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:

• 

  Better than getting a Civic or Corolla - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By chkey - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Have driven many cars, but this one takes the cake. Thought of saving money for a Corolla or possibly a Civic, however, when I saw this car I knew that this was the one. Just as good as Corolla(or Civic) and cheaper. Also, very reliable and depenable. When I look again for a car, the Mirage is on the top of my list.

• 

  Always trust Mitsu. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By krissie - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Very skeptical when I purchased. Nice handling though, very smooth, not much power though. RS couldnt get up hill past 30 mph. Overall Im pleased. I was already not expecting much, but its more trustworthy then I thought it would be. Just make sure you do your homework.

• 

  Always trust Mitsu. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Krissie - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Very skeptical when I purchased. Nice handling though, very smooth, not much power though. RS couldnt get up hill past 30 mph. Overall Im pleased. I was already not expecting much, but its more trustworthy then I thought it would be. Just make sure you do your homework.

• 

  Its a good sports coupe - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MYA - April 4 - 12:30 am

  Its a solid built car and very enjoyable to drive. So far I had one problem with power seat but fixed under warranty no problem. The handling is not as agile as Calica or RSX. You should rather cross shop V6 GT to V6 Accord or Solara.

• 

  THE 2003 OUTLANDER LS AWD - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ANGEL VAZQUEZ - April 3 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GREAT CAR, BECAUSE IT HAS GOOD LOOKS ,BUT IT NEEDS A STRONGER ENGINE MORE POWER AND A MANUAL BOX. MAYBE A INLINE SIX CYLINDER WITH GOOD TORQUE WOULD BE NICE.

• 

  Value and Quality - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mybusiness942003 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have been out in the market lookin for a compact sedan for 4 weeks.Although there are a number of nice cars out there but I think lancer offers the best value for money.Toyotas and honda get pretty heavy on the pocket if u go for better options.

• 

  good car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By pearlqueen - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for 1.5 years so far and it starts every morning.Its good on gas and it is fairly comfortable.it can merge on the interstate,but you have to push the gas pedal hard to get it into overdrive.But all in all its a good little car for going back and forth to work and to run errands.

• 

  12 HOUR TEST DRIVE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By STANMN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  RENTED THE ENDEAVOR DURING SNOW STORM DROVE 500 MILES IN THE CAR FOR 12 HOURS AND LOVED IT . WAS NOT PLANNING TO BUY A SUV BUT DUE TO MY POSITIVE TEST DRIVE FOR 12 HOURS DECIDED TO BUY IT

• 

  Canadian Opinion - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By CNDN opinion - March 25 - 7:43 am

  I bought the Gallant in 04 with just over 20,000 km on it, it now has almost 180,000 km. Not a problem or a let down yet, just had to do some regular stuff to it. Replacement parts are expensive and the gas mileage could be better but its fun to drive. The Galant is used as a highway commuter mostly, and handles great in the wind and heavy snow. The resale value is crap so if you buy one, be ready to keep it until its paid for.

• 

  Reliable cheap - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By reliable cheap - March 25 - 7:26 am

  I bought this car hit (salvage) fixed up put 34k miles, since I have it didnt have any problems yet! Nothing special in the car but its really reliable!