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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  Good vehicle...fix mpg - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Grle - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Endeavor in March. I have had no problems with it, but the gas mileage stinks! I took it to Mitsu and they denied the problem. I average about 14 mpg in town. I would like to see the 17 it was rated for. I do get 20mpg on highway, thank goodness. Also, the valves do "clack" with mid-grade gas. Performance seems unaffected but it really does need the high grade. There is such mixed comments on this that I wonder if we have two different batches oof SUV. Also, of note, Im 54" and I have to have a "booster" to see out. For short people, I would recommend the power seats to increase your heighth.

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  I Love My Galant GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Shawn - December 31 - 7:06 am

  I am very satisfied with my Galant GTS, other than with the sound system. Perhaps it needs better speakers. Other than that, the gas mileage could be better especially with premium fuel Grrr!

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  I miss this car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By master_pate - December 29 - 7:09 am

  Last year I had to sell my GT to make room for a family SUV, it was a very sad day. I owned the Eclipse for 6 years and never had a mechanical issue. It was fast, good looking and reliable... the perfect non-family vehicle.

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  So Far, So Good - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By isophorone - December 28 - 8:37 pm

  We bought this Outlander new in late 2011 to replace a Saturn Wagon that was burning oil (and that we were outgrowing). Right now we have around 23,000 miles on the car. It starts and runs well. Since we are used to small engine cars this has enough power for our needs. The trunk is huge, and the radio sounds great. Seats are comfortable. Handling is superb. We get around 23 mpg overall in winter and 25-26 mpg in summer (suburban driving). Highway mpg is 28-30 mpg. The CVT is a bit growly and low speeds and RPM, but once the car is moving it is fine.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ricardo - December 28 - 1:06 pm

  I really enjoy this car. I have not had any problems at all and I drive this car a lot. The only maintenance is oil change and things of that sort which I do my self. One more thing to add, this car has no axles.

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  Great value for the price - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By michellemarie - December 28 - 11:53 am

  I traded a 2002 Audi A6 for my Galant and was hesitant at first. After owning the car for awhile I realized that the value for the dollar cannot be beat. It has all the comfort and driveblility I could ask for but is so reasonable to drive. Low maintenance cost and high trade in value make it an amazing car for the money.

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  Fun and Pratical - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JVan - December 26 - 11:23 am

  This car is practical and sporty. The four doors are nice to have, I have no problem taking four friends anywhere. I have had it for two years now and havent had a single problem yet. Its gas mileage isnt even that bad, with about 24 mpg in the city. It handles pretty well with upgraded tires. I dont like how high the RPMs are at highway speed, 3,000 at about 100km/h.

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  Compact FUN! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralliart - December 25 - 5:03 pm

  I totally love my Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The power is sweet (162 HP). The suspension huges each turn. It doesnt have a lot of tunk space, however the rear seat is larger than other compacts Ive been in. At first sight of the dash you think that its plain, but it works well and is easy to read (no hunting through 50+ buttoms). The seats look great and also are very comfortable. The ratings I have seen on gas mileage have been 23 (city) and 28 (highway) yet I have been recording between 25-28 (city); I even like to race to every once in a while and still get these results.

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  montero sport-cheap but agressive - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By jhun marpa - December 25 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive especially when offroading. ride quality is best when loaded with cargo. montero sport is a truck so theres no sense comparing it with carbased suvs. ride quality is much better compared with our 2002 honda crv. vehicle size is not good for family use but excellent for sport or personal use. this vehicle is cheaper to buy with excellent reliability so test drive for yourself first before aggreeing to those reports in the magazines.

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  Upset With 2003 Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By gjcarrol1 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had several problems with my Eclipse. Ranging from the computer dying to the drivers door not opening. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Mitsubishi knows of all the problems and have fixed them under warranty yet I havent been compensated for inconviences or down time of the car. With only a few miles left of the warranty, I might be stuck with a car that costs more in repairs a month than my payment. And with the quick depreciation, trading is not an option.