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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  Still a great car after all these year (and miles) - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bruce B - September 25 - 12:56 am

  Most reviewers here only had a few thousand miles on their Lancers when they wrote them. Im a little different: Bought my 05 O-Z Rally used in 2012 with nearly 160,000 miles on it. Knew very little about Mits cars and sort of held my breath because, well, it had 160K miles on it. Five years and 55,000 more miles later, Ive never breathed easier with a car. Just passed 215K and it still runs almost flawlessly. Not as powerful as a Ralliart, apparently, but I DID hit 108 MPH shortly after buying it and couldve gone faster. Gets about 31 MPG on highways, 26-17 MPG in town. Engines a little noisy, but not bad for a 4-banger. Good stereo system, better after I put a Pioneer deck on. Lots of interior room, especially in front, with comfy seats. Ive never had a real problem with it and its a nice LOOKING car on top of that. Considering how I was sort of rolling the dice when I bought it, Im not sure Ive ever had a better, more reliable car (and believe me, Ive had quite a few). Ive been holding off on buying a truck simply because I cant imagine any of them will run better than this one. Why try fixing something that isnt broken?

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  Shouldve Bought a Honda - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By w360 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Ill admit it, I got suckered in to the Mitsubishi 0%/0 down/0 payments campaign. I should have waited to get a Honda Accord. The car (4cyl)looks great and has good oomph when you step on the gas. Had to replace the tires at 35K mile and brake rotors needed repaired at 50K mile and now again at 54K. Materials used are cheap and has adequate fit and finish. Its no Honda, but live and learn. Depreciates faster than an Olympic sprinter.

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  My Titanium Dream! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By missa122584 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car on April 30th 2003. I had many problems with the dealership in finalizing the purchase but when I finally got my car it was suddenly all worth it! I have had no problems with it so far (knock on wood). Everyone I know absolutly adores it! The only complaint I have got is from my basketball playing friends, "there is not enough head & leg room in the backseat"!

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Travis - September 24 - 6:53 am

  Ive had this car for 2.5 years now, and its still a blast. I definitely recommend it to others if they are looking for an affordable sports car.

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  Very Pleased... - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By xcell - September 24 - 2:30 am

  I am having a blast with my new Outlander. After months and months of research for a compact SUV this has been a perfect buy. I have almost 4,000 miles on it and it has performed flawlessly.

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  Amazing New Redesigned Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By hgarmarr - September 20 - 5:06 am

  Excellent driving performance, good road handling. Stylish looks and very comfortable interiors. Very useful features.

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  EVO-light - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By go4broke89 - September 19 - 3:56 pm

  The lancer ES CVT is an EVO look-alike with average capabilities. It comes with almost everything you need for the daily commute and has some room for the occasional spirited driving. The limited trunk space gives room for 3 laundry baskets. Rear seat room is decent. Car feels heavier, yet agile and nimble. Responsive engine sounds good, but CVT is loud and leaves you wanting/wishing for more. Acceleration is average. Handling and suspension is above average: light and neutral with quick turn-in. Understeer can be dangerous when entering corners too fast. Fuel economy is average, combined 30mpg +/-2.

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  Mitsubishi Galant 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By LukePackersFan - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a good solid automobile with good handling. I would advise the GTZ model however, as the V-6 is probably one of the most enjoyable features.

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  I love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Linda Dorsey - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I went out to trade in my ford van in July. I was looking at a GMC Envoy. And when I went to the Mitsubishi in Chattanooga I saw the endeavor and I really liked it. So I test drove the Envoy and the Endeavor. I really like the Endeavor. The sells person told me it was knew out this year and that the ratings were good. I liked the way the vehicle looked and drove, and the way that the inside looked. I love it.

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  Amazing SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Steve Ghazal - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Im so impressed with SUV .. MItsubishi is goin on the right way.. you Must get an Endeavor