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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  Im in love - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cathy - May 24 - 11:53 am

  I just test drove this beauty today after three days of researching what to buy. This SUV was never mentioned when surfing and the salesman suggested it. I wanted something for around $15,000 and he said he would do his best to make the deal. He insisted I drive it. I did...and WOW! I think Im in love! I will have one of these in my garage ASAP. No other SUV compares for the price, size, value, power and look.

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  Love it <3 - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Natalie - May 23 - 8:50 pm

  I love my car. Ive had my 04 Galant for 5 years now and have had NO problems! I love it and would highly recommend it! PLUS hardly anybody has the Galant so Ive had a LOT of people asking me about the car.

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  The 2005 Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By facciman - May 23 - 3:20 pm

  The Endeavor is all that it is suppose to be, and more. Mileage could be a little better, however. I believe that it is one of the best values around. Low end torque is amazingly similar to my BMW 528i.

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  AC Broke - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dee 39203 - May 21 - 3:46 am

  At first I loved my Galant, but since the AC went out, Ive been in what has literally felt like hell. I have an all black leather interior which draws heat. I took the car to the shop and my air conditioner is broken. I was told that it would cost $941.00 to fix it.

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  Great car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By igorlg - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is above expectation! Fast acceleration and pleasant drive.

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  LancerLS - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bill22x - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Lancer in October and I love it. So far I havent had any problems and the gas mileage has been great. Especially with my driving style (had license less than a year).

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  Sport feel for Basic Sedan - 2011 Mitsubishi Galant
  By carriemae - May 15 - 7:00 am

  I purchased my red Galant as a prior rental. There is a big depreciation for Galants, so that is the only way I would buy one, as used. I like the sleek sides and look of the car. The red is very pretty, especially just cleaned on a sunny day. The car has a wide wheel base so feels good on the road, I think the power seem fine (I dont think it felt week like the pro review). The interior, however, is very, very plain and cheap looking. ..charcoal cloth seats and black vinyl, holds dust. Arm rests were separating and needed to be repaired by dealer. However, engine seems fine...I think this is a great alternative to a Honda/Toyota for those on a budget if you keep it long.

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  Beautiful, affordable, good not great - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JB - May 13 - 9:30 am

  The negatives on this vehicle are interior space. Hardly any back seat. Not good for extremely tall people. I am 64" and fit very snugly. Worst is severe blind spots. Very low to the ground. Handles very well. Average fuel economy for 4 cyl. Decent acceleration/power. Always been reliable. Speaker in trunk eliminates some storage space.

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  Low price, good quality, fun to own - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OutLander - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Lot of car for the money. Most of needed stuffs is standard equipment Interior is quiet and roomy. The 4 cylinders engine is ok, has enough power for cruising around town and freeway. Reviews from Edmunds.com, Car&Driver ... said its underpower. I guess whoever drove test this car maybe living somewhere in the mountain region? But it will be nice if Mitsu give us a choice of V6 or 4 cylinders with turbo as an option. Audio control buttons are too small that reminds me of Walkman stereos button. I pick this car out of my shopping list: Rav4,Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute.

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  great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By briandog - May 12 - 10:00 am

  fun, fast, owns up on the celica and prelude. Audio system ROCKS, specially with 2 12"s thumpin the low pass in the trunk. Beautiful car too, chick magnet.