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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  bad paint and cracking dash - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durby - October 16 - 10:00 am

  have had the car since 1999 and the paint has oxidized more than once and the dahboard has 3 major cracks from the cheap plastic used. it is out of warranty, but we all know that the paint ahould not oxidize in this time frame. the dashboard cracks are getting bigger each day and they wont touch that due to the warranty issue. Mitsubishi...stand by your product and dont be so cheap with the materials.

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  Handles all weather - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By molly - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my Outlander all over the country, in Massachusetts snowstorms, New Mexicos wind storms, Pennsylvanias pelting rain, and Arizonas searing heat, and it has never let me down. It handles really, really well in the snow. I have not had to do anything other than routine maintenance. The original battery lasted for 7 years, and the paint still looks great. It has a few idiosyncrasies: It makes a strange chirping sound in cool, humid climates (in San Francisco, in particular). As others have noted, its not the peppiest. It drags on steep hills (like the big one in Camarillo, CA, on the 101 southbound), and I have to stick to the slow lane. All in all, Ive been very pleased.

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  FUN CAR - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ALiasname - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Fun car for everyday drivers, superb car for tuner culture, and im 32 and say this. One word underrated. Although its not quite built maybe as well as sturdy as some of the other front wheel drive semi sport cars out their, that people like to fix up now a-days. This is the closest thin stock that comes to a real sports car in its class. It looks awesome And has 200+hp stock you can work with in a 6 right off the bat. It plays the role of a sleek Italian look, instead of trying to be just another modern sedan. And beats all most of your local noise maker junkies out their stock.

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  Good value for your money - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ugly - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a little over two years and it has been excellent, fingers crossed, no major problems to date. I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles,I have it serviced, as recommended, and the only thing I have had to replace is the battery, oh and maybe a bulb!

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  1996 galant - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vette5960 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  brakes are horrible

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  Best japanese car Ive owned - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By fritzandseamus - October 8 - 2:00 am

  OK, so its not a Honda or a Toyota, but that could be a good thing. Styling is great, especially with a spoiler and it will kick butt with the V6. Want to spend 10-15K more for a second faster in the 0-60 range? Then I guess this car is not for you. Want a stylish car that you can probably pass down to your kids after 80-90K miles? Then this one could fit the bill.

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  A good sporty car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dacarson - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The car has generally been quite good, except I am concerned that the clutch is not wearing well. The interior is a little short for tall people (I am 62"). The mileage has been excellent getting 24-25 mpg around town and 30-33 mpg on the highway.

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  Good choice! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By sailor86 - October 7 - 7:13 pm

  This was not the first car I checked out but I have no doubt in my mind that I selected the best car for the money. It starts up every time (after changing the battery cables), runs great, keeps up on the highway without wobbling or trembling. It is actually a better ride than my mothers Taurus. All accessories work. Im nothing but satisfied with this car. After checking out other models in its price class, I was much impressed with the materials and workmanship of the interior. I am well pleased with the driving experience this car affords me. Nothing but joy every time I start up the engine.

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  driving in the snow - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ronny2 - October 4 - 8:36 am

  I was told at the sale of the 2008 Lancer that it would be "fine" in the snow. Much to my dismay, it was completely the opposite. I first discovered just how scary this car was on a snow covered slight uphill driveway when the whole front end slid to the right! There was absolutely no traction from the tires and when I called the dealership, they suggested I get snow tires to the tune of $1300. They did offer to mount/balance them at a discount, however I was very disappointed. I was unable to drive my NEW car during predicted snowstorms and when I got caught in a few "dustings", I was unable to get up my driveway and once barely made it down the road! Has anyone used snow tires? Did it work

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  Water in Dash - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ADRIENNE - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I was disappointed when poor manufacturing or a design flaw caused substantial water to accumulate in the dash of the car. When I brought it to the dealerships attention, the problem was resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. I purchased my car in October of 2002 and the water had been accumulating the whole time I owned the car. It was only after there had been a torrential rain and I heard what sounded like a wave pool in my dash that I knew something was wrong. The water started seeping onto the floor of the passengers side of the car because there was so much water in the dash.