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:

• 

  Nice Car - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By meeisdee - December 19 - 1:00 am

  This is my third Galant - I have owned a 1992, 2004 and now a 2010. I also own an Endeavour. To me, the Galant can not be beat. It looks good, drives good and is overall - reliable. My first car was topping 200K miles - 140K of which I put on myself. I never had ONE (not even one) major problem. The car was even rear-ended and held up beautifully with no injuries in the back seat. I am pleased with my new 2010 and hope to get as many miles out of this one as I have my others.

• 

  Sharp Looking and Comfortable - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By walter - December 16 - 2:13 pm

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander handles like a car, it takes corners nicely. The body looks like a mix of a BMW and a Lexus. The anti-lock brakes are a plus. Its mileage should be a little better though since its only a 4-cyl. It still has good pep driving in the manual way. The cargo area should be a little deeper and the back seats should lay flat. The storage in the dash needs to change, it needs to slant it so everything doesnt fly out when you take off. Overall, this is a very nice value for the money. Its sharp looking and handles well.

• 

  Not Perfect But Nice - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Lil J - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I originally bought this car with the intent to trade it in within two years. 3 years later...still driving it with no immediate desire to trade. It has a smooth ride with just enough power and stylish looks. Did have a few minor problems but the dealership I brought from has a great service department and they always take of any problems I have plus provide a rental car. I think for the money this car is the best deal you can get. It definitely forced Toyota, Honda, and Nissan to go back to the drawing board after the Galant was rated best mid size sedan in 1999. Definitely buy an extended warranty though.

• 

  2007 GS Automatic, sun and sound package - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By justinr321 - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  Bought the car back in November. Traded in a 07 Mustang for it and Im glad I did. The car is pretty peppy for an inline 4 and gets great gas mileage (I usually averaged about 30 mpg). It has a cool design and interesting interior. Its also pretty comfortable as well. I did, however, wreck mine about 3 weeks ago and totaled it. It held up very well but the airbags didnt deploy, strangely enough. Overall, I liked the car and would recommend it for someone who is looking for an affordable, sporty car that gets good gas mileage.

• 

  This is a great vehicle! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By CarinErin - December 14 - 11:56 am

  I bought the Lancer because I wanted something similar to a Civic, but more unique. Buying this was actually a better deal than a Civic! It is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, & looks great. It is a GREAT value! I love my Lancer!

• 

  Impressed With Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AksJay - December 14 - 8:23 am

  I spent 3-4hrs a day to and from work in Chicagoland traffic and weather. I was very impressed with how it handled all of these situations. Its now 4yrs old with 121000 miles and still have not had any trouble except for tire issues which is expected with distance and weather issues. It still has same back brakes and suspension is near perfect. Very happy and will probably buy a new lancer soon.

• 

  2011 Endeavor SE - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mygrace - December 14 - 4:52 am

  I did not go to the dealership looking for this car. But I was looking for something with great options. What I found was a comfortable interior (Im a tall person) and smooth ride. It sits high and is wide enough to provide the stable feel some SUVs lack. Im very impressed!

• 

  Almost there - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Edick - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have 8000 ml and only problem I had - wheel aligment. Since the first day (tried to make make myself think, that the road is always drifts to the right). However the dealership was able to fix this, but since its so common issue with Outlanders, Mitsubishi has something to think about. Other than this there is only excitment and pleasure. Strong AC (live in Florida), comfortable driver seat, lots of room for rear passengers. Looks agressive, stable cornering and holds the road well.

• 

  Eclipse Baby - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Frogboy - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the greatest cars I have ever had,and still will be forever. I cant wait until 2006 model comes out. I will buy it for sure.

• 

  more bang for your buck - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By donald blue - December 13 - 10:00 am

  i found that for a small car it is really fun to drive. i am typically a truck person but let go of my truck for my lancer o-z. it still has enough room to seat four people comfortably and move on down the road, and get good fuel economy.