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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  Great at first then it goes downhill - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By hc7454 - October 3 - 5:50 am

  First my 4WD stopped working. They had to change several switces to get it working. Then my battery died after only 1 year. Then my security system died. They had to change the entire security system wire to wire. Then my car just wouldnt start. They have replaced the starter which helped but it still has starting issues. Then my Radio stopped picking FM signals. Then 2 months latter my CD player stopped working.

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  Never again - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Last Mitsubishi Ever - September 21 - 8:53 am

  Early on the wipers made horrible noise. Then the Drive shaft went out and had to be replace. Today took it in and the transmission is out at 64k miles with regular service. Too much trouble and poor service. CD player only works half the time NEVER AGAIN

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  This vehicle has too many problems - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Steve - September 1 - 7:00 am

  Started having problems around 45,000 miles with the brakes but I spent money to have them fixed, just normal stuff I thought. Then with only 62,000 at 7 years I had to have the gas tank and hoses replaced. I called Mitsubishi corporate and they said "too bad" must be where I drive. This vehicle is garage kept and is driven only 6,000 miles a year. So I spent $2200 for a new tank, they said the old style metal ones rust that is why they switched to plastic. However the plastic would not fit mine so I have steel again. Now the oil pan is leaking and it will cost about $800 to fix. The mechanic at Firestone and others said they hardly ever replace gas tanks and oil pans on vehicles this new.

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  Giving Leeway - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By justicopimp - August 1 - 5:16 pm

  I thought that the car was very much a cheap and quick rip off. I wish I had seen this before I bought it because I now know it thoroughly. It is quick through town, but has slow acceleration on the highways.

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  Black paint problems - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lisa - July 11 - 3:43 am

  Major problems with the black paint have developed in about 2-3 years. In my opinion there is an obvious defect with the black paint on many Mitsubishi. Paint on the roof down to primer in many locations on roof. Car is garage kept, to bad it comes with a 3 yr 36k mile paint warranty. Suggest bringing back to dealer early, or youll get no where.. Not sure with so many issue with the Black paint they have not recalled.

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  Be cautious of 1.9% financing from MMCA - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jlarimer2002 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Mitsubishi Motor Credit of America (MMCA) reeled me in with the special 1.9% financing rate and then sold my loan to another company within 30 days of my purchase. I was never sent an initial monthly statement or notice that my loan had been sold prior to my first payment due date. I had to make my first payment over the phone which cost an additional $10.00 for the ACH fee.

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  Fell for the Financing Gimmick - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vipdave - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 92Galant LS and loved it until I was wiped out by a poor driver and the insurance company totaled it. So I bought the 2000 GalantES hoping for a similar experience. 2 recalls, very noisy ride, and a few other problems have made for a disappointing experience. Now that I am trying to sell it, I am going to take a big loss in order to unload it.

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  I must have a lemon - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Simps79 - January 7 - 6:56 am

  I bought my Galant brand new in 2004. Ive had more problems with my car than any other car Ive ever had. Within the first 6 months, my horn stopped working which is pretty dangerous if I needed it to prevent an accident. I had squeaky breaks for months and paid over $900 to fix the problem. After replacing them twice and they still squeaked I ended up having to buy ceramic brake pads and that stopped the squeaking but I had to get management involved to even fix the problem. My headlights go out often! Ive just been very disappointed with this car. Im trying to keep it until it falls apart because the value has decreased too much.

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  Mirage no more.... - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By pilkerton21 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This car was not what I expected. After actually being in it for a time period, it is very small and uncomfortable. I have also had to replace the dash which quit working all together(speedometer, odometer, gas gague, and temp. gague.)only a year after purchased, and both rear hubb assemblies this past summer. I would not buy one again.

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  ** Too Hot - LITERALLY ** - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Fred Dryer - October 25 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is fine. It really is. My problems are with Mitsubishi service and the dealerships. Take a look at CONSUMER REPORTS magazine where they rate the dealers. Mitsubishi finishes dead last! This is very accurate. I have owned many cars in my life and have never been treated as miserably as I have by every Mitsubishi in the Souteast Florida area. Examples of mistreatment are too numerous to mention here. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR IF YOU LIVE IN A WARM CLIMATE. YOU WILL ROAST!