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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  Love the looks, but some design flaws - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By andymick32 - October 14 - 4:01 pm

  Bought this car with 60k miles and put 30k miles on the car in 2.5 years before selling. All in all, the car was pretty darn reliable. I didnt have any mechanical issues besides the sun roof which is a known problem. Went to get the car inspected this summer and was told the bottom of the car was rusting out. The mechanic showed me the apple sized hole right underneath the drivers side floorboard and another spot below the gas tank and the fuel filler neck and the trunk lid! The car has some major issues here as certain areas are prone to collect water. Make sure you check these areas before you buy!

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  Love the Ralliart - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By hanars2000 - October 14 - 2:50 am

  Ive had the car for 8 months and its only getting better. It is tight and its handling crisp. The interior is quiet compared to all the other in its class. I drove them all before I bought the Ralliart.

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  Great little car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By B Helms - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mirage used (it was formerly a rental car) and never had a bit of trouble with it. The resale value isnt good, but it is a great little car for the money. Consistently good gas mileage. Never have needed to take it to the shop. Handles well for a compact car. Interior comfortable, and the DE sedan is packed with good features. Im having to replace it because someone recently totalled it for me, and Im upset!

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  Best Value,more than 6mos of research - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Able - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive researched the possibility of buying an suv for over six months. When I saw the commercial for the endeavor in Feb. I wasnt too excited but I added it to my list of possibilities anyway. Im glad I did. The Vue, Trailblazer, Envoy, Rendevous, Explorer, Bravada, Pilot, Highlander and Mountaineer cannot hold a candle to this vehicle. The closest was the Morano. The Endeavor won due to more passenger leg room, cargo room and lower insurance rates. The ride is soooo smooth and quiet. It rides nothing like a truck. Those the test rode the Explorer Envoy and Trailblazer will notice the differece. Get the Endeavor.

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  RUN BABY RUN - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By gil - October 12 - 2:05 am

  Runs good. Keeps you moving.

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  Love everything except.... - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ken - October 11 - 3:13 am

  The tires are horrible and I feel unsafe in the rain. The best mpg to date is 15.4, even on the highway. I wish there was a switch to turn of the daytime running lights when Im just sitting in the car listening to the radio. The back seats dont fold completely flat. The rear passenger area should have a dome light. The dash texture just traps dirt and dust. The A/C vents cannot be individually switched off. There are no vents in the back seat. The gearshift indicators are not illuminated. If we have that little computer in the front, why not have an available OnsSar, GPS, or nav system available? Or estimated MPG calcular? Or optional satelite radio?

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  Do Not Overlook - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Eye Candy - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We needed to replace our 98 Pathfinder. My wife wont drive a wagon or mini van. So, the usual "cute ute" suspects were Rav4,CRV & Forester. Did not consider Outlander due to power issues. Tried to buy the Toyota, but couldnt get the right deal. On the way to a 2nd Toyota dealer, we decided to stop and check out the Mitsubishi. She loved the style, it drove great, and power, while more would be nice, isnt that bad. Bottom line is we got a lot more for our money with the Outlander. Do not overlook it in your search for the right "cute ute".

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  Almost perfect, but I still love it. - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Starla - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been able to pull 30mpg+ from it on a couple of trips (I have just over 12k miles on it now), my mileage falls to the mid 20s during my daily commute though. The only problems I have had are the transmission not going into reverse fully occasionally (I have to double clutch it), and some bizarre shaking when it is cool/damp and I am driving it in 1st gear in the morning. Also one time it wouldnt go into gear at a stoplight and then smelled like burning metal and the dealership said it was normal and that something just got ground down and kind of blew me off and said they didnt find anything with that or the shaking that was wrong.

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  My First Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Jmartin - October 6 - 2:13 am

  I was always a car guy, until I drove the Mitsubishi Raider. The ride is very smooth and quiet. I never thought a truck could drive like a luxury car. Well done Mitsubishi! It is also very durable too.

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  Cheap thrills - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By willy d - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a good looking sport coupe. Looked at them all but for the price and fuel ecom. this was the best for the the price--no question. Have had many from Corvettes to Cobalt SSs but for a 12 month car I think this was a good choice with front wheel drive. Just remember its more show than go, but it does handle real well.