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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  This has been my FAVORITE car ever.... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DerbyDogz01 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is/was my very first "brand new" car. I loved it the day I drove it home, and still love it today. The best part about it to me is how fun it is to drive- mine is only 4 cylinders, but I zip around just fine in it.

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  The flaws are starting to show... - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JBB - July 24 - 2:00 am

  For long-haul highway driving, it is surprisingly comfortable, handles well, and still looks pretty good. The Tampa Blue – coke bottle green, really – stands out. Interior is very comfortable...for a sporty coupe. Mileage is fine, nothing special. Trunk release latch has never worked well, and the aluminum wheels are made from inferior materials: BIG problem, at $350-400/per.

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  Great car on dry surfaces - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Slipperywhenwet - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for only 17k dollars. The only beef i have is with the extreme lack of power. The transmission does not have any kick to it, it merely slides into gear when the pedal is to the metal. Also if the ground is the slightest bit wet, grab ahold because the car will feel like it hit an icepatch. The car is good on gas and very reliable. I will be changing the tires shortly hopefully that will cause the car to stop sliding as much.

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  Fun in summer, bad in winter - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Pantera - July 23 - 6:13 pm

  First off I bought this car back in may. I really liked zipping around in this little car during the summer but then winter has come along and I can honestly say that this is the worst vehicle I have driven in the snow. The car does have decent pickup but I think it could use a little more HP. If you live in a warm climate and want a fun little car to zip around in then this one is for you. My best mpg is 29 on the highway and I usually average around 17 in town. Seats are comfy but the ride can be rough at times also. Overall I would love to have this car in Florida or California, just not in the Midwest.

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  2nd Review - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wpederson - July 23 - 2:33 pm

  Well, I have put about 22,000 miles on my car since my last review, and im not so impressed anymore. The trim paint on the door is peeling off, the seats are already showing wear, and you can never seem to get used to the clutch. The car always "lurches" at take off and it does not shift smoothly at all (maybe cuz its got lots of torque?) It has a few electrical problems, the moonroof has a mind of its own sometimes and reopens by itself after closing it. Overall Im not terribly displeased, it does have lots of power, and looks great, just wish it was better quality like other Japanese brands...

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  Fun to Drive SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By SJM - July 23 - 6:33 am

  My 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited 4WD is a great truck. I have already put 10,000 miles on it in my first three months of ownership It has sufficient power and torque in the hills. Its steering is great too. I would definitely purchase this truck again. It is roomy and has great style in interior as well as the exterior. I picked this truck over the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Chrysler Pacifica. Edmunds long-term test was very helpful. This is a great site with lots of good intelligent information. My family members (passengers) never complian about this truck, and so far it has been trouble free. A test drive is a must to get the feel and experience of what this cross-over SUV is doing right. Looking forward the Ralliart edition.

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  Nice Crossover - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By USMC VET - July 21 - 10:10 pm

  This Crossover is great. No major problems. I bought it used and it was in great condition. Handles well with great pick up on the Highway. The City MPG is bad but on the highway it is great. I am currently thinking about buying one for myself.

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  awesome SUV,dont belive the so called experts! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dorin balan - July 20 - 6:54 am

  I have the 2017 GT V6.This SUV is made 100% in JAPAN,so quality is excellent.The so called "experts",claim that the GT model is a gas guzzler which I can assure you IT IS NOT,im getting 28 to 29 miles per gallon hwy and about 23 city.compare the rest of the V6s out there and youll find that actually this does way better than most.im also amazed how well the seats are designed.Went on a 1000 mile trip and both me and my wife were amazed how good we felt after 5,6 hrs in the seat.Power from the V6 engine is good,the 6 speed automatic works flawlessly and the paddle shifters are a lot of fun.The only thing that I wish it had is a panoramic sunroof instead of the regular one that comes standard on the GT.Definitely would recomend buying this SUV,go take a test drive for yourself and Im sure youll agree.

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  Luv it - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Joe DA - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Greta ride. No problems . Grteat mileage. Could not be happier.

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  Wow, What a Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Glenn - July 18 - 10:33 am

  This car is fun to drive, comfortable and affordable. Its a great choice!! My Kids love it too, cant wait to go somewhere in the car!!