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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  Like It, but Wouldnt Buy One Again - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Dan - August 30 - 1:10 pm

  I traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Montero because I wanted something bigger that is good in the snow. Overall, I wish I hadnt. The Montero gets good gas mileage and seems to be reliable so far (I have under 70,000 miles). It has an awful turning radius, the A/C doesnt work and this winter my 4WD stopped working when I needed it most. However, I havent put money into it and its very roomy, which is great for trips with lots of luggage. Also, it doesnt hold its value. I like it, but Id go with a Jeep next time.

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  almost satisfied - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chuck - August 30 - 4:03 am

  Great car to own, well worth the investment. I have 45,000 miles on my 98 have experienced no major problems, and I dont baby my car either. I do drive it hard and fast, in excess of over 100mph at least 5 days a week,and a few miles at a time. I can honestly say it handles great at hi speeds in breaking and cornering. Ive had only minor things go out: motor in power mirror while under warrenty, and drivers side door handle break twice also while under warrenty. I like my eclipse so much I want to trade it in for the 99 GSX - all wheel drive turbo virson which I wish I could have afforded in the begining.

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  Not As Fun As It Looks - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chacha - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought new from dealer. Besides all 4 tires blowing out, no major problems until now. Things in/on dash are starting to wiggle & jiggle, and a $1000.00 clutch problem has developed at 50,000 mi. Is this the beginning of the end? Fun to drive & turns heads, but has also been the target of 2 acts of vandalism and hit & runs. Awful commuting car, guzzles gas, carries high insurance, and has no resale value. Sportronic tranny is boring & annoying to use(downshifts automatically).Don’t open hatchback after rain, H2O drains directly into trunk (mold). I’m getting rid of mine before it falls to pieces. It’s not as fun as it looks.

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  the jousting lancer - 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By david - August 15 - 5:18 am

  nice car but hard to get with the features you want without getting some you dont, like alloy wheels are only with automatics. the ph. setup is horrible or else im doing something wrong!! the usb is ....wait for it.... in the freakin glovebox!! really inconvenient and the stereo is way bassy, even with the bass turned down some. on the upside it handles nice and feul economy is better than advertised. smooth ride and fairly quiet cabin price goes up mysteriously when buying, this fee ,that fee,..... overall i like the car alot but will have to spend a little more money to get it the way i want it and spend some more time trying to figure out the sound and ph. as i just bought it today and only drrove about 220 mi. mitsubishi is qaulity stuff tho and i,m sure ill figure it out. i would recommend this car over any american made model

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  Mitsu Galant Review - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By skulka - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had it for 3 years. Driving to an from a construction site and have had no real problems. The shocks and struts have been the biggest issue. Had to replace a bushing on the rear shocks for warranty work at about 16000. Started to have issues with shocks again at about 60000 nothing that affects drivability, just an annoying squeek.

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  Good crossover for the price - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Nick - August 11 - 11:40 am

  We bought our Endeavor a year and a half ago and have put 25K miles since then. We have been pretty happy with it so far. It has a lot of cargo space in the back and the seats are easy to fold down to create even more. I love the power this vehicle has and the transmission is very responsive. The transmission does make a wining noise in warmer weather. This is a known issue with them - cant be fixed, so I deal with it. It is very comfortable on long trips. I question its durability, though. The interior is very cheap. The fabric, although comfortable, is already showing significant wear. The dash and doors are mostly brittle plastic and the sunroof seals arent sealing.

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  my car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chevytrk - August 10 - 2:00 am

  this little car is pretty comfortable, fast!, little rough going around curves. but better tires probley fix this. the sterio system is really good. also getting comments about the cars looks & style. i have the off white color. it still looking good. it does have a little road noise but nothing to gripe about. it even put a grand prix it its place " in the back"!

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By susieris - August 8 - 6:53 am

  I have had my Outlander for 3 1/2 yrs. I checked Edmunds before I bought it, looking for an SUV that got good gas mileage, was economical to insure, and that was able to accommodate two tall adults. It has made two long trips (over 1,600 miles) and several 400 mile trips each year with no problems.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Galant Review - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bradley Aguirre - July 31 - 2:36 am

  The vehicle is very reliable. Its handling is excellent. It has lots of room and a great design.

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  My Mitsubishi Raider Duro Cross - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By RICH - July 28 - 12:00 am

  Ive never drivin a pickup that rides so smoothly. The Raider is like a Cadillac. Plus all the power is right there for you when you need it. The only problem I find is that I cant pass a gas pump. I know its a truck but, it could do a lot better than 13 mpg. I was so surprised when I drove it for the first time. It is extremely comfortable and easy to drive. There is no wrestling with this puppy. Everything is very easy to work, just a fingertip away . I found the Raider by accident but I couldnt be happier. I got mine fully loaded, 4x4 8 cyl., and the only thing that you might want to think about is the engine - do you want power or gas mileage. I love the power! Good job Mitsubishi!