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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  Excellent Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TAG - September 12 - 5:46 pm

  My wife and I have driven ours over 3000 trouble free mostly highway miles. Were more pleased with our purchase now then when we rolled it off the dealers lot. This is a very good highway vehicle. One of my biggest concerns about a vehicle of this type was how well it would handle cross-winds and truck wash. Well it is no longer a concern. Its the most stable vehicle Ive owned in those conditions. This SUV should not be the well kept secret that it is. The Endeavor is a must drive for those in the market for a mid-size crossover that dont require a third seat.

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  Solid, Reliable Automobile - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Morrissey - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Interior space somewhat limited - a 5 passenger automobile only if three of the 5 are 10 years old or less. The ride is somewhat noisy - I made the mistake of driving this car after having driven the Camry. With those two caveats, this is a wonderful automobile. After nearly three years of ownership, I have no other complaints - and I knew those two things (interior space and road noise) beforehand. It is well constructed, solid, and attractive. It has been money well spent, and has been as reliable as an anvil.

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  Love at 1st sight - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rmoose - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Saw the commercial & ran out to get it! Loved it even more in person. For a smaller suv, it has a look that definitely separates it from everything else out there. Engine power is more than adequate--Im not on the autobahn and Id trade a gas-guzzling v6 for this anyday. Interior is extremely roomy, especially the back seat. Friends have 4-runner & we have more passenger room than they do. More comfort too. Ive also been dealing with the whole drifting-to-the-right-fiasco. Mitsu really needs to do something about this. Overall, it fits exactly what I was looking for and I get many comliments on it.

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  good - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jeremy Gadner - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has been so reliable and i get looks from people just because of the excellent design of the body style. Its a fun car and i love my eclipse.

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  Engine is a disaster, but fun to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By D-Ro - September 11 - 6:20 am

  I bought this car used in 2007 with about 65k. Ive had to replace the timing belt (needs it every 75k). Had some issues with the CPU, idle control unit, and gasket seals. It is a blast to drive, and so much fun. I love the look, the sound system, everything. All 210 horse power under me is just incredible. With the manual transmission downshifting at 60 or even 70 mph is such a rush. The thing accelerates in 5th gear, what more could you ask for? I accelerate and Im at 60 before I know it! New tires December 2007 in the midst of a week long snow storm, and the improvement in the snow has been amazing. I only skid in about 2-3 inches of snow- anything else is a breeze to get through

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  2 year review - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rdbmpls - September 10 - 8:27 pm

  I am a normal person in that I am not a car snob nor a gear-head. In a vehicle, I only want a few things… first and foremost I want a reliable vehicle that gets me from point A to point B. I want a vehicle that makes me feel comfortable while driving in it. I live in Minneapolis, MN and am 6’4” so I need a vehicle that can drive through sloppy/snowy weather and this vehicle can get that done. It also gets good highway MPG(23-27Highway MPG) (only ok if continually driving in the city:14-17MPG) If you are looking for a reliable, small SUV, that offers solid features at a good price, purchase the Outlander.

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  Best Car Yet - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By soclwrker - September 9 - 3:53 pm

  The Galant is the best car Ive ever owned. I get great mileage on the highway (30 mpg on 360 mile round trip), and between 17 and 20 in the city. Other than brake pads, once, and oil changes, this wonderful car has required nothing. I drive a lot of miles, and this car has been perfect. It is a great car and I highly recommend it.

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  IM NOT A STOOGE FOR MITSUBITSHI - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By A.S. CAR OWNER - September 7 - 10:00 am

  YOU CAN TEST DRIVE THIS CAR YOURSELF AND SEE IF IM RIGHT. OVERALL GOOD CAR, BUT: IM DISSAPOINTED IN THE ENGINE NOISE COMPARED TO MY 99 SENTRA WHICH RUNS QUIET ALL THE TIME OR THE 99-03 GALANTS WHICH DOES THE SAME. THE ENGINE IS a SOHC = SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM, COMPARED TO ITS COMPETITORS TOYOTA, NISSAN, HYUNDAI, MAZDA, WHICH ALL USE 16 VALVE DOCH = DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES - MEANING QUIETER, MORE POWER AND LONGER LASTING. AT SPEEDS ABOVE 47, THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO TORQUE POWER IN THE ENGINE EVEN AFTER FLOORING THE PEDDLE.

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  Great ride! - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rrivera - September 7 - 1:36 am

  Im so happy I bought this car. It has been an awesome driving experience. And not to mention the saving in y monthly fuel. I give two thumbs up.

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  Beautiful Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By wiseold5 - September 4 - 8:16 am

  I recently purchased a Mitsubishi Raider. I must say that it has everything you would need in a truck. Styling, grace of handling, power, a roomy cab, and plenty fo comfort.