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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  2005 Eclipse GTS Coupe - 5 Speed - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Adam - January 6 - 1:53 am

  I am very pleased with my Eclipse. Though, this is the second one Ive owned since 2001. The car extremey fun to drive and not something that becomes burdensome after a short while. The leather seating is comfortable, and the interior is roomy enough for the driver and passenger. I dont consider this car a true "Sports Car" by definition, but I would call it a "Sporty" vehicle. It has enough power and torque to get you where youre going as fast as you want, but dont expect to race your neighbors flashy Nissan 350Z. Mitsubishi has definately upped their build quality since the 90s. This Eclipse feels solid and is extremely reliable. The clutch on the 5-speed models is very forgiving and easy to drive.

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  Transmission Problems at 4,200 Miles - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By c130crewchief79 - January 5 - 1:33 pm

  OK, I love the cars design and its fun to drive, but I got the manual transmission for the fun of the drive. I know how to drive a stick as I grew up doing so. At 4,200 miles my clutch decided to go out along with all the components associated. Mitsubishi decided that it was aparrently my fault, not that it might be the design (which I had a Nascar tech tell me was going to be a problem three days after I got it, during an interview for school). Anyway I forked out almost $1,000 and thats after I got a price break because I knew a maintenace person at the dealer. Any way they fixed it. Two days later it was back in the shop. The flywheel was making a loud noise and in neutral my clutch is burning. I rate the transmission pack a 2.

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  Value for money - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By raneesh - January 5 - 1:52 am

  I purchased my Endeavor (2011 -LS, AWD) 5 months ago and so far its been a great journey with the car. This SUV drives more like a car, even though it has only 225 horses, you will be surprised with the acceleration once floor the pedal. Always easy to merge to the freeways, good control even at high speeds. My wife loves the rear seat of this car, like someone mentioned in this review section - acres of space in the rear seat. The best thing is the price - I payed almost half the amount for a similar size year 2011 SUV. I get 16MPG on my regular office commute and about 21 on highways. Not too bad for an AWD 3.8L V6.

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  Dependable, Solid and Efficient - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RJK - January 4 - 10:36 pm

  After three years the only problem I have had with this car was its CD player, which the dealer replaced and reimbursed me for the CD that the player destroyed. Since then I have had no problems with the car. I recently purchased new Bridgestone Turanza LS-T tires for the car and what a difference. The car was pretty stable before, with some road noise, but now it is really stable and with very little road noise. It is almost like a different car. During these high gasoline price times I have come to really appreciate the gas mileage. I average about 29 mpg in town and 37 mpg on the open highway.

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  Fun but comfortable. - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rmob - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The GS is probably the best deal at around 19K plus change. I got mine with the sun roof and the upgraded Infinty CD and it was worth it. (They also upgrade the wheels with the package) I drives and handles well but dont expect to get whiplash. Overall I am very happy and would recommend it. Other than the bucket seats, the interior leaves a little to be desired.

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  Love It!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rachel - January 3 - 9:03 am

  Never had a Mitsubishi before, wanted a CR-V, but after I drove the Outlander, the CR-V looked terrible. So much fun to drive, very cool outside look. Love it! I got hit by an 18-wheeler, and the Outlander took it like a champ! The side-curtain airbags saved my life! Very safe. Might buy another one!

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  ok truck - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By joe - January 3 - 5:23 am

  For most part, I like the truck, def. No power at all. Love setup, love the comfort and looks and love the height, I have a ram 4x4 with 3" lift and the raider is only an inch or so shorter on height then my 3" lifted ram, so love that. Comes with some good tires Goodyear wranglers. Rims are nice on it as well.

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  Mits. Montero Sport LS 4X4 - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By lukin4mikey - January 2 - 4:33 pm

  I first liked this SUV when my parents had bought one brand new back in 2000, When they got it, it had 12miles, currently has 210+ and still running strong! I was in the market for a new vehicle and came across the same vehicle but a 4X4, it had 102,000 miles, only flaw was the transmission fluid had been contaminated by the lack of knowledge at jiffy lube, I purchased the montero sport and replaced the transmission since i have had NO PROBLEMS! it currently has 197,000 miles, The only thing i have done since is change the motor oil and she is still running strong! I would give it a 5 star rating! I absolutely love my Montero Sport and sad Mitsubishi has stopped making them! =(

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  Love it! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By meggiemay - January 2 - 11:25 am

  I purchased a 2012 Outlander Sport with 12,000 miles on it a little over a month ago, upgrading from a 06 Cobalt Coupe. All I can say is that I absolutely love this car and have no regrets making the purchase. I read every possible review on the vehicle I could find before making the purchase, so I thought it would be helpful to post my thoughts on the car. Overall I feel like a got a affordable yet reliable SUV with all the features of a more "luxury" brand.

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  Mitsubishi... I love you. - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LeAnna - January 2 - 2:16 am

  I could not understand buying this car in anything but manual. It allows you to get every ounce of power out of the 120 hp engine. The OZ, spec wise, is just a base Evo so it is great for a tuner car. For all ages looking for something peppy and sporty without having to compromise comfort. This car has provided enough room to fit two 6 adult males in the back comfortably for a road trip. Turning radius: this car can turn circles without the inside tire leaving its place. Performance is definitely a 10 for the power out of the small engine and the great handling and soundness on the road. Fairly quiet drive.