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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  Going to run this into the ground - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kelcie - November 4 - 2:21 am

  I bought my Mitsubishi Galant in 2013 with 70,000 miles on it. I just passed the 150,000 mile mark and wanted to just praise my Galant for making it this far. I have made one cross-country road trip in this baby, a trip to Death Valley and countless day trips. Ive had a lot of mediocre cars and this used car has by far, given me the most bang for my buck. Since getting the car, I have had to replace my battery/starter, and my AC died on my cross country trip (replaced for $600 in the heat of August somewhere in Texas...eeks). I replaced the radiator on it, and replaced the brakes. I know this SOUNDS like a lot, but I consider this car to be the perfect vehicle for me. Prior to my move, I was driving around 80 miles a day on it. After the move, Im still putting about 40 miles a day on my commute, and it just keeps hanging in there. This car has also weathered two bullet holes in my back panel from a random drive by in LA. Ive never had any engine or transmission problems, which I consider to be the real risks of a used car. I plan on running this car into the ground, and believe with regular maintenance I can get to 200K easily, and 250K if I am really really nice to it. :)

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  poor parts availability - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By a stevenson - November 3 - 8:10 pm

  What good is the warranty if you cant get the parts. The air flow sensor went on my car 2000 km out of warranty and the co. refused to assist with cost. To make matters worse I have now been 8 days with no car while we wait for the part to be shipped from the States. Mitsubishi would be the last car I would ever buy. Warranty is all smoke and mirrors. The fact that they have no parts warehouse in Canada shows they cant back there vehicles and care very little about Canadian consumers. This car was a blast to drive but will be for sale if I ever get it back.

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  My Eleventh Mitsubishi Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chanel - November 3 - 11:06 am

  Of all the previous Eclipses I have owned, my 99 Spyder GST was always my favorite, until now. The 06 Eclipse GT drives like a dream. I have it in Liquid Silver (I should have bought black). I am thinking about having it painted Northstar White (the color of my 99 Spyder). I have received more compliments with this car than any other. My vehicle has dealer dark tint, and Mitsubishi sport pinstriping included. So Hot! The iPod in the glove box is HOT! This car has style, is sleek, and five of my friends purchased one within a week of me purchasing mine. This is my second 2006 Eclipse and I love them. BUY ONE!

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  LOVE IT! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dewaynej77 - November 2 - 4:40 am

  I have had my lancer for 7 months now, and still love it as much as the day I drove it off the lot. I LOVE the extras like bluetooth, 6 disc changer, sub woofer, CVT trans, and stering wheel controls. I get so many compliments on the look of my car. I hope to keep this car for years. I havent had one single problem so far, and I hope it keeps it up. Some people complain about engine noise, but I like the sound. I really cant say enough good things about my lancer!!!

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  Great car! with a couple gripes - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ajkassay - October 31 - 4:44 pm

  I got this car used almost 2 years ago with 12k miles. now, with 35k miles, its still great. havent had a single issue with it yet. gas mileage isnt the best, but its fine. driving this car is great, the confident handling makes this car pleasing to drive. I just wish the engine had just a bit more power, and a little more quiet, but it gets the job done. I also love the interior and the rockford fosgate sound system, its one of the things that make this car such a great value. However, my biggest complaint is the paint. Its terrible! It scratches very easily, which gets frustrating over time. And since i live in a hot climate, im worried about the suns toll on the paint.

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  My Super Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jr Evo - October 31 - 11:40 am

  The 2003 Lancer is a great car to modify. A lot of people complain that it is lacks prower, but all it needs is a high flow cat and muffler and a cold air intake with light rims and ngk iridium plugs. Im doing 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds.

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  Not so bad, no value - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By What the?? - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Runs well, lots of power. Lots of road noise however. I went to trade this for another Mitsubishi. No deal with financing work that much loss of value $26,000 car new and was only offered $9,000 in trade. No resale value, dealer was rude. (Not the original dealer) Other than being noisy, the car is a running dude. My transmission works well, dont know what others have experienced but mine is not a problem.

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  00 GT - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By McClipse - October 30 - 2:00 am

  great looking fun car!!!!

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  A great car for the young! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Burke - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! I love it! I drive as much as I can just to cruise in this car!

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  1999 Mitsubishi - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mrsmoore - October 29 - 11:00 am

  I have had my 1999 Mitsubishi Galant for a year now and I love it. I bought it at 150k miles, it is now at 170k. The only major problem Ive had with it was the transmission, which went out do to my user error, it burns a bit of oil and the turn radius is not the best. Its the V6 model, very peppy and accelerates very quickly even with the new tranny I put in it. I put premium grade fuel in it, high mileage engine oil and I have not had a problem with its reliability. The A/C, heater, power locks and windows STILL work, even in he cold. This car is like a roach car, Im pretty sure it wont die. I met someone who has his at 330K miles and counting, another guy and he hasnt had a complaint.