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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  Eclipse 2001 GS/ reliable - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Steven Black - February 10 - 9:36 pm

  Bought the car with 34 miles on it in 2006. Know it has 88 miles. She still runs like a baby. Gas is decent. Nice quick take-off. Never had one problem yet with the engine, only with the lights but it was a quick fix. Great car to have. Still looks new plus I take great care of the car. Nice sport car to drive around in. Great stock speakers!

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  Extremely satisfied - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ronald Elzy - February 10 - 9:16 pm

  This vehicle has only required routine maintenance. It has an extremely good ride and is very well equipped. I looked at quite a few "mid sized" SUVs the Mitsubishi has considerably more to offer!

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  Karate Moms dream - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By MN Mike - February 10 - 10:00 am

  A major reason we bought this vehicle over the competition is the financing available. This truck is a great suburban vehicle. In Minnesota, we get some slippery roads - I have started calling our Montero the "Billy Goat". Even on glare ice, the traction is phenominal - even in 2 wheel drive. When you slip it into 4 wheel, this thing seems to be able to tackle anything - we havent even had it in 4 wheel with the transfer case locked. Road noise is a little high and it likes to visit gas stations but otherwise we really like this vehicle.

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  You Will Love the Eclipse GTS!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Flossem - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a Fun sportscar...drives well...havent come upon anything I dont like with this car yet! It looks great, drives great! I just love it! Having owned a GT Eclipse in 98, this is a huge improvement...on style, driving ability...just all around a real fun car to drive!!

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  hot new mitsu - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By joep - February 8 - 10:00 am

  well to start I do not know how consumers guide does not have this mitsubishi as a best buy.It rates a 9.6 with the public and let me tell you the 6 cylinder version flies.I purchased this car for $23,000.And got 1.9%financing.If there is a more solid value for your money please show me.

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  Endeavors are truely the best! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By c_m_smith - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it handles. Its such a smooth riding truck!

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  Still my dream car after all these years - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Williesha - February 8 - 12:53 am

  I have been tracking this car ever since Mitsubishi first started producing them. They have come such a long way. I put a lot of effort and research into this. I dont maintain this car nearly as well as I should and it still has yet to give me a problem and Im now over 50,000 miles. The best part of the car is the exterior design. Absolutely beautiful - spoiler could be smaller, but the paint job is superb. It always looks like Ive gotten a wax job on it, especially at night. The V4 leaves a lot to be desired, but its still an amazing car to drive. Its so much fun - and completely and totally reliable.

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  Vet no more - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vet no more - February 6 - 10:50 am

  I started with a corvette and traded 4 expedition, decided I wanted a smaller family car, it has been the best car I have ever owned, NO problems @ all I drive around 20,000 miles a year, so I lucked out w/ this car!

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  2003 Eclipse GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Scott Miller - February 5 - 10:00 am

  It hauls ass! Very fast car for the money but i do suggest turbocharging it.

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  Batter Than Expected - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chris - February 3 - 10:36 pm

  I got my Galant with 42 miles on it. Now it has over 125K. This car has been almost problem free from the beginning. The Heater gave out but the warranty covered the damages. The Brakes need to be services a bit too often. But other than that, this car is a gem. Always starts on point and has no issues to date. I do a lot of highway driving so gas mileage is OK for me. However city driving does tend to eat away at the gas mileage a bit faster. The horsepower is adequate. Sound system is great. Body is OK. Front bumper is very sensitive. Resale for the owner is terrible, but is favorable for a used car buyer. I highly recommend this car for someone wishing to purchase a reliable used car.