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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  Fun to drive - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Susan - July 11 - 12:23 pm

  This is the 2nd eclipse that I have owned. I love this car. I have had many sporty cars but this car is the most fun to drive. I love the way it handles corners. My only criticism is that I wish they could make the front end a little bit sportier. I love the front of the Mazda RX-8. I wish this front had more style like that but overall, a hot car that drives great. Its amazing in the snow. People are always shocked to hear this but its the truth. If you want a fun, reliable car, I highly recommend the Eclipse.

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  My dream car!! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tif - July 8 - 1:16 am

  I absolutly love my new 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It is a very fun car to drive. My teenage years I drempt about driving on a back road going with the wind in my Eclipse and now it has come true! I absolutly love Mitsubushi and I would recomend it to anyone who wants a sporty yet confortable car It was the best investment Ive made so far in my life and im only 21. I thank Mitsubishi for making my dream come true by making such wonderful cars. Thank you, A very happy owner.

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  6 month update - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By steven - July 5 - 11:20 pm

  Well, I have owned this car for six months now and its been pretty good although I have had some issues in which ive had to return to the dealer for. As with any car there are pros and cons. However, there are more pros than cons with this lancer ES CVT. The pros are great handling, very sharp looking, great mpg, good power, and a very quiet interior. I did have a few issues early on with the trunk light not working and the rear airbags cover came loose from the clips that held them in place. But those issues were fixed at the dealership. I traded in a 08 Honda Civic LX and I enjoy the Lancer much better. It handles better, and looks better and is more quiet interior and has more power.

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  Hot/Cold - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By vickie benner - July 5 - 12:26 am

  The only and BIG complaint I have is the heating and air condition system. Even if you have the dial on the last blue square you still get hot air coming out of the vents. If you are sitting at a red light for any period of time you break out in a sweat. When driving on a 50-60 mph highway you have to keep adjusting the dial. Even if you run the air condition you still have to keep adjusting the dial. The service dept. at the dealership where I bought the vehicle says that this is the design of the system. I think they need to go back to the design board with this. Is anyone else having this problem?

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  GTS - only the best - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By no0dle - July 4 - 2:00 am

  if your thinking about buyin an eclipse, a newer one, go with the gts model. for the extra thousand or two its worth the sleek proformance and style. I do a bit of street racing and it destroys all the measly civics out there. espically at higher speeds, its hard for a civic to keep up with this 145 mph 210hp honda smashin machine! great buy

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  I love my lancer! - 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Colt A. - July 3 - 2:55 pm

  This is the third Mitsubishi I have owned and it has been great, and the dealership I bought it from was also excellent. I got it for $14,000 brand new, have had no issues like all of my other mitsus. Its disparaging see such poor reviews on vehicles like this that are clearly superior to thier american counterparts, like the dart, cruise or focus, that all blow up or the infotatinment system needs to constantly be messed with, or push button start going out at 20,000 miles or trannies going out @ 50,000 miles. Enjoy your fords that will rust out in ten months [non-permissible content removed].

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  Impressive Sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By John Treubig - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Lured in by the 0% financing and left with what must be the best car in the price range. Handles as well or better then any car Ive driven, including my 96 Passatt. Excellent design and many compliments for the Audi/BMW inspired exterior with the Dover White Pearl paint with the 14K gold lettering. Great car, great value.

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  194K and still runnnin like new.... - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AliG - June 28 - 11:46 pm

  Wont say Im an expert, but this car did really save me a lot of money during rough student life. I bought it with 163K and only thing I did is a tune-up and not so regular oil changes...even then thank God no problems! I am actually shocked it survived me...Im neither bad or really good care taker, but this car is a really tough nut! I have no leaks, occasionally some noises (with oil change they go away)?!...very DEPENDABLE car!

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  Nice drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Chris Palladino - June 27 - 7:30 am

  Nice car and reliable, roomy, great for long trips. Bought car in August of 2003 and have had no major problems. However had to have the brakes replaced twice and having problems with the service engine light censor. Early in ownership had to have steering column replaced, failed during driving.

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  Great value SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By J - June 24 - 7:43 pm

  Owned 10 months, driven 11,000 miles, & this is my take. Solid, responsive, fun to drive, overall great vehicle for the price. Have done a couple of 1000 mile road trips & found it to be very comfortable & a great performer. Am astounded with morning commute fuel economy being consistently over 30 mpg. Freeway average is 23-24 mpg, which is okay but expected more given commute mpg is so high. Pet peeves - the all round low quality interior, hard to see orange display in sunlight, & wind noise on drivers side. Observations - can be awkward getting cup in/out of holder with arm rest pulled forward, & swaying in high wind on freeway. If improvements below were made, would definitely buy again!