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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  CIOOOOOOOOOOOOOl - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tanu - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. it is the best in the road!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  SUV With Attitude - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Arthur Michael - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Endeavor XLS for only a short time, but absolutely enjoy the ride and style. My wife purchased a 2004 Honda CR-V, and after test driving the Endeavor, said she had made a mistake and should have purchased the Endeavor. (Of course,the Endearvor wasnt even out or just released back in April.) Everything is functional and the easy to reach. Otherwise, Im really enjoying driving again. Dont know if I can ever ride "low" again in a regular car. The Endearvor "Rocks"!

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  Sexy and Fun car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By WIZ - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. I had an older Eclipse and I thought maybe it was time for a change. I test drove the RSX Type S, the Celica GTS and the Mazada 6. But I didnt like either of them. So I test drove a GTS Eclipse and I fell in love with it. Its very nice outside and inside. The black leather in the car gives a sexy look.Bottom line go test drive the car and youll like it.

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  My 2nd Galant. Great Car. Would Buy Another - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By my2galant - February 2 - 8:52 am

  I started off with a 97 Galant which I drove until 163,000 mi and spent less than $1000 on repairs for the 7 years I drove the car. I purchased the 2004 Galant as a dealer car. It had 12,000 miles on it. This car has had 1 problem w/AC condenser around 80,000 mi and it cost us $800 to repair. Ive never waited for parts. At 130,000 mi we had the timing belt replaced and while engine was apart we had oil pump and seals replaced as preventive main. It cost us $900. We have 210,000 on the car now and its going strong. We would buy another with no questions. This is a wonderful car to drive and roomy. We average 30MPG on trips. Oil changes are easy DIY. Buy new/used with confidence.

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  Good stock, better stocked. - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Greasy - February 1 - 10:26 am

  I bought this car at a bank action, it was fun to drive then. Peppy for a 4 cylinder and able to keep up with a V6 mustang (not an achievement really). So it was good with a stock engine, but being an 18 year old male I couldnt have just 140 hp. I started doing selective mods to it. I put in a cold air intake, a new exhaust with resonator pipes, its not one of those loud hondas driving around. I kept the body stock lowered the front a bit raised the back and inch and put 18inch chrome wheels on. I put kyb gas charged struts in and a new sound system. i put in a new performance cam shaft and was thinking about a turbo. Honestly this car can take off and stop on a dime. I love it.

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  Decent Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mike - January 31 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my mitsu in 2008 and am very surprised I dont see more of these around. I love the sporty design on the outside especially with the dark gray color looks exactly like a shark. The interior is comfortable and clean looking but some of the interior plastics are cheap. I also dont like the upholstery a kind of felt material that my dogs hair clings too. I find the gas mileage adequate but power is a little low;although through corners it definitely shows a sportier side. The rockford fosgate stereo is awesome as well as the easy to use navigation system. The tires make the car useless in snow because they are summer time ones. Also, starting the car is a little rough in really cold weather

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  Too awesome... - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mustangof08 - January 31 - 6:39 am

  I got my license a few months ago, was looking on a used car dealership website, and found a silver Eclipse. So I told my dad about it, and got out of school one day to find it sitting where I usually park my moms car at school. Big surprise. Ive been driving it for only about 2 1/2 months now, but every second has been amazing. My friends tell me how good it looks, and how good it sounds for a 4-cyl. I love it, and you know its gotta be a reliable car when a 16 year old drives it. Teenagers drive like were blind, but this car never lets me down. Definitely recommend. 9/10

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  underrated - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By edmunds - January 27 - 5:10 pm

  have had no problems since purchased dec 2014. had a recall & now it is better than before. just purchased a Curtis hitch mount receiver & cargo carrier. now have extra room when needed. dont know why it received some low ratings. great vehicle. good price & great vehicle.

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  great car - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By western - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought the car i look forward to driving it every time I get in it. The car ride super smooth yet you still know it could handle any situation it was put in. I new of the Consumer Reports evaluation when I bought the car and I feel safer in this car than any car I have ever been in. I dont plan on wrecking but if I did I would hope either the seatbelt or one of the four air bags would help protect.

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  THE FULL MONTY - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By WalkMan - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I finally broke down and brought a newly designed 2001 Limited. I had a DVD player installed, swapped the front and middle headrests and had 6.5-inch TV screens installed in both so my rear passengers can enjoy a movie on the road.(I’d be happy to email pics). I put about 25K on my vehicle and have experienced no problems at all. Its under-powered and gets poor gas mileage- -get over it! Off-road though there is an abundance of stump pulling power in 4WD Low Range. This is the best-looking SUV out there by far, even if it is slightly lethargic when you mash the pedal. If you need acceleration, buy a Porche. If you want a class-act 4WD, get the "Full Monty."