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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  Excellent Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By taxdude10804 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I am not disappointed at all by this purchase. Rides like a car, and I can sit up high. Lots of room for storage. Dealership is the best.

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  Happy Purchase - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sarah - April 12 - 1:43 pm

  When I was looking through possible vehicles to purchase upon a move to snowy Minnesota, I met with a dealership that found the Outlander would match my needs. While I wasnt a big fan of the outer appearance, it was nice to look at a car that wasnt exactly the same as all the other small SUVs. I ended up buying the car after checking out some of its competitors (i.e. CRV, VUE, RAV4) and have found my Outlander to be a terrific buy. I think it is very comfortable, with a simple, clean interior. I would recommend this car to someone looking for a smaller AWD vehicle.

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  Good car for the money. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Zhenia - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine in June of 2000. Since then I put 65,000 miles on it. Overall, I am happy with it. The price for it was just under $18K. The 0-60 time is rather slow, about 8.6 secs. I would have liked it to be faster. The back seats are cramped. However, the front seats are rather comfortable and arch my back very well. I like the stereo system. Its loud and pretty clear for my ears. I like the looks of an Eclipse. In my opinion Celicas are plain ugly so I went with Eclipse. So far I havent had any major problems or repairs other than your usual change oil, brakes, tires routine.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GTZ for Me - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for cars between $20k and $25K, and the Galant by far gives the most bang for the buck compared to others like the Camary and Accord. The GTZ is a great looking car with everything included...V6, sunroof, leather, cd stereo, alloy wheels, power seat, window, mirror, etc. Great acceleration with a very smooth, tight drive and handles great on highways. I only have 10,00 miles, but no problems so far.

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  One exellent Ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MC - April 6 - 7:33 am

  I bought my Eclipse GT @ 74k miles. Now 2 3/4 years later its up to 121,645 and not one major problem has occurred. I have done all scheduled maintenance as per the service manual, and I always use 91 octane fuel and synthetic oils. My car is a blast to drive especially with windows and sunroof open and the 600 watt sound system blasting my favorite rock music. My car obtains between 24/28 mpg and have recorded an astounding 32 mpg on one tank for a 1k mile trip one way on a 3.0L V6 automatic! For those who complain about bad mpg just remember what Jeremy Clarkson said "its not what you drive but how you drive it" case in point Prius vs. M3 mpg test, Top Gear.

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  Happy so far - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rob - April 5 - 8:13 pm

  I have a 4-cylinder Mitsubishi Galant ES. It has plenty of power. This car is much bigger than you think. I was considering the Chevrolet Malibu, but the Galant is longer and wider. it is fun to drive and is very cool looking. I knew the gas mileage wasnt the best but it is a big 4-cylinder engine (2.4L). I have 1,000 miles on mine so far. It handles the bumps in the road very well. At 70 mph you think you are in a much bigger car. It is very smooth.

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  Safe, Reliable, Comfortable, Economical, and Fun - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By R.E.Rohrbaugh - April 5 - 9:36 am

  I am very pleased with the purchase of this Galant ES V6. This is my family car and daily commuter (120 miles daily). Starting with a modest price, I enjoy the performance of a 24 valve Fuel injected V6. A solid shifting automatic transmission. Good steering response and agressive 4 wheel disc brakes. Comfort for a 61" male to drive. Fuel usage ranges 29/24 mpg depending on driver agression. I do not enjoy paying for "Premium grade fuel only". Also the faded paint is not fun to look at.

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  A decent car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jldude - April 4 - 3:53 am

  This is a car that grows on you and the more you own it, the more attached you get. Its nothing spectacular in any area, but its sufficient. The best thing about it is the quiet engine and smooth transaxle. It rides like a more luxurious car. I can squeeze 31 mpg on the highway so thats not so bad. Mine does feel a little cheaply made, thats probably the biggest turn off. The doors close like theyre 10 years old and the shocks feel likewise, but it has a good loud factory cd player and despite the threatening rust in the engine bay from midwest use, it is still quiet and smooth and everything works. The brakes do squeal pretty bad though. If it had more modern technology it would be great.

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  Argh! - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By TheNamesLisa - April 4 - 2:00 am

  After owning a trouble-free Nissan Sentra for 8 yrs, this car is very disappointing. I only got rid of the Nissan because it wouldnt pass my states emission test. Rides like a dump truck, has no "get up and go", has surprisingly poor fuel economy & is very noisy (lots of air noise coming from the windows). This problem became more apparent after my son shut all four fingers in the door at the top & his only response was a calm "oh...my hand is shut in the door." But Im stuck with it for the next 5 years, since I owe more on it than its worth. Also found out that it had been wrecked. Live & learn. Spend $15 & get a Carfax report before you buy.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Scott B - April 4 - 2:00 am

  After looking at serveral cars including the Nissan Maxima and Chrysler 300m i finally bought the Mitsubishi Diamante. The Nissan and the Chrysler handled well and were nicely styled but the ride in each was too harsh. The diamante did not handle quite as good but it seemed to stike a better balance between performanc and ride than either of the other two cars. The stereo was better and the car seemed to have a more simple yet classy interior. Overall i love this car and clould not be happier about my choice.