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:

• 

  2004 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By 2004 Endeavor - August 24 - 4:53 pm

  Great car, awesome performance, feel very safe and secure. Fuel economy is moderate. We have 86,000 miles with without any major problems. Steering column noise at 25,000 miles, dealer replaced under warranty. Interior minor plastic parts have broken off and dash board windshield vent has warped. Overhead cam oil distribution causing cam to temporarily ping during cold weather start up <50 degrees. Overall, very satisfied customers.

• 

  Great car - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Myfirstreview - August 23 - 10:46 pm

  This car was purchased in 2003, It now has 140,000 miles on it. After about 130,000k, it started to burn a little oil at high rpms, guess this is kinda my fault for always driving like a maniac and always in a hurry.. Anyways, now, if i keep it at low rpms the engine is fine, I havent had any problems with the transmission, heater and a/c works great.. Has been in two wrecks and this car holds up really well, regular maintenance and good driving habits this car will last a LONG time.. I mean, nothing is broken, it all works fine, and is what, 8 years old with 140k miles on it, great buy!

• 

  Japanese BMW!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Tim Zdrale - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my 2002 Diamante LS! I consider this automobile to be a real bargain!! The car looks good, rides well and is quality made! A good combo Japanese design and Austrailian built! I plan to keep the car so resale is not an issue and it is a keeper! I have every option I could want in a car! Japanese BMW? You better believe it!

• 

  Underappreciated compact car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By keithu - August 23 - 2:00 am

  We looked for a good compact car and that is exactly what we found. The interior is sized like a mid-size sedan; adults are comfortable in the front or back. The trunk holds camping gear for a family of four. Fuel economy is in the low 30s highway, upper 20s in town. I think the Lancer gets a bad rep for performance, given the flashy exterior of the OZ Rally Edition. While it is not a true performance car it handles reasonably well and has plenty of power for passing on rural two-lane roads where we drive most. The car is 100% reliable and easy to maintain.

• 

  Absolute Favorite - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mjkj - August 22 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased this car about 5 days ago after reading numerous reviews and having a friend who currently owns one. I have it say it is great car. I also have a 06 Dodge Stratus that is horrible on gas and bucks on the road when you pass the second gear, so this is a great step up!

• 

  Car with the Spirit - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Eugene - August 22 - 9:40 am

  I do not have any problems with this car after driving 12000 miles.

• 

  2000 Mitsubishi Mirage 4 Dr - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Mitsubishi - August 21 - 9:50 am

  Im not certain as to how i feel about my car right now. I just bought it. So far it runs good. Im concerned if i was to hasty in buying a car. I really didnt want to make car payments. The car dealer seem very trustworthy and honest.

• 

  Explore other options - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jeremy - August 20 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car new and recently my car was tied up at a dealership for 4.5 mo. for an input shaft bearing that failed, ruining my input shaft seal, clutch and burned my flywheel. NONE WAS COVERED UNDER THE 10yr/100,000mile powertrain warranty you are supposed to get with the vehicle! The interior is easily marked, scratched. Cheap materials on panels and dash. Gauges are accurate, suspension is ok, Ive driven better, and worse for stock. Wheel well gap looks a little funny unless you lower the car or larger rims. I would advise looking at other options or be aware of possible bills with this car. hope this helps.

• 

  Navigation System for 2010 - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Hank - August 20 - 12:33 pm

  I am very disappointed in the Navigation System with the 2010 Endeavor which still has 2006 MAP DVD in a 2010 car. How can you call a car 2010 when you have 2006 parts in it? I phoned their head office in California asking when they will get an update but their reply was that they have not determined when the new map will be done. The dealer agreed to buy a new one once it gets in but no one can tell me when that will happen. You would need to decide whether to spend the extra money for 2006 Navigation System on your new 2010 Car. Beside that 2010 Endeavor is a great car to drive.

• 

  Pure Passion - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TB Hart - August 20 - 5:53 am

  The exterior style of this vehicle is a stopper, inch for inch, its sleek and impressive lines has on more than I care to count explicit compliments from ladies and strangers on the street. The performance of this machine is so fantastic. When one needs power, there is more than one could hope for in a smaller vehicle. I have an automatic and can burn rubber when I punch it at 25 miles per hour. One minor downside is its blind spot, but the mirrors are well designed to compensate. When one sits in this car and turns on the dynamic sound system, one feels as if one is truly "one" with the vehicle. I love driving on winding, country roads..this baby hugs the pavement.