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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  Love my Black Beauty GTS! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy Driver - October 9 - 3:46 am

  Ive only had it a month, but this is a great car--looks beautiful,and the quality for the price is excellent. It sure can fly when I tell it to, unlike my last car, which thought about it for a while! It is so comfortable, and has even made driving to work a joy! I intend to take it out on the open road while I am on vacation and really drive it. Our son had a Galant (01) until recently, and it was a super little car, too, which steered me toward getting this one. Only 2 things I dont like: 1)The drivers a/c vent is angled kind of strangely, so it doesnt blow on you like it should; and 2)t he sunglasses/garage opener holder is very stiff--ladies, it will break your nails! This car is the best.

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  Nice - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mite - October 8 - 11:46 pm

  Great car, best that I owned so far. Just came back from my 4th of July trip-2 adults, 1 kid, trunk full of camping equipment + food + beer + water + cargo carrier on the roof - 29 mpg...wow

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  awesome - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Craig - October 7 - 8:36 pm

  This is the best SUV on the market in this price range. I have had a 4Runner, Trailblazer, Xterra, and this Endeavor is better in every way over all the others.

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  Love my Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By CB66 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Great performance for a four cyl vehicle. The car just glides without any difficulty. Handles great at high speeds stops quickly and smoothly very very comfortable ride. I am very very pleased with this car and would recommend you take a hard look if youre in the market for a new car. A lot of car for the money and the warranty is an added bonus.

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  Go mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lukasz - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is the bomb.

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  Hmm, Lets See! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Bodzio - October 7 - 10:00 am

  First, I like the interior and probably that is why I bought it.Second, at the beginning I had a problem with differential,was making this noise and you could feel it as well.4 times at the dealer(long story)and I still think its not fix like it supposed to be.Next,had a problem with the sunroof (was leaking),3 times at the dealer.Next,I have a problem with getting this "Service Enging Soon" light,4 times at the dealer and still comming up.Also, as you know, Endeavors tank should be filled with high octane gas.If you try to put regular(87 or 89)the engine is not working properly.I will be going for service AGAIN with the Servie Engine Soon.

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  Dont deal with Mitsubishi - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kevin - October 6 - 12:10 am

  It was very nice at first then unusual stuff started happening to the car. Stuff Mitsubishi wont cover. For example, earlier this week, I was driving down the highway at 60 mph. There was no one on the road in front of me and there was no overpass. Clear skies. All of a sudden I heard an explosion right above me. It was the sunroof. Glass started flying off the back of my car from the sunroof. I had no idea what just happened and am absolutely positive that nothing hit the car. After getting the run around from the dealership and their hot line, and finding proof this happened to other people (theres an entire forum with people with similar stories) They still said they would not cover it.

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  Great basic car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By karl - October 5 - 6:00 pm

  This was our fourth Mitsubishi and third from this dealer. I needed a car to get to/from work and the Lancer ES fit the bill. Knowing that gas could go higher in price, I had donated my truck to charity and wanted a car that would be reliable, safe, and at least double the mpg of the V8 in my truck. After driving a variety of small cars, I went with what I knew and got the Mitsubishi and I have NEVER looked back. I have taken it cross country twice and averaged 30.5 mpg on the highway. With a Yakima rack, I can haul my canoe and fit 85 duck decoys in the truck and back seat too. Sure, I get a few funny looks at the boat ramp but it doesnt break the bank to fill it either.

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  Lean, mean and green! - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By gulati - October 5 - 4:33 pm

  Our Mirage LS was exceptionally reliable. Like our previous Colt, not much more than routine maintenance, with tires and brakes lasting 60K. After 120K the car did loose some zip, maybe form diminished compression. And while fuel economy also declined, we could still obtain 35 mpg plus on the long trips.

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  Slightly better than a bus pass - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By The Bishop - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The worst experience I had with this truck was changing a flat tire. The truck cames with wheel locks that strip after being tightened with a torque wrench. Had to get the thing towed in to the dealer to have the tire changed. Th dealer stated that is one of their major complaints. After being standed on the highway on Mothers day, paying almost $200.00 in towing fees, replacing the lug nuts and losing a days pay I would rather have a bus pass. Wrote Mitsubishi and got the brush off. This is my first Mitsubishi and my last unless all other auto makers go out of busines.