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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  Not Bad - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Not Bad - January 23 - 1:46 pm

  A very nice vehicle, especially when figuring in the value. Priced well below its competitors. LS loaded with features. Great engine. Interior ergonomics are comical. Surprisingly little thought put into switchology. Cant see speedo behind wheel. I just cant get comfortable in this car, as nice as it appears. Poor city mileage. Troublesome brakes. Have redone front brakes twice in 20,000 miles. Mitsubishi is famous for warping the rotors. Much preferred the previous grille to the current one.

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  I Love My Galant - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DeekDeezie - January 23 - 7:26 am

  I received a 2004 Galant as a graduation gift and I love it. I searched from Nissan to Toyota to Honda. Not only was this in my budget, it was complementary to my style and image. I feel an obligation to always keep it looking good. When I first got it, I remember after getting out of the car always having to look back at the car in disbelief that such a beauty was mine. Love the big body design.

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  Great Car/Good Price - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kathleen Wheeler - January 22 - 6:43 am

  I have had my new Lancer for two weeks and absolutely love it so far. It is stylish, seems well built, and gets good gas mileage. This is my third Mitsubishi and may prove to be my favorite. Six days after I purchased my car my best friend backed her SUV into the drivers side front fender of my new car. I have found that the Lancer holds up very well under attack and it actually relatively inexpensive to repair.

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  Love it! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By arwood - January 21 - 6:23 pm

  I bought my 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, used with just under 50k miles on it, in 2010 when I graduated college. The first month I had it I drove it from AZ to AK! Very Comfortable. Didnt have a single problem. I have now lived in AK for over 2 years and have driven in all the craziest weather conditions and couldnt be happier! It gets decent gas mileage, I love that I can switch on AWD whenever I need it, the sound system is AWESOME and I always get complimets on how nice it is. I went from driving a sports car to this and I love my Mitsubishi and would definitely buy another!

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  Mitsubishi - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Nelson Garcia - January 18 - 10:03 pm

  This car is very comfortable and also has a powerful engine. Also is very reliable and it has a lots of space.

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  aperance/convience pack-total cost 18200 - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander4life - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I have researched over 10 of these so called "crossover" models and the outlander is by far the best choice. It gets unbelievable gas mileage and sits up high enough to feel like your up with the big boys.My biggest concern when buying this vehicle was all the negative reviews concerning the power to get up and go.At 75 mph you are barely at 3000 rpm! I guess if you wanna drive a 100 mph power would be a problem but for everyday comuters this is the best. To give you a better idea as far as the size of the suv it is probably the same height and size a the old chevy blazer 4 door. Overall this was a great buy.

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  Love At First Sight - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Stacy M. Cedars - January 18 - 10:00 am

  We test drove 3 diferent vehicles, and when got in the Edeavor. I was like Love At First Sight. The comfort, style was just taking us away. Spent the day with relatives and everybody just couldnt get this vehicle out of thier sight.

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  Fun sports coupe - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Red GTS - January 16 - 5:10 am

  I wanted to buy my daughter the Eclipse in 2003, but opted for a "practical" 4 door vehicle. 4 years later, I helped her trade in the other vehicle for a red 03 Eclipse GTS (with only 20,000 miles). Its a sharp looking, great performing car. Made changes to the wheels (larger) and new wider Kumho tires. I own an 06 Eclipse GT (6M) and find it to be great. Now, Im glad to see her as an owner of the Eclipse she always wanted.

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  Mitsubishi Eclipse RS Hatchback - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Billchappyri - January 16 - 12:03 am

  Car holds up great is front end crash. Does not require much maintainance, however, spark plugs are not reliable at all!

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  The red beauty - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By richgroh - January 14 - 1:47 am

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years now, it is automatic and i bought it as my very first car. Shes treats me well besides an a/c compressor gone bad at 110k and an alternator at 130k but you gotta expect those kind of things from a woman her age. When i first got her she had 100k miles and put me back only $1800. I work delivery, commute to college, have another job that is 13 miles away one way, redline her daily (the 1.8l beast roars at high rpms) and shes been totaled THREE TIMES (only once in my ownership) so you can tell she could take a beating. I only average around 23 MPG which isnt terrible considering my foot is rather heavy. Perfect for commuting, car is nothing exciting.