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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  Loving My Mitsu. - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By John Reyle - May 3 - 4:03 am

  I drive in town and travel the interstate. Im disabled,and this vehicle is comfortable, has plenty of room and is easy to get in and out. The more I drive it the more I like it. I was looking for a 6cyl. but found that the 4cyl. has plenty of get-up and go for city or out on I-75. As a mech. and instructor for more than 35 yrs I think Mitsubishi did a great job redesigning the Galant!!

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  Some Trouble, but Overall Happiness - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eric - May 3 - 2:46 am

  I love the car - the way it drives and looks, but a few problems are souring me. Water immediately got in the doors during rain and caused a moldy smell. Now the power windows are failing at 90,000 miles. The A/C went out at 80,000 miles. The brakes are of moderate quality and durability. The window tint started peeling within 50,000 miles. The hatchback is tough to open and wont stay up in cold weather. The interior poorly designed - I reach too far for many things. The plastic interior takes a beating. The plastic hooks for the floor mats break easily. Also, the blind spot is a major issue and the A/C (when working) saps much engine power. On small bumps, I bottom out the nose. But man, at 60 mph, the acceleration is great.

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  Nice Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sdguy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 16K mileage and after 6 months it has over 28K. I havent had any problem so far. I used to have a 1993 Lancer GLX, it was a very nice car. So, I decided to buy another one in 2002. I am very happy with that. Its very roomy and comfortable. Its good handling and the accelaration is adequate not great. It gets better at high speed, I hit 120MPH easily(sorry cops!!!). The quality is fine but I would prefer better interior quality. Not very happy with the gas mileage. I can say it is average. The wind noise is a little bit high but generally the car is quiet at highway speed. It comes with good standard package and it is very fun to drive!

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Paula - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive. Has more room in it than my prior Ford wagon. Handles like a fast car. I had to make a sudden stop (a child on a bike rode out in front of my car) Its stops on a dime. Needs better drink holders. Wheres the keyhole to the trunk? Thats my big problem. No keyhole to the trunk. Have to open it from inside the car. Also, the emergency flashers button is placed on the front dash between the two a/c vents- accidentally turned it on a few times and couldnt figure out how to shut them off. Trunk is roomy, but the board over the spare tire is not secured to the car so it occassionally comes out of place.

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  My GS - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SBH - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The sticker said 22/30 MPG. I get 29 around town and around 35 MPG on long trips. That combined with a 16 gallon tank makes for long legs. This car has a great ride on long trips. Very smooth. You have to gas it a little more from the stoplight when the AC is running but that is to be expected with a 2.4L. However, the power band is rather surprising in 2nd and 3rd in between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM.

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  Reliable Vehicle - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ole Reliable - May 2 - 4:46 am

  I purchased this car with 50k miles on it. It now has 191,000 and still runs the same. I have replaced 02 sensors, radiator, starter, catalytic converter and shocks. Car runs as smooth as the day I got it.

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  Poor Interior Design and Materials - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By thomcat30 - May 1 - 11:10 pm

  The motor and transmission on this car have been reasonably reliable, there are problems with the motor mounts failing on this model, the car itself has never been weather tight meaning several leaks during rain storms etc. The car should get better gas mileage IE 25 to 27 mpg highway. The dash has been a flop. The plastic just crumbles into a heap of plastic. Dont waste your time on hiring Dr. Vinyl, just get a cloth cover and call it good.

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  Great value, great vehicle!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tapachick - April 30 - 8:44 pm

  I researched small/mid-size suvs for months. I test drove Hondas, Toyotas, Chevys, Fords, Mazdas and for some reason, the Outlander was the last vehicle we looked at. I dont think Mitsubishi promotes this vehicle enough. But... we fell in love with the estimated MPG, body style, and most of all, the price. My 64" husband loves the head room and comfortable seating. It handles great and Im getting 22 mpg in city driving in Southern California. You cant beat the warranty and I expect the MPG to get better since Ive only had the vehicle for 4 weeks. Great value and a great looking SUV, were loving it.

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  Expensive to fix - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Mike - April 27 - 2:33 pm

  When I first purchased this car it ran great. Currently have about 90,000 miles on it and I am about done throwing money into this thing. I have some of the same complaints as others; wind noise, not a very smooth ride, and most of all expensive to fix repairs. Inside door handle broke, I can only get from the factory they want over $200 for a piece of plastic. Back end has begun to sway. I have had over $600 put into it plus new tires and problem still isnt fixed. Probably going to need new shocks soon, most likely will get rid of it by then.

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  We love our truck - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ljrader - April 25 - 4:10 pm

  This SUV has served us from DINK to two kids. It is just now showing one little spot of rust, 8 years later. Repairs have been only minor or upkeep. Just wish it got better mileage