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 Vehicle - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mary - January 8 - 2:00 am

  My mom bought it in 2000, and gave it to me this year; has roughly 224,000 miles on it, never needed anything expensive done to it, just routine maintenance. The tranny and engine still run just as strong as when my mom first bought it. After getting this car, I will always buy a foreign made car, never American made again. On the interstate it goes nice and smooth and I cant even hear the engine even though the car is turned on. Excellent vehicle, I hope it runs for many more miles.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Michael H. - January 4 - 11:10 pm

  I had a 2003 Eclipse GT, loved it and hand no problems up even when I traded it at 96,000 miles. Just got a new 2006 Eclipse GT with the premium package and I love it! The stereo rocks, and everyone drools over it. My girl friend has a 350Z and even she is jealous. The premium package is a must! It is worth the extra money. This is my everyday driver and it is great for commuting and long trips.

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  nice car but could of did better - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Nikki - January 4 - 7:50 am

  Well I bought my Diamante used.. I loved this car when I test drove it. Beware! This car carries a high symbol for insurance rates. This car is 5 years old and has a higher symbol than most brand new cars. Not worth it to insure it . Get insurance quote before u buy. Other than the high insurance and the 19 mpg on highway (which sucks with the price gas today) ---- Im trading it in. For cheaper insurance and better gas mileage . On the other hand the car has a nice style about it. It runs smooth. Oh and not very good in snow or slush. Parts and labor are more expensive

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  THESE 2003 GALANTS ARE SAFE CARS!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bridgetteb - January 4 - 5:47 am

  A very large van turned left in front of me at my green light so I crashed right behind the passenger front wheel at 40 mph. The galant was completely smashed up until about 1 ft. from the windshield BUT I am COMPLETELY FINE and I have horrible back issues already. The air bags diploid and I was wearing my seatbelt correctly and I cannot even believe how safe that car type is. Nothing inside the car showed evidence of the crash (beside the windshield which got a spider fractures). When I got out the car I became frantic because I didnt realize before how bad it really was. Safety ratings are important for cars and Id say with much joy that this car choice saved my life.

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  Good transportation - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vadim_st - January 4 - 12:23 am

  It is a mild, comfortable car for individual or small-family everyday transportation. The trunk takes a lot of luggage. My 4-cyl. engine is noisier and hotter than I would expect from a new car, but delivers smooth power sufficient to move around. Drivers seat needs to provide more support.

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  Most disappointing Mitsubishi - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By fraggledrock - January 3 - 10:09 pm

  I was a devoted Mitsubishi owner because my Mighty Max served me so well for 15 years & over 200K miles until it was totaled. I bought a 2008 Raider expecting the same durability & have never been so wrong! At 62K miles the Raider has major mechanical issues - bearing failure in the rear differential. To make matters worse the component isnt repairable & requires complete component replacement. Unlike most 2008 models from Mitsubishi, these units do not have a 10 year 100,000 mile power train warranty a clear statement of no confidence by the manufacturer.

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  Great Snow Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Michigan - January 3 - 5:26 pm

  I bought this car brand new and the performance in the snow has been amazing! The performance on dry land has been great too! I traveled during a blizzard and passed a lot of 4x4s in the median because their high center-of gravity made their big fat tires useless. Another experience was on black ice and out of eight of us, I was the only one that didnt rollover when the nightmare was over. This is a PERFECT CAR! The leather interior has held up perfectly! I truly cannot think of anything to complain about.

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  Love it, BUT - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By PN - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I didnt think I would like just from the comercial, but once I saw it in person and drove it, my wife and I loved it. Only have about 1300 miles on it and the only complaints so far is it pulls to the right and the rattling sound while accelerating. It is a distinct seperate sound from the engine, exactly in time with the accelerator. Bringing back to the dealer for evaluation on 4/25.

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  Price and Power - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Barrone - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been waiting for years to experiance that feeling I felt when I purchased my first car. My search ended with the discovery of the Mitsubishi Lancer. This car is much better equiped than other vehicles in its class. The Lancer is only a little over 13Kwith a slew of appointments such as Power w,dl,m. You also get standard A/C power steering and 145watt cd player. The real pleasure is getting behind the whel. Who cares about horse power and tourque ratings when this car nearly shoves you through the seat on take of, turns corners like its on rails and brakes on a dime.

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  FUN IN EVERY WAY - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By agoody68 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  It drives, and handles like a car. Great power, and room.