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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  Jens review - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By J Paredes - December 23 - 10:00 am

  We went in to look at the Galant and found the basic version of this vehicle to be of similar price. We test drove it and fell in love. It is perfect for us - small but with the AWD we really need in our climate. We opted for the totally loaded version and are very pleased.

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  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By drawdad - December 23 - 10:00 am

  the car has a lot of room and a good amount of power also fun to drive.

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  Expensive to maintain - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bakerhemlock - December 23 - 5:59 am

  Worst car I have owned. Lets see: - A/c condenser went out - 2 window motor/regulators replaced. - Check engine light multiple times. for one, needed spark plugs, tuning etc - check engine P0401 gas cap, valve replaced - timing belts recommended change at 60k. way too early it seems imho - need new struts - power steering acts funny in rainy weather

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  Lovin my Lancer OZ - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ellen - December 22 - 11:33 am

  I have never enjoyed a car so much! This is my first brand new vehicle and well worth the cost. Although it is not expensive as far as cars go, it looks it. People are suprised when I tell them the cost. The highway pick up could be a bit better, but once it gets going, it moves. The design is pleasing to the eye. I have received many comments from strangers, young and old alike. Its a wonderful, sporty car!

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  Best Backed For A Reason - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Karen - December 17 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my Lancer in May of 2004, and my husband and I were in a severe rear end collision on January 7th, 2005 with this car. I owe my life, and the life of my husband AND my unborn child to the safety of this car. We hit a large SUV doing about 40mph. Cars are replaceable, people are not. I cannot imagine the outcome of this accident had we been driving anything else. I HIGHLY recommend the Lancer to anyone who is concerned about car safety. We are already in the process of purchasing our second Lancer. Folks, Mitsubishi means what they say about being the best backed cars in the world. They truly are.

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  Great Downsize Vehicle - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cakegirl1000 - December 16 - 11:46 pm

  We are very, very happy with this vehicle having gone from a Cadilac Escalade to the Mitsubishi Outlander. We made many day trips to shop and drive every crossover including a few others both larger and smaller such as the Juke and the Explorer making sure to give everyone a chance. We almost walked away because we were not thrilled with the White or the Black color options until I spotted one on the showroom floor that had been ordered but not purchased last minute. It was in this esspresso color with cream leather interior. It had great upgrades as well and we fell in love.

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  Great Great Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By An O.Z. Appreciator - December 16 - 9:23 am

  I bought my 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally in 2003, with 20,000 miles on it. it now has 60,000, greddy EVO 2 exhaust, wr intake, front, rear, and underside strut towers. I have beat the heck out of my car at the race track, both drag and sport track, and it just keeps going very soundly. It is fast on the straightaways, really hard turns, and three wheels to the ground driving later, this car wont stop. I was worried when I got close to my warrenty expiring, I tried to provoke anything that would go wrong after 60,000 before it so its under warrenty, and free. Well, if anyone could make an engine bomb out, its me, and every morning I still find myself face to face with an excellent running car. It needs more power though.

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  Two Issues - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TJ & Faye - December 15 - 12:53 pm

  I have only two issues with this vehicle. The first is the lack of a locking fuel door. The second is the passenger leg room is totally limited. Otherwise, we LOVE this car. Its fast, looks great and sounds great. A lady followed us home the first day we got the car to inquire what it was and about the color. We got the sunset pearl.

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  The most UNDERRATED car on the market - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mike - December 15 - 3:00 am

  For the price, this car will take on Toyota, Nissan, Honda and all. Best price period? YES. Ride, comfort, room.This is my first Mitsubishi and it wont be my last. They have a customer for life. The power of this 4 cyl will fly. Mileage is 26 in town. This car is rated at the top.

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  New Car Broken Down Twice - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Jennifer - December 15 - 12:46 am

  We traded in our 2000 Galant for another Mitsubishi because we were so happy with our Galant, only I think somehow we bought a lemon. It has broken down on me twice with my two kids in the car. I had to wait hours for a tow truck. Thankfully the tow and repair were covered (yet the whole process still cost me $600 in "necessary" (according to the dealership) tune up fees, plus the cost of a rental car. Not four months after my tune up, my car broke again. The first time was a faulty crank sensor (whatever the heck that is) and second time was some accelerator sensor. Oh and they also had to fix a leaky shock and the mid rear restraint that never worked off the lot. Buyers beware. I;m done with Mitsubishi.