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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  2009 Mitsubishi Galant Sport Edition - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TornPrince013 - December 22 - 8:33 am

  This is a fantastic car! I cant complain about anything at all. Ive never liked a car as much as I like this one; its fierce!

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  2003 Mitsubishi Galant is a great car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Texas driver - December 22 - 8:26 am

  I bought this car new after having bad experiences with American brands. It was roomier than Honda Accord and less expensive than Toyota Camry. I bought leather, automatic, power options, sunroof. Got the extended warranty but didnt need it! Have had very little trouble, it has been dependable and easy to own. I would recommend it to anyone needing a dependable inexpensive comfortable car. I am planning to sell mine to my sister because I want her to have a great car. MPG averages 25.

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  Gonna keep it - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ralifan - December 22 - 2:13 am

  I bought this car after test driving a Mazda3, and found the Mitsubishi roomier, more fun to drive, and with more comfortable seats. And the color (phoenix red) is as close as I wished. So far, no problems at all. Its still a lot of fun, the engine has plenty of torque just from launch - basically, it can be driven in 4th and 5th in the city, except traffic lights. The Infinity audio is about as much as you can stand in a car (315 watts with subwoofer) and the sound quality is great, though I prefer to listen to the exhaust sound - the best sound I ever heard from a 4 cyl., especially if not revved over 4000 rpm. I havent tested the new GTS yet, Id wait for the new Ralliart.

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  Economical & Surprising 4L - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By M. Planas - December 21 - 7:26 pm

  Looking for an inexpensive used four cylinder sedan, came across the Mitsubishi Galant. I was most impressed with the suspension and interior comfort. This is as good as it gets for your money.

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  BEST TRUCK EVER!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! - December 21 - 5:50 am

  I shopped around for about a month or so for a few Ford Trucks . I went by accident by the Mitsubishi lot because I was driving around the auto mall and saw the Endeavor and there was only two left, I drove it and was like WOW this drives just like a car I do go on occasional trips and its great. It has every thing I could ask for great sound great ride . beautiful interior and decent gas mileage for the size. I would recommend this car to anyone , and if i ever get another car it will be a Mitsubishi for sure.

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  6 months into owning a 2016 iMiEV - 2016 Mitsubishi I-MiEV
  By Barry L - December 19 - 11:00 pm

  iMiEV is a basic modest simple vehicle, what were used to (we also own a Toyota Yaris). Good for local travel, not long distance, although it does also have the 30 min. fast-charge port, if one wants to try for longer distances using public charging stations. Be aware that frequent fast charges age the battery faster - true for all lithium-battery EVs. Range: During warmer weather, actual range on local roads is about 80-85 miles, and the range-remaining gauge seems accurate, although its calculation is based on the last 15 min. of driving. Highway speed mileage is less, about 64 miles - and thats the official EPA range. In hot weather, using the A/C may lop about 10 miles off the range, but often it can be run intermitttently. In colder weather, the range drops, and if one is using the heater and defrost, this could be a 30-40% range loss. A 12V heated travel blanket is a good battery saver addition for winter driving. Driving the car into very low battery state triggers a turtle-shaped dash light, and reduced performance to save power. Ive driven about 5 miles "on the turtle" one time, when the onset of cold weather reduced my range more than expected on a 60 mile run, and the battery gauge reached empty. I did get home however. As for drivability, highways feel fine at 65-70 mph. On local roads, it handles a bit like a go-cart, and is fun to drive. It has very good pickup: the motor is directly coupled to the wheels. This car will take almost any other in a jack-rabbit start at a traffic light. Another plus: the car is QUIET. Unlike gas engines, which are powered by internal explosions, electric motors just hum. "Refueling" - We charge it overnight at 120V household, 12A, using the charger that came with it. I find the seats comfortable. Front seats are heated. Biggest negative is the poor safety rating of the rear seats. Yes, looks a bit different. So what? As far as reliability, so far so good. Dont forget theres a $7500 federal tax credit (assuming you have taxes to at least that amount.) There was a $2500 Massachusetts credit also. Brand new electric car for $15K. Beat that!

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  WassuP! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MrX - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the most fun and reliable car I ever owned. I didnt think I would have bought the car until I test drove it. Once I test drove the car I knew I had to buy it. What a great investment. Two words... Test Drive!

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  Where did my paint go?? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By happyinIA - December 17 - 2:06 pm

  Ive had my GT for just over four years now, and I absolutely love it! Its SOO much fun to drive and definitely turns heads. The only thing is, mines turning heads for all the wrong reasons. Within a year of buying my black GT the paint started to fade, and is now almost completely gone. Ive called dealers to check about paint recalls and there arent any, but since buying my car Ive seen many many other black ones with the same paint loss as mine. Other than the vanishing paint Ive never had to do a single thing other than routine maintenance (oil changes etc). This is a very fun car, looks great inside and out and gets surprisingly decent gas mileage. I cant wait to buy the new model!

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  I Love my New Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Roachie - December 17 - 10:40 am

  I was trying to decide between etting a new Honda Civic Si and the Eclipse. They both have about the same specs, although, the Eclipse is a much sexier car, much more of a "sports" car then a "Honda." I love the Eclipse and I am so glad that I bought the it over the Honda. I have enjoyed driving it, staring at it and owning it! I made a great choice!

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  decent 4th car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By daddy-danny - December 17 - 12:43 am

  Overall, I love my car. I hear these bad reviews on it here and there, but overall, the car has power. It is semi-comfortable, soft seats, easy to drive, nice body, and great responsiveness on the road. Gas isn’t too good though, but it is sitting on 20” chrome rims which left the tire place to have to lift the car. I say Im getting 16-18 mpg! Whatever you do, if you want to save gas, stay with stock. But it is a great car. It’s a car that can be for both male and female, unlike the 2006 sentra! Guys, do not buy that, you will be considered a female! Another issue is how fast the resale price goes down on Kelly blue book!