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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  Loved This Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By webmaiden - July 9 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car brand new in 8-00. I have never had a minutes trouble except one time when the battery died. Other than that, I kept up with the normal maintenance, including oil changes, filters, tire rotations, tranny flush, timing belt, etc. I absolutely loved this car. I had it until the other day when a car ran a red light and I hit it. The airbags deployed and I walked away without a scratch. The car, however, suffered more damage than it was worth. I was very upset about having to give it up. Id probably buy another Eclipse, but would definitely upgrade. P.S. I got a great insurance settlement!

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  There is MORE to this car than you think - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Adam - July 6 - 12:30 pm

  This is a great alternative to the others in its class. Awesome looks, great handling & it is pretty quiet. The ride is very good on the expressway, but around town on less than average roads, it tends to buck a bit. The hatch offers more space than the sedan. But IMO, the taillights are the biggest let down VS. the sedans. The CVT is for the people who want mileage over performance. You can play with the paddle shifters & NEVER have to worry about over-revving the engine. It still steps out nicely, but you wont win any drag races off the line. My mileage has been for the highway doing 70-80: 29.3 mpg & keeping a solid 55 MPH pace I get usually over 35. Around town I normally get about 25

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  Gas Hog - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Andrew - July 5 - 5:13 pm

  I didnt buy the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant, mine was just a long-term rental while my car was recovering from an accident and waiting for parts, etc. It is a nice car, but the seats dont have much for lumbar support, even the drivers seat. There is plenty of legroom though (Im 62") and the power was nice. I was disappointed that my 1996 Saturn SL2 gets a whopping 10+ more MPG than this newer sedan. I wouldnt buy it for that reason alone. It only churned out 17-20 MPG depending on my ratio of city / highway driving.

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  Mitsu Review - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jpatulak - July 5 - 5:40 am

  Except for the gas mileage - way below advertised figures - this has been a great car. The AWD is best feature - the vehicle is excellent in snow and ice - teamed with the standard Yokohama Geolander tires the vehicle has super traction in adverse weather. The interior is well designed for driver comfort & ease. The only amenities it is lacking are heated outside mirrors and cross bars on the roof . The dealer service, so far, has been excellent.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Glenn Gliponeo - July 5 - 5:20 am

  I love driving. Getting behind the wheel, blasting a great stereo, feeling real power when you press the accelerator at the turn of a green light, and knowing you wont tip over when you make a sharp turns. The Endeavor is perfect. It has all the power of a Porche (I know, its sounds like an exaggeration, but just drive one...youll see), the roominess of a bus (now theres the real exaggeration), the feel of a space ship, and the stereo system! Man, that stereo just simply rocks! It is clear, cool, easy to operate, has crisp tones, and great acoustics all around. Overall, this vehicle is a 100 on a 10-point scale. Getting an SUV? Drive this!

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  Not the Greatest, Not the Worst - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By okeedokee - July 4 - 6:00 pm

  This is not the best nor the worst car I have ever owned. I have had many issues with rattles one in the rear suspension. Also, the check engine light came on with a misfire. The dealer is still trying to find one more rattle (possibly in the tail light). I love driving it and its nice to look at, but I hate having to take it in every few 1,000 miles. The dealership has been helpful in resolving the issues.

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  The best - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By THE BEST - July 4 - 4:00 pm

  At time of purchase we lived at 3800 feet in a ski resort and operated an inn. This vehicle served all purposes very well. In 42,972 miles I used 2529 gallons of 87 octane gasoline. That figures almost 17 mpg overall. Large moon roof was super for photography standing in rear seat area.

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  very satisfied - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By buckstalker - July 3 - 6:25 pm

  My wife found this car for my son. It had 100k miles on it. It was the first car I bought with 100k miles. My son has been traveling back and forth from college with this car and its been a very reliable car NO PROBLEMS. We have had the car now 4 years and its hasnt cost a penny for maintenance other than normal oil changes and such.

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  sad but true - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mamiya - July 3 - 10:46 am

  Had the car since Feb 08 and finding too many little things that bother me every time I drive it! Should have rented one first for a week before purchase.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Galant ES - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DeeDee - June 30 - 9:36 pm

  I have not had any problems with my 2006 Mitsubishi Galant ES so far. It idles a little low for my tastes, at about 500 rpm though. 750 rpm would "feel" more stable. Also, it will not take you long to dislike the silver trim around the radio/heater console. It shows a very bad reflection in your windshield. It seems like I constantly am staring at this reflection in my windshield, does anyone else notice this?