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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  Fun and sporty, but needs help - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rc - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Windshield is loud (blowing wind sound) at highway speeds, gas mileage ahs to be lower than mpg (18/22) listed

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  Dont buy this car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EricH - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This car was fun for about the first month. Then, it started falling apart a the seams. There are so many dash rattles and interior clunks and noises that I dont even drive this car anymore. Shifting is clumsy due to a poorly adjusted clutch. The engine weakens significantly with age. The handling could use work as well, cornering dynamics change badly with throttle changes. Ive heard rust is also a problem, especially along structural seams in the engine compartment. This car was not worth the 22k I paid for it.

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  A Great Fun Foundation to build on - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PCC - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Solid ride, positive feel in the stearing , great responce from sport- tronic shift and automatic trans Good breaking distance, handles snow, water and potholes better than expected.

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  Bad News - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By al acosta - June 17 - 2:00 am

  The day after i bought the vehicle, it started to make a screatching noise and the front passenger seat began to rattle. i took the vehicle to the service dept and they did not know what was wrong with it. Two engineers from Mits had to respond to the dealership to investigate. The dealer/service dept recently called me and said they need to replace my transmission but the service rep did not sound convincing that was indeed the problem. as far as the seat goes, they replaced the seat rail with a new one and it still is making the noise. I will never buy a Mitsubishi again...

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  Great SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Mitsuman - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I have an old Mitsubishi Montero that has 174,000 miles. I was so amazed with its performance bought the New 2002. Im sure Ill get the same performance if not better. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is quiet comfortable and has power when you get on the freeway you move. No Dogs here when it comes to engine performance.

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  My Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kelly - June 16 - 1:13 pm

  I had my Lancer for about two years. I thought I would get good gas mileage, but I only got about 24 mpg on the highway. Furthermore, I was in a rear end collision and over $10,000 in damage was done just in body damage, the inside frame of the car did not hold up. This is not a safe car...

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  07 Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pitt4 - June 16 - 1:03 pm

  Have only had the car for a week now but am extremely happy I made the decision to buy this vehicle. Reliability is yet TBD, but Im confident this ones a keeper.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Frank jones - June 15 - 5:52 pm

  I bought mine in 2012 with 127,000 miles, still runs amazing! No major repairs on it by us or the previous owners. Only problem weve had is the air conditioning leaking back into the car but was quickly fixed by the dealer. Does excellent in snow/ice!

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  Amazing!!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jessica Miller - June 14 - 9:33 am

  This car is one of the most amazing cars for the price it is. Mitsubishi really delivered, this car is so much fun to drive and have. I love to be seen in it and all. If you have the chance to get this car, do it you will not regret it at all.

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  Nightmare - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By NoMaaM - June 14 - 6:43 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante. The last one is the famous heater core leakage problem. Just google for "Diamante heatercore" and you will see It is a known problem and Mitsubishi knows about it but is not doing anything. This problem costs $700 - $900 to repair or you will be poisoned inhaling antifreeze. Also, the 60,000 mile service costs $1,500 for a car not worth even $9,000. I will never purchase a Mitsuibishi again.