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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  My 2nd Galant. Great Car. Would Buy Another - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By my2galant - February 2 - 8:52 am

  I started off with a 97 Galant which I drove until 163,000 mi and spent less than $1000 on repairs for the 7 years I drove the car. I purchased the 2004 Galant as a dealer car. It had 12,000 miles on it. This car has had 1 problem w/AC condenser around 80,000 mi and it cost us $800 to repair. Ive never waited for parts. At 130,000 mi we had the timing belt replaced and while engine was apart we had oil pump and seals replaced as preventive main. It cost us $900. We have 210,000 on the car now and its going strong. We would buy another with no questions. This is a wonderful car to drive and roomy. We average 30MPG on trips. Oil changes are easy DIY. Buy new/used with confidence.

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  underrated - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By edmunds - January 27 - 5:10 pm

  have had no problems since purchased dec 2014. had a recall & now it is better than before. just purchased a Curtis hitch mount receiver & cargo carrier. now have extra room when needed. dont know why it received some low ratings. great vehicle. good price & great vehicle.

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  great car - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By western - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought the car i look forward to driving it every time I get in it. The car ride super smooth yet you still know it could handle any situation it was put in. I new of the Consumer Reports evaluation when I bought the car and I feel safer in this car than any car I have ever been in. I dont plan on wrecking but if I did I would hope either the seatbelt or one of the four air bags would help protect.

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  Love at first sight! - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rob - January 24 - 7:06 pm

  This car is awesome. The price was great! Especially for a car of this year and miles it came with. Before deciding to go for the Eclipse I looked at the Mustang and the Honda Accord Coupe but both these car lose in looks and Warranty. Im thankful I bought this car even though its the GS model it comes with many standard features. It drives like a dream very fast and peppy for a 4cyl engine. Miles per gallon are okay considering the weight of this vehicle and the safety features. Great car for the money!

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  Safety First - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 03ol - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a few suvs and the mitsubishi outlander is by far the best i have owned. It has great styling, perfect ride, plenty of room and the back seats recline, how cool is that. the only problem i have is the gas millage could be a little better. But the best thing about it is, i was hit in the front passenger side at about 30 mph and i had about $4500 in damages. i know it sounds like alot but the other car, a 2003 nissan maxima was completely totaled (the engine even fell out). i highly recomend the Outlander.....

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By 04rallyart - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Best Deal for the money

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  Fantastic Automobile! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By KentS - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealer to check out the Eclipse Convertible and was bowled over by the VR-X...all the comfort and quiet of the LS with a little more hp, sport suspension and exhaust. Ive never been this comfortable or had this much fun in a car. While there is a 300M or Acura on every corner, you wont see many of these. Super Car!!

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  Best SUV out there - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Love my Endeavor!! - January 19 - 1:16 pm

  When I traded in my 02 Galant, I purchased the 04 Endeavor in Sept 04 and it is great. My routine maintenance was covered for the first 3 years which saved me thousands because the 36,000 mile service was covered (a $500 service). The only problem I had is that the windshield washer fluid pump went out but it only cost $50 and took 20 minutes to fix. That has been my only "complaint" in almost 4 years and 55,000 miles. I have taken at least 15-20 road trips and never had a single problem!!! I think I made a wise investment in purchasing this vehicle new. I definitely recommend this vehicle. As having owned the Galant, they drive the same. Good job Mitsubishi.

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  nice - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By PittPA - January 17 - 1:36 am

  This is my first new car...ever. Its great. Fun to drive on the back roads and economical. The stock stereo is great too. Manual tranny is pretty good, sometimes sloppy. This is a worthwhile vehicle for someone starting out in life after college or a cheap, fun 2nd car.

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  Great care - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brownr1 - January 15 - 7:21 pm

  Overall I really love the car. Living in a snowy place, I like the AWD. Also, I have two good size dogs, so I wanted a SUV that has a spacious cargo area; this car does. The car has a lot of great feature (hands free blue tooth, heated leather seats, sunroof, rear vent control, comfortable seats, front windshield whippers clear a bigger area than most, and the blind spots arent that bad). Unfortunately, the GPS leaves a lot to be desired. Even if you dont put in a category or city, it still greys out letters so you cant choose them, and there is no where to search for general stores, only shopping centers. I still keep my Garmin in my car. Lastly, this car has a poor turn radius.