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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  This car sucks - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Pali - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Dents VERY easy. Cheap parts.

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  I hate this car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Andrea - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle three years ago. I have one year left before it is is paid off. I have spent at least $10,000 in repairs. I have had to replace the following: clutch, transmission, busted head gasket, radiator, thermostat, clutch cable,stereo and speakers (not a system, just a standard radio),idle control valve, paint due to crappy factory clear coat and rims. The following remain broken on the vehicle: The clock and display system are busted the dashboard is cracked all over the place, the a/c does not work (its gone out twice), the trunk opener is broken, the sunroof is broken and the cover is as well. The trunk wont stay open and the passenger seat adjuster is broken.

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  I Hate This Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Kali - April 1 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased my Mirage seven months ago. I think this car is slow. The interior layout is nice, but is very small. I can only have one passenger with me or it is very uncomfortable. Do not buy this car.

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  Horrible Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Tim Harrison - February 28 - 4:30 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT couldnt be any uglier or cheaply made! Mitsubishi has out done itself again by creating an even uglier car than the last. I bought this car for my wife and it has to be a sign of the end for Mitsubishi. We have had problem after problem with it. The interior is a step up from a Dodge Neon, good luck with this junk.

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  Getting Less Than What You Pay For - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Light4Him - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The Montero Sport LS is a great SUV to LOOK at. This SUV will bottom out with 4 average adults going 70 mph on the Interstate. It does not have the power in a towing application. Dont believe the salesman! Also, it DOES NOT hold a trade value. Our 1 year old LS trade in value is only $13,000. STAY AWAY FROM this SUV.

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  Less for your money - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By shipjumper - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I am tall and muscular and a former full size Bronco owner (a horror story. Perhaps I was spoiled but the Broncos almost perfect interior accomodations. My expensive 2001 3.5XS sucks as far as performance, gas mileage AND most importantly interior. There are no real cruise control controls on the steering wheel except the on/off lever which isnt as good as Fords control system. The drivers seat literally gives me a pain in the behind to the point of being unable to drive for longer than an hour. I am going to dump it because of that pain. It looks great and is very reliable but its the pain that will cause me to dispose it.

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  Mitsubishi Disapointed Me - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Misky - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I loved this vehicle when I first saw it. And that was all that I ever liked about my Mits. Mont. XLS. Out of the dealership... the next day transmission broke and needed a new one.. got jerked around service and finally got a new one... then a week later another transmission.. then CD problems.. mats came undone and noisy. Who designed the drink holder.. "Nice" it covers the stereo completely... "Accidents"... All in all the very worst experince I have ever had with a car.. no wonder they have great incentives.... something to lure new people with! Never will walk past a Mist dealership again...

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  Good riddance - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LVnative - December 26 - 7:03 am

  Could not be happier its gone! The most underpowered vehicle I have ever owned; might as well mow the lawn. This car is a joke; would not buy again; would not recommend to anyone; STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR. Getting rid of this car was the best thing I did! Not comfortable, VERY underpowered!

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  Make sure you have Triple AAA! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ctepedino - December 25 - 8:17 pm

  We bought this car used a little over a year ago. It is a 2001. We drove it very little at first, but since August we have driven it everyday locally. Since August, we have had it towed three times and drove it limping into the garage two times. I have spent about $1500 in repairs. The worst thing is driving it with the anticipation of when will it go out again. The car had about 120,000 miles on it when we bought it. We have put about 11,000 miles on it this year (which is a normal average). Very scary driving knowing you will be stuck at one point or another.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By john - December 7 - 11:20 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new thinking I was getting a good deal since it was the last 03 in town. Well lets see, the catalytic converter has been replaced, as well as they entire air conditioning system-which you can only buy the parts from the dealership. Also the cv-joints have been replaced and I only get 16mpg- combined city and highway. You would think it had 100k plus miles, but I just traded it in with 67k. There was no power, touchy transmission, a super disappointment to drive. I also felt every bump in the road and it was so uncomfortable. Also my partner was 64" and his knees hit the dashboard and he could hardly drive it. It was cramped and a huge disappointment.