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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  Wait and See - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Wscott - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Aalue and performance are great but I think the XLS should have come with separate climate, rear air and heating controls. There is a recall on transaxle bolts. Some need the computer system to be reprogramed. Mine fell into that category. The symptom was the transmission slipping and hesitating going from reverse to forward. After the computer was reprogrammed there was still a slight hesitation, but after a couple of days of driving now, seems to be smoothing out. One last note... I was jerked around a bit getting this service done and I saw others complaining about two different dealerships. Maybe its a local problem but getting good warranty service might be a problem.

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  My Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By lchhan - April 14 - 11:56 pm

  My Blue Eclipse GS model is not bad for those looking to drive and have fun at the same time. It is really nice around the corners and it has a smooth ride. It gets peoples attention when crusing the streets. Also, the guages are really nice to look at when checking your speed. The seats are comfy, too.

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  Great buy - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By truck man06 - April 13 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my raider for a few months now and love it. Got it for 10,400, great price and it does great. The v8 has more than enough power and the payload is great. I had 18 90 lbs bags of concrete in the back, 3 separate times! Didnt even bottom out. Truck is clean and interior is plasticky so its easy to clean. Can fit my 3 18 year old buddies in the back with plenty of room, and my 66" 260lb dad fits fine in it. The bed is a little short, and the worst part, the fuel economy. I only drive around town and the 22 gallon tank goes 200 plus miles. Would do better on the highway, but around town the mpg is bad. Great truck overall!

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  Best Vehicle For The Money Ever! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jja006 - April 12 - 7:20 am

  The 2008 Lancer is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven! I was one of the lucky few that was able to purchase one of the very first GTS with nav and tech package, sun sound, full load! I have waited ever since I saw the concept online. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who enjoys a great value for the money, and look great doing it!

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  A lemon turned to lemonade - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By EFL - April 12 - 5:16 am

  I bought it new and had minor problems to start (the liner around the sunroof kept popping out). It is still not right to this day BUT, what a great car it turned out to be. I put over 207,000 miles on it with just regular maintenance and upkeep. But the one time I didnt do what I should have (change timing belt), wouldnt you know it, thats what blew. So now its in the shop and Im not expecting good news. The engine is probably shot. But up to its last day it was driving great, getting 28-29 mpg and no issues. I got more than a few tire changes, brakes, normal wear and tear but overall I was very happy with it.

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  robs ride - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By tgtgtgtg - April 12 - 2:00 am

  The purpose of this vehicle was to buy something economically efficient for the purpose of driving back and forth to work from Ohio to Indiana. It really has been a great little car!

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  The best Limo in the US - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By johnywiz - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Although I get strange looks in the Limo lot at OHare Airport this car is proving to be a great alternative limousine to the generic Lincoln. Not only is it a great drive but,as my customers keep telling me, it is a great ride. I bought the ES and had the dealer installed leather option. Fit is great but one of the door trims is not up to scratch. However it has been a no quibble replacement. 100% reliable and drives exactly the same whether empty or fully loaded which suggests that it was engineered with integrity. Every day a passenger leaves my Diamante with the intention of putting it on their new car shopping list. I wish I was on commission!

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  Its been a joyride! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By missarin - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased mine used May 2001. It came with 20K miles on it and I have put about 14K more on it in the past year and 9 months. I have had no internal problems with this car. For some reason, I have busted about 4 tires in that time period, but I doubt that is car related. Just odd b/c it never happened with any other car I have had. But its a lot of fun to drive - great pick up. It too has the 205 HP (didnt realize the HP was cut back to 200). Of course, its also very snazzy looking. And its been quite reliable.

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  Spoiled Corn - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Cynara - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my Eclipse has been absolutely wonderful! Its a wonderful car look wise , performance wise, oh my just everything about it is absolutely awsome! I cant go anywhere without getting awsome complements on it.

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  Solid Choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By michelle - April 11 - 8:23 pm

  The Galant is a fun, competent, reliable ride to the Accord and Camry, plus less expensive. I bought my 2004 Galant in November of 2008 and have not had any issues since, other than regular maintenance (brakes, oil, tires, etc). It has all the bells & whistles u can get on used car for less - sunroof, leather seats, seat warmers, etc. Max Madsen also has great service coupons as well as great service! If you cant have your dream car (Honda, Acura), go with the Galant.