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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  POOR PAINT JOB! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bob - August 19 - 3:00 am

  I like my Mitsubishi Galant but the paint on the roof and hood rusted out after only two years. Otherwise I love the car!

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  Great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Frank Trobirdge - August 18 - 12:00 pm

  I love this SUV. I drive it 30,000 miles a year and has 95K on it now and still runs like new. I have used it to haul my small camper and have really abused this car, but it continues to work like a dream. While its design is pretty extreme, it allows the car to look as new and trendy as the other crossovers being released today. I will keep this thing forever if I can, and if it dies, it am so pleased I am likely to go out and purchase another Outlander.

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  Old and Steady - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Diane Bloom - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is second mitsubish. I owned. Minor problems on interior after 1st year, i.e. plastic parts not fitting. Internal air filter disentegrated after 5 years of ownership. Replaced brakes twice on front, battery 2x already and all tires once. Has high miles now and still works well, though a timing belt may be its next repair need. Tape deck and horn died last year as well as interior vanity light and trunk light. Love the Homelink system. Good maneuverability in tight places. Still can get over 80 mph quickly. Is squishy with one infant seat in center and another next to it. Good visibility- few blind spots. Still reliable car.

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  My first new car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Deborahp - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my mitsu. Dont see a lot of GTZs, in fact I had to purchase mine in a different state. This was the most car for the money and of course the special financing of 0.9. I have to buy a new one now as I need to give this one to my daughter, but I cant find anything to compare with all this had to offer, except another mitsu.

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  outlander rocks - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Brandon Terrill - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The outlander is the bestcar Ive been in that I had!!!

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  Great SUV...the only caveat - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rerg - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the vehicle...the only caveat is that the automatic transmission really needs another gear (5th) as the engine rpms run about 3000 at 60 mph...might account for the lower than expected gas mileage. Otherwise, its a real pleasure to drive...very stable and strong feeling vehicle. A total wiz on snow/ice covered roads!

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  Nice Car, but watch for DEALER TRICKS - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By hav2boys - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car under the Mitsubishi 0/0/0 promotion. We were promised zero down. That was true. We were promised zero payments for one year. This was not true. In actuality we only received 6 months no payments. We were promised zero % interest for 1 year. This is not true. We actually received zero financing for five months. We were told that we would be able to refinance this car. Not true. The blue book is so low compared to what is owed no bank will even look twice at it. Be very weary. These deals are only there to help THEM SELL YOU CARS. They dont care about you in the least. TRUST US.

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  exciting drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By schumacher - August 18 - 2:00 am

  my mitsu is titanium w/sunroof and infinity sound which i find to be ok. i get lots of stares because this car just plain looks bad ass. and it is if you can handle a clutch and shifter in a racer fashion . i can rip a 7 second 0-60 and 15.2 1/4 mile. however i wish mitsu would have distanced itself from other cars of this type by offering a 230 hp, 235 lb.ft torque engine. it would have been the smart thing to do in order to draw people away from competitors such as acura and toyota.

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  Great Value - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dan255 - August 17 - 8:50 am

  Edmunds review of this vehicle is REALLY harsh. I test drove many other mid-sized sedans including the Camry, before I purchased my 2010 Galant. A 2010 Camry with close to 20k miles on it would have cost me the same as the brand new 2010 Galant I purchased, with 12 miles. I got a brand new 2010 left over Galant for just over 17k. The sticker price is close to 23k for this vehicle. You will not find a new Camry or Accord out there for anywhere close to this price. For the price the Galant is a great value. I would not pay 5k more for a Camry or Accord, I think the Galant is very close in quality after driving all of them.

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  Very, Very, Very Nice Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Girlie - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice comfortable, firm, sturdy, solid and smooth riding SUV. Excellent on long trips. Stereo system is awesome. Rear passengers would be more comfortable if the rear seats could recline some. Some road noise and please dont open just the two rear windows, it will really hurt your ears. Otherwise, very satisfied.