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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  2 years of Loving it - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By w10ski - June 20 - 4:00 am

  This is my wifes car and she loves it as much as me. Strong engine, great ride, handles like a car, and she loves the no touch AWD. I know she and my boys are safe in any situation. Did I mention it is fun to drive, especially with the auto stick shift!

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  Eclipse GS - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By branta335 - June 17 - 7:03 am

  My 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is tight, reliable, fun, easy to drive, has good fuel economy, a great warranty, and reasonable insurance rates. Its air conditioning runs cool, even here in Phoenix, Arizona. I have found that this car handles well in emergency situations.

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  My Second Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Curt - June 17 - 1:03 am

  I searchd for months before I decided on my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. My 1995 Montie was totaled by a drunk. I was able to get the Limited model which has just enough features for me. I tow with it and use it in the New England snow. I also like that there are not a million of these on the road, at least not in the US.

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  Dissapointed - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By eyerun - June 16 - 5:12 pm

  After my first long road trip in this car I was dissapointed in the comfort of the seats. They are extremely hard. Also the black interior appears to get dusty quickly. Fule economy was not at all what was promised even though I drove it so that the eco light was on as much as possible and I got about 20/25hwy. My dealership experience was also very poor.

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  Something to think about. - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By soaks - June 14 - 8:08 pm

  Ive had 4 other Mitsubishi autos and Ive never had a problem with one of them... I now own Outlander Sport ES. Ive waited 2 months to write this review so that what I say here will not be just enthusiasm that I just purchased a new car So far the crossover SUV has not let me down once for a lot of reasons... 1.16 inch tires will be, in the future, less expensive to replace. 2.I personally feel the basic package for the SUV is a very intelligent way to look at things, less technical devices, less possible issues in the future. 3.The CVT transmission is very smooth and is not loud at all and very advanced including the MPG’s are very economical.

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  2013 Lancer SE AWC - 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By 955imarko - June 14 - 2:49 am

  Bought a new 2013 in June, and have done 15000 trouble free kilometers in the coldest Canadian winter for 50 years! Car is used mainly for longer trips, including trip to Kelowna BC from Manitoba over Christmas. AWC system is excellent, sure footed, and goes through snow when you would not think possible ( winter tyres fitted) I love the flappy paddles to help select the right "gear" for the situation, or for that extra burst of acceleration. Heated seats are fantastic and very comfortable for a 12 hour drive, with plenty of support. The heater system is bionic !! The car looks fresh despite how long the body style has been around, and that big spoiler makes parking easy.

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  Second chance seems good - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By VM - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I was satisfied with my 2001 Diamante LS, but VRX versions tighter suspension and handling make this ride more enjoyable. Interior hasnt changed much, but platinum trim is sharp (except steering wheel is a little cheesy). Getting one without the rear spoiler reduces cheese-factor, also.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By j.campbell - June 6 - 12:36 pm

  For the money, the vehicle is better than a Honda or other comparable vehicles. I will gladly purchase another one in the near future. The one secret that the public is not aware of is its reliability.

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  Crash! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Terry - June 3 - 9:00 pm

  This is my second Eclipse RS, the 1st was a 1999. Unfortunately, I may have to be on to my 3rd. I was hit by an 18-wheeler in the 1st & was hit 2 days ago for the 2nd time in the current. This car is incredible for safety. Despite the fact that I have been hit 3 times, even when the damage was extensive, I walked away. The current one may be totaled, in which case I will go on to a newer model, but my experience with this car leaves me no doubts about its safety - just the invisible "hit me" sign which appears to come with the ones Ive bought. AND, the mileage has been terrific. I avg 27 back & forth to work, and up to 40 on the highway! I LOVE this car!

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  A fun to drive peppy car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Peppy - June 3 - 8:43 am

  Having been owners of Mistubishi cars before and know how reliable they are and how long they last, we decided to get a new 2005 Galant LS. Besides being an eye-catching car which has had many compliments, it is a smooth driving car, roomy, and with its airbags both front and side and a heavy body, it is a safe car. Mitsubishi warranty is fantastic -- 10 years - 3 years of normal routine services (oil, change, rotate tires, etc.). For someone looking for a stylish car that lasts, no one would be disappointed with the Mitsubishi Galants.