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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  OK SUV, 12 mpg, Poor Mitsubishi Warranty Work - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Tundrapie - August 25 - 11:50 pm

  Major gripe first. My Montero had its paint applied very poorly from the factory around the rear window. The dealer acknowledge the problem. Mitsubishi corporate though said since it was after the normal warranty period they would not be able to pay for a fix even though it was faulty workmanship from the factory. That cost me several hunder dollars to fix on my own. Frankly I wouldnt buy another Mitsubishi because of this. Moving on, this is a very fun SUV to drive offroad, but it is as slow as molasis on road. 5 speed auto helps up to 50 then it just crawls. Abysmal gas mileage. Im a stickler for these things and mine gets 8 mpg city and 16 highway (22 mpg if I drive 55 mph!). Overall 12.

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  Love it! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vikas - August 25 - 8:36 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years and never had any problems at all. So low on maintenance and fun to drive. I had an accident and it got totaled, but till last day I loved it.

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  Overall a good vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sportbiker3 - August 25 - 11:20 am

  Had the vehicle for about 3 weeks now and overall I am very happy with it. V6 engine is powerful. Exterior styling is unique and gets lots of attention, especially with the SE package. Also love the interior "ice blue" dash lights. Only have a few small complaints. The satellite radio does not display artist/song information like it does in my other vehicles!! And the little blue light that comes on when you turn the highbeams on is way too bright and is annoying to the driver... no way to dim that light with the dash controls.

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  Overall, Love It! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GrandTurk - August 24 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this car new one month ago and enjoy the ride to work everyday (city driving). My 63" tall but lean body build fits into the drivers seat with just enough headroom. The ride is a tad noisy from the engine, particularly with the high rpms upon acceleration, but not so much to be bothersome. I dont care about the "plastic" interior comments from some of the reviewers. I care more about the small side-view mirrors and wonder why nobody has mentioned this. Also, the turning radius leaves a lot to be desired. Why cant I turn into tight parking spots? The trunk is roomy. The rear passenger space is roomy for a small car. The good crash test performance gives you confidence.

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  ?????? - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By EB143 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  A+ ALL THE WAY. I LOVE MY CAR TO DEATH I COULDNT HAVE PICKED A BETTER CAR FOR MY MONEY!!!!!

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  Nice SUV! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By gsx050 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  So far so good! It does feel a bit underpowered even with the 3.5 liter engine, but I guess Im not expecting a race car either. It seems to hold highway speeds very well and doesnt bounce you around like some other truck based SUVs will. To me, its perfect for a "mostly on the road" SUV with its softer spring rates, etc. (I cant remember the last time I needed to "climb over a boulder"). Anyway, I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone that isnt chasing billy goats up the sides of mountains!

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  Little red wagon - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By little red wagon - August 24 - 9:53 am

  I got this car from my aunt. So far great she Burns a little oil but other than that problem free. The side steps give an added look and so do the mud flaps.

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  Still Riding Strong!!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bigbossman - August 21 - 2:10 am

  I wrote a previous review about a year ago, Mitsubishi was great with the warranty, even for the littlest things, it still ride great, gas mileage is good on the highways and in the city, its almost time for its 60k tune up.

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  Love at first drive! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Amy - August 20 - 6:10 pm

  My Eclipse is absolutely the car of my dreams. I wouldnt have another car..especially for my first car. Its been a great gas saver--about 300 miles to the tank which costs 25 dollars to fill up! Ahhh, it really was love at first drive!

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  Ralli - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RomeRacer - August 19 - 1:56 pm

  Fast, Fun, And Stylish