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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  Endeavor Unlimited - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By s wittman - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle to drive. Has reliable feel and user friendly in terms of accessories. Also very good appearance. Ample outlets for power needs.

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  GALANT: The most unique and fun sedan - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GetSmartAgnt86 - November 19 - 9:00 am

  I am in love with my new car. I bought my 2005 Mitsubishi Galant GTS for many reasons. First, and most importantly, the price was within my price range. Second, it is a great car to drive. I test drove almost every other car in its class, including the Camry and Accord, and the Galant drove much smoother with better handling and performance. I love the V6 engine. It is very powerful. Third, I love the styling. The look of the new Galant is head and shoulders above pre-2004 models and above the Camry, Accord, and any other 4 door sedan for the same price. In short, I am very happy with my purchase and I look forward to many exciting miles of road ahead.

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  Worth the money - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Keith - November 17 - 10:53 pm

  I absolutely love my Lancer GTS because it is wicked nice looking and really just a blast to drive. However, I heard about the paint wearing around the back tires prior to buying it so I decided Id get the mud guards and keep it real clean even in the winter. I would never let too much salt cake on it and yet I still see the paint fading there. COME ON MITSUBISHI! I also noticed the speaker covers vibrate a bit excessively though I do like the sound system. All in all Id still highly recommend this car I would just suggest it in white or silver so you dont notice the paint wear as much.

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  Checqued out Outlander-Good Choice - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JMErbrick1980 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The other day I went to look at the Outlander, since I needed a larger vehicle. My first impressions were for the most part positive, but would have been more positive, had Mitsubishi added the Galant V6 as an option. A little underpowered, but overall a good choice.

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  5600 miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Raymond - November 17 - 2:00 am

  At almost 6000 miles the Outlander is still impresing me. Power to spair on hills and on the ice mountains sure footed like a cat. this is a great car at a great price.

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  A Great Competitor! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Amelia - November 16 - 2:50 am

  Ive had my XLS about a month and a half now, and I love it. Its fun to drive and runs very nicely. Compared to others in the same car segment, this one is the clear winner as far as Im concerned. Toyota and Honda dont offer as much at this price level, and to boot, I think the Outlander is a good-looking car, especially with the 18" wheels and LED tail lights which are normally found in higher-priced vehicles. Mitsubishis attempt to include a 3rd-row seat is the only big minus I find with this car.

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  Super, Super Touring Coupe - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Senior Citizen : ) - November 15 - 8:20 pm

  Best Sports/Touring Coupe 4 the $. Not a Performance Car, but it does have decent performance/economy for a 4 cyl 162 HP Engine & the 5speed transmission is smooth. Average 25 city & highest MPG was 34 Hwy w/o using A/C. I usually trade once a year, but Im keeping this one. It has a few limitations, but for your $ investment, you cant go wrong if you are looking for a great touring coupe with a super warranty & features. Ive owned a Honda Si, Nissans, Toyotas, Corvettes, and for the money spent, this is the one I enjoy the most. Test drive one, & you will want one also. Enjoy your highways of life more, in an Eclipse. : ) You get more then you pay for in a Eclipse.

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  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jsmith - November 13 - 2:43 am

  I bought this car July of last year, and have been very happy. Its just a base model but has all the features I could need (power, air, remote). My previous car was a Honda Accord, which I loved but I couldnt afford to buy another one at that point. I have to say this car is very similar to my Accord. It has nice acceleration, handling, and I actually like it more than I thought I would. The best part is that I have not had to fix it once all year, and I have put 25,000 miles on it. I drive a lot and live in a harsh 4-season climate, this car has handled them all well. I really would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for an affordable, reliable car.

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  Runs great after 3 years - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By donutello - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over 3 years now and have yet to have anything break down or quit working on me. So far the only times Ive had to take it to the shop has been for oil changes and new tires after I had a bad blowout.

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  Its Great - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gski - November 11 - 7:13 am

  Just picked up the 08 and theres one word to describe it, WOW! Im impressed. Its my first automatic in over 20 years. Im impressed by the pickup and the paddle shifters still give me that "standard" feeling. Its very roomy both in the front and back.