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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  Excellent - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By paul - February 28 - 3:10 pm

  Ive owned this car for five days and have nothing but good things to say about it. it is very fun to drive also comfy. The interior room is tremendous. It has lots of leg room in front and back. Plus it can get out of its own way at highway speeds.

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  Mitsubishi Sucks - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cyndietx - February 27 - 4:31 pm

  I bought a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander SE FWD grey in color in 09/2011. I have had nothing but problems! 1st the sunroof popped out of it sitting in the garage!!Mitsubishi 1st gave me the run around, and after much debate, they paid for it. Then a stress crack in the windshield. I paid for it myself because I got NOWHERE w/ mitsubishi. It runs terrible, I have to be careful getting out on the highway or I will get run over. the dealership says nothing is wrong w/ it! I can smell burning rubber, and so can everyone else! They say nothing is wrong! Now the PAINT is comming off!! Mitsubishi says its MY fault....driving conditions??? The running light FELL out going down the road,and low MPGs!!!

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  I LOVE my endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By AngelaPenny - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I am a little to in love with this car! I pack it full of people and beach stuff and head up to Tahoe with the a/c blasted and it performs beautifully. In reno NV it snows - and while everyone else is stuck on the side of the road, my endeavor just drives on past them NO PROBLEM. Because of the eclipse engine, it is fast and handles the road very well while not eating too much gas. Plenty of leg, head & cargo room for me and my tall family and all our groceries. It has been consistently reliable. The only con is I got a lemon drivers seat that I took to the dealer 6 (no joke) times to have repaired and it goes unrepaired to this day. One very hard to please person, recommends this vehicle!!

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  2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Reid - February 26 - 10:26 am

  I been driving my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS for nearly a year and a half. It has just resently been wrecked and it held up well though the accident, the air bags saved me a lot of pain. This model holds tight to the road and has great control.

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  Lots of toys for the money!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By SoSassy - February 25 - 8:56 am

  Traded my Montero Sport which I loved but it didnt have any toys in it. Shopped for weeks and no other car or SUV could offer 1/2 of the options my Lancer GTS has for the price I paid. I got everything including dealer aftermarket leather which I love. I almost went with the aqua but I am so glad I changed my mind and got the Graphite Grey with tinted windows. It looks so sporty but, still very classy. Even with the suggested improvements I note, I have no regrets whatsoever... okay one, I really wanted a nav system with real time traffic maps. Oh well, got to compromise a little unless price is no issue for you.

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  This Best Used Car For Anyone To Buy. - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By MirageRAM - February 23 - 2:00 am

  The Vehicle is perfect. Nothing of this car is bad. Everything works like it should and the pick up is great. It is Also Very easy to upgrade the car also.

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  Depreciation - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By njdonman - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice Car, reliable,had no repair problems in 39,000 miles .The back seat is a little tight. The trunk is smaller then the Cammry but ok. The paint held up well. The car depreciated very quickly due in part to the 0% for 5 years and the glut of used Gallants being sold by rental car companies.

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  BLOWS MY MIND FOR THE MONEY! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MARKJ - February 23 - 2:00 am

  MONEY WELL SPENT IN MY OPINION. I HAVE BEEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR FOR EIGHT MONTHS LOOKING AT DIFFERENT JAPANESE IMPORT MIDSIZED SEDANS. I HAVE BEEN A HONDA FAN FOR MANY YEARS. I HAVE HAD ACCORDS SINCE 1988 AND THIS GALANT IS THE BEST CAR I CAME ACROSS IN YEARS AS YOU CAN SEE I AM NO LONGER A HONDA OWNER. I HAVE LOOKED AT THE ACCORD LX V6 AND THE CAMRY AND OTHERS AND AFTER DRIVING THE GALANT WITH THE 3.8 LITRE V6 I WAS EXTREAMLY IMPRESSED WITH THE POWER AND THE HANDLING. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SPORTS SEDAN OR A DRIVERS CAR BECAUSE IT FEELS AND HANDLES LIKE A SPORTS CAR.

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  AWSOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Deana Bauerle - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought a preowned car. My first New car. I believe i have made a perfect choice. it turns corners on a dime. It has get up, Very comfortable sets, everything at your fingertips, Plenty of room inside. I love my new car. I think youll enjoy one also.

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  Fantastic Automobile - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ballbreaker910 - February 22 - 8:40 pm

  I am the original owner of a 2003 Galant. I cannot express how much I have enjoyed this car. I purchased the car with 42 mile one the odometer. Now it has 201,000 miles. My only complaint is the paint. Every time I see a Galant like mines, the paint is faded terribly. Also the Brakes seem to wear easier than most cars. The climate control needed to be replaced but luckily it was still under warranty. This car has taken a beating. It had been driven every day for about 110 mile a day. Never had a major problem. Engine and tranny has been solid. The one time the car didnt start was because it needed a battery. Mitsubishi has put together a solid car that can compete with all major car brands.