using all your gas on short or long trips! The car handles very well not sluggish at all. The cd/player and speakers have great sound. I love the look and usefullnes of the fogg lights. It is a great car!!!!!!!!!!

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  Love to drive! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By melissa - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my 03 GS, its everything I wanted in a car...fun to drive, cute, sporty, reliable, zippy, economical. Wish I had a longer commute to work. Does 55+ MPH "like buttah!"

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  Fine by me - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By HappyBum - May 1 - 6:53 am

  I bought my 03 new in February 04. I can say it has been a good car. I have 83K on it now. I had to replace the battery (last week) the 02 sensor, and just replaced the brakes at 81000 miles. Aside from that it has been fine. I drive it mostly on the highway and get an average of 27 mpg. For the money spent I have no complaints. I like the soft ride and the car handles fine. I have the 2.4 4 cyl, 6 would be better. However, it has get up and go enough for the commute to work everyday. Looks good, runs fine.

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  Good car for the money - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By mitsudriver1 - April 28 - 10:56 pm

  I have about 30K miles on my Outlander Sport. I purchased this car for commuting and general running about in the city. It took a little getting used to since I have been driving a Large SUV with V-8 power for the last 15 years. With that said this car is adequate for what it does. ITs not a very quick off the line but if you use the paddle shifters it helps. Once up to speed it moves nicely and cruises at 75-80 mph with ease. I have found it to be pretty versitile considering its size. I am able to haul around bicycles, potting soil, plants etc. I have averaged between 26-28 mpg in mixed city/hwy driving and I dont baby this car. The handeling is very car like and generally comfortable

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Valentine - April 28 - 10:00 am

  We first drove the 2004 Galant as a rental car in Colorado. We were very impressed on how the 2004 Galant handled while driving in Rocky Mountain National Park. The car hugged the curves going up and coming down the mountain, very impressive. When it came time to purchase a new car the 2004 Galant was very affordable for our family budget. The V6 has power. The inside is very roomy compared to other cars in its class. The ride is quiet and smooth. This car is great!!

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  Amazing piece of equiptment in every way - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ryan - April 25 - 9:10 pm

  The Mitsubishi Endeavor is thrilling to drive and the inside is a major treat all the way from the power seats/heated seats to the amazingly nice blue gauges and console. It is just simply unbeatable for the price and quality. Mitsubishi just is crushing other competitors with style and performance now adays. In my opinion Mitsubishi in general has some of the most kind and caring people of of course awesome cars. Id reccomend an Endeavor to anyone.

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  Poorly built - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mikeman1 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  My Eclipse is fun to drive, and a pretty good performer, but the build quality is extremely low. I noticed a ticking sound in the engine only after 8,000 miles. When I pressed the clutch in, the ticking goes away. The dealer said this is normal wearing of the clutch! Spoke to Mitshubishi directly, and they agreed. The clutch is obviously bad. Theyre just waiting for the warranty to expire (10,000 miles) before telling me I need to pay for a new clutch. Trying to get rid of this car ASPA. Creeking, squeeking, etc. Poor build quality. I was warned not to buy a Mitshubishi. Wish I took the advice.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mars - April 23 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned my Mitsubishi Lancer since 2/2004 and its great. My car now has a total of 57,000 miles and still runs like new. The standad features are better than any other compact cars. It has a quiet ride and a great OEM sound system. This car has not given a single problem since I purcahsed it. It gets great gas milage and has execellent performance for a 4-cyl. vehicle.

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  Best buy in class - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Best Buy - April 23 - 3:40 am

  I looked at the Camry because of styling, but after driving it I could feel the car felt more like a GM than a Toyota. I then looked at the new Accord and was overall impressed with the car, except for the comfort of the vehicle and ease of access to the controls. I even looked at Nissan which I said Id never do again. The plastic interior still needs major improvement. Finally I figured I would look at the Mitsubishi Galant. The sport edition pulled me right in and for a 4 cylinder it has PLENTY pep. The handling is great and the car is extremely comfortable. Even the interior is top notch. I love my Galant. Toyota just lost another loyal customer and Mitsubishi gained a new one!