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:

• 

  Good, but not great - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Zakko - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over a year now. I didnt buy this car to race it and my driving style is actually pretty conservative. Problems Ive had in the past year: Clutch was completely replaced at 14,000 miles at MY expense; the sunroof is CRAP, it has a mind of its own and will open and close depending on its mood; the factory tires are CRAP... I had to have mine replaced at 12,000 miles because two of them had large bubbles in the sidewalls; the brakes are crap. At 10,000 miles, I had to have the rotors turned. If youre considering buying this car, I HIGHLY recommend you go to www.neweclipse.org and www.deadeclipse.com to read up on it.

• 

  Consumer Ratings have more value - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By lovemycar - October 30 - 1:30 pm

  I love my Galant. Its stylish, nice looking interior. Great on gas. Had it for over 2 years now and still love driving it! I usually get sick of cars quickly, not this one, not yet anyway.

• 

  Love the SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jan kenngott - October 27 - 6:40 am

  this is the first time i have ever owned an SUV, ive tried several SUVs but i would rate this one the best on the road. Ive been a long time and loyal consumer to Mitsubishi. The Endeavor not only handles well it has a lot of style and class! The room in it is unbelievable. I have a son who is over 5"9 at 16 and still has a lot of leg room left. So if i was asked if I would ever own another Endeavor i wouldnt hesate! No other SUV can compare.

• 

  bad ass - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By turbogs - October 25 - 2:00 am

  this is my second one the first one i had was a 95 and i think there great cars the only problem is not enough of power but thats what the turbo kits are for

• 

  Money Trap - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Just say no - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Thinking this would be the alternative to an expensive SUV, what you save in $$ initially over a Grand Cherokee or land Rover you will pay for in Maintenance. Went through Brake Rotors 5 times. We only drove it 10k a year. 3 of these were before the car had 12,000 miles. Very noisey, rough handeling steering very rough. Felt very tinny, not sturdy. For a truck you would think it would be able to handle a small pothole without sounding like it was going to fall apart!

• 

  Ladiez love it - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By djdluzion68 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Galant in 2002....not a good idea, at first glance. However, this is possibly one of the most stylish, well designed vehicles in the class. A comparably equipped Accord or Camry is at least $4,000-5,000 more, and both are arguably more conservative..... I can drive this car, have enough passing power, get awesome gas mileage (w/ K&N air filter), and not break my bank.... And best of all, every female I know has commented on how it lookz....maybe it is a poor manz BMW, but being in the Air Force, I am a POOR man..... cant complain at all!!!!

• 

  I love this car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By kjenning - October 24 - 10:00 am

  If you can find something wrong with this car then there jmust be something wrong with you. A little more power woudl be nice, but it gets me moving as fast as the law allows in short order. I have been supremely impressed with this vehicle. The other cars in its price range that I test drove were deplorable. This car is a real class act and is beating out my 72 porsche as my most fun car to drive! Now thats saying something!

• 

  Incredible Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Andrew Ciccolella - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have the OZ Racing Edition, and it is incredible. The clutch is so smooth, and its performance is great. It is loaded with extras for such a low price.

• 

  Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jo - October 21 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car needing something with low miles, good gas mileage, but with more room (I am a horse person so I needed cargo space for my equipment). I looked at all the usual crossovers (Escape, Rav4, CRV, etc) and found they were either too expensive, or did not get good enough gas mileage. I found the Outlander, test drove 2, and fell in love with it. I have never owned an automatic, so it took some getting used to, but I am happy with the pickup and passing ability on the highway. Gas mileage is great- Ive consistently been getting 27 mpg going 80 all the time on highway. This car is a great value for the money- great options, safe, reliable, great gas mileage, and not boring!

• 

  So You Want To Know What a 2000 Galant Can Do - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By joed99 - October 20 - 10:27 pm

  Bought my Mitz Galant in late 2000. Retiring my Galant in late 2012. Mileage.... 273,000 (YEP 273K). THIS CAR WAS A BUY ! !! After driving so many miles, in so many different weather conditions, with so many cargo runs (Kayaks, Bikes, Skies, ) this car has NEVER let me down. How? Great mechanic, keeping with the timing belt maintenance schedule, changing the oil. So since she has been such a great car, I would say it is time to retire her even though she still starts EVERY time, no hesitation, no stalling. If only we could all have someone or something so reliable. Only one problem that ALL you Old Timer Galant owners know... WHERES MY HUB CAP ? ? ?