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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  My Montero Sport - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Anthony Ampudia - March 18 - 4:13 am

  So far the SUV has been very good. I had to replace the front pinion shaft seal on the differential but other than that I have no complaints. It is big enough for my family and powerful enough to tow our camper. The only thing I do not like about it is that both front and rear bumpers are not metal and thus can be easily damaged by other vehicles while parallel parking.

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  Great Vehicle for the Money - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By crd - March 16 - 5:20 am

  The Mitsubishi Outlander is everything that I was looking for. It is roomy, comfortable, quick and responsive, high off the ground, and it has a very thoughtful interior design. Its gas mileage is a little higher than I expected, about 25 mpg on the highway.

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  Great used sports car for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jane0283 - March 11 - 3:53 am

  I love my GTS. I bought it with 23,000 miles and have had it for a year and a half now and already have over 50,000. I havent had any problems with the engine and it handles well. Its the best used fwd sports car you can get for the money. Its a good looking car, great features, lots of cargo space, great gas mileage, plenty of power, comfortable seats, and great sounding stereo. There are only a few negatives. I had one blow out on the highway and then an air leakage, and the tires probably had another 10,000 miles left on them. Another issue is how low the car sits. Be prepared to ruin your bumper going into bad parking lots, and it has a horrible turning radius.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mecks one - March 9 - 12:36 am

  The 4-cyl. version of this car isnt so bad, but it does have its problems. The fuel economy for one is garbage and I dont know when it will get to the actually mpg the sticker states. The exterior of course is great and unique. The engine is noisy when up to about 3,500 rpm and then worse when shifting. I need to change the exhaust and the intake to atleast make the sound somewhat better. The brakes already scream and this was at about 2,000 miles. The fwd on this car may cause the steering to stick if you punch too hard on a turn. Also, it is hard to start at times. In all honesty this is a great car and with a few mods (which they need to come out with faster) things should be great..

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  Great car, Great price - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mrfagan68 - March 8 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this car used with only 15,000 miles on it. Used to be a rental. I absolutely love the body. The interior is great, mostly at night with the blue interior lights. The car draws lots of attention, thank God this comes standard with security. Surprised to find such power in a 4 cylinder. I test drove a 6 cylinder, the extra pick up was better but not enough to make me want it. The 6 also requires premium gas and when purchasing this, gas was definitely an issue. The gas mileage is okay if youre not running and gunning. I love the way the engine sounds and the handling is pretty good. I like the fact that there is more room than in the older models.

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  Was Happy Unitl - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By al4me23 - March 1 - 8:58 pm

  Car was great until it hit 80k miles...then it went downhill. I had to replace the starter, all 4 rotors, timing belt and both catalytic converters(twice) and all 5 O2 sensors(yes 5). And then the transmission started to slip at 95kmi. After the 2nd converter replacement I found out the car had at least 2 bad exhaust valves causing the converters to be blown out. I promptly traded in it after I got the check engine light code cleared. It was a good car until the end..sadly the end was relatively young for what todays car should get you mileage wise. I bought a Honda and I love it but Im never buying a Mits again because they closed the dealership and now the closets dealer is 60miles away.

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  Very satisfied with my 2nd Outie - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By kurly - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Before this one, I had a 2005 model, which I loved, and was devastated when I totaled it in a rollover accident (from which I escaped with just a few minor cuts and bruises!). I couldnt wait to buy another one. I have it in Rally Red and its gorgeous! Its not perfect, though. My air compressor crapped out a few months ago, a common occurrence, apparently. I also have somewhat squeaky brakes, which I had checked out and was told its not due to mechanical defect. Im only at 2300 miles, so maybe it will resolve itself. I also wish that acceleration was smoother when merging and passing on highways. Despite these gripes, six months into ownership, I am very pleased with it. No regrets!

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  You Get What You Pay For - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Apple Juice - February 28 - 12:10 pm

  So I got this car a few months ago, and for the price its the best deal, but you are getting what you are paying for. Dont expect this car to be more than what it is, because for buying it used for about $11,000, its basically an upgraded Honda Civic. You basically feel like you are driving a..cheap sports car. Theres nothing to it, its just a standard car.

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  Handles like a car - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jpabon - February 24 - 8:13 pm

  The Mitsubishi Endeavor is much better than the discontinued Montero Sport. It handles well, and the alternative dual transmission is fun to drive and play with.

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  2000 Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MMTH4 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is simply awesome! The new body style is absolutely great. Although it is a V4, dont hold that against it. It is quick, peppy, and fun to drive. Whenever you get ready to go somewhere, you get a rush of excitment! If you are looking for a reliable and fast sport compact import, this is the way to go! There is also a wide range of after-market parts available for those street racers out there!