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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  OZ Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By grubgal - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Lancer for almost a year now. It has been reliable. Needs more horsepower. I also think tires need to be a little more tacky. And also come with 16" or 17" wheels. Could be a little better on cornering. Needs ABS at least as an option. In the snow I slid because I didnt have them. Overall, though it is a good value for the price. However, I think my dealer ripped me off because it seems that I paid more than everyone else...$18K?! The only option I got was the rear spoiler. So who knows...

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  Galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gopackers - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice car. Fun to drive. The V6 moves the car well. The 4 banger was not nearly enough engine for this car.

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  Not Excellent but Good - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By asa0526 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is not as refined as the 2001 Sentra (engine/road noise, plush materials). Lot like the Honda and Protege in terms of refinement but a small notch below both in terms of quality of materials. The Protege has larger HVAC controls - and better plastic. Interior space wise, this car is the roomiest. Gas mileage - right now I am averaging 32 mpg - 90% highway.

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  09 lancer gts - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Adrian - August 4 - 12:50 pm

  I just bought this car yesterday and I love it! This car is very roomy and comfortable. It has nice interior and a nice body. The upgraded engine is the icing on the cake. It is awesome.

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  My New 2005 GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By leftofcenter - August 3 - 3:26 am

  This car is awesome! I test drove a new Mustang, Atima, and an Accord. The Mustang is hot on the outside but not really as comfy or functional as the GTS on the inside. I wanted comfort, luxury, and originality and boy, does this baby have it. I love the interior and the dashboard, especially at night - im not sure why there are complaints. Its bigger than my old 2000 Galant ES. My friend has a BMW 325 and i have to say i like my GTS much better. More legroom (im only 52) and functionality on the inside.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dawnb03 - July 31 - 2:12 pm

  I love this Car! I had an 04 Mitsubishi Lancer ES before this car. I bought my Endeavor, "Endora", in November 08 from Carmax 1) because the Lancer was totaled out and 2) because the Endeavor is more suited to what I need a vehicle to be able to do. I love the cargo space and my dog enjoys having the back compartment all to herself. I can easily load up any of my camping gear, horse equipment or feed in the back and not worry about how the car will handle the load. Ive also taken several trips across several states in her and shes handled like a charm. I LOVE this car. Even when we had a freak snow storm in Georgia I was still able to drive around.

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  Great SUV - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Zunnee - July 31 - 2:03 pm

  I bought this 1997 Montero Sport in 2002 with 60,000 miles on it and in last few years I have never opened its hood even one time for any problem. It has been very reliable and but it is a little bumpy. Other than that, I will say that its a great SUV with very little maintinance,

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  Give me that POWER - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Savior Pearl - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Needs more Power. Need power, More Power.Nice to drive compare with Toyota Corolla, Ford focus, Nissan Sentra.

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  Terrible Resale Value; OK Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Galant Owner - July 31 - 2:00 am

  We had them throw in a spoiler and tinted windows for free when we bought it from the dealer. That helped the body style look more sporty. Passenger front door sounds hollow when you close it. Mitsubishi service dept said it cant be fixed. Sounds like a cheap tin can. Interior fabric is cheap. Car does handle well. The back seat is very cramped- no leg room. Low horsepower compared to other cars in its class. We want to sell this car six months after we bought it, but it lost so much value that we cant. We should have bought a Honda or Toyota because they hold their value.

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  Outlander Gt Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By genx_rated - July 28 - 11:24 pm

  Mitsubishis price of around $26k w/100k warranty was what sealed the deal. The MIVEC V6 is plenty powerful, especially since it only weighs as much as a midsized sedan(3500lb curb weight), despite what others may say. It also sounds quite nice, but not overly noisy. Have about 2000 miles now, and averaging 21-22 MPGs in 85% CITY driving. You can do 30 MPG on the highway at 65-70mph, but I dont drive there often. The 20/28 ratings are just about right. Ride is compliant and very Japanese, but not luxurious....more sporty. Handling is competent and fairly flat. Cargo space very good, maybe not as wide as Pathfinder or Explorer.