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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  Never looked back! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LovelyNurseLindy - November 15 - 1:56 pm

  I did my research and test drove a lot of cars. This car is by far the most car for the money! I got a loaded Lancer for the base price of other brands (altima, etc.). Ive had my car for 4 months now and I am very happy with everything! Love the car, especially the extras. Get a lot of looks on the road and family and friends love it! I havent looked back since I got it. It makes driving fun again.

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  2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chelsea - November 14 - 12:20 pm

  This is my second car, and during the time after my first car and before I bought the Eclipse, I test drove an 04 Focus SVT, 03 Acura TL, 05 Scion TC, and many other countless cars. The Eclipse has got to be my favorite, by far. The downfall about MINE is its an automatic, but that may actually make it better in the end. My cup holder doesnt get in the way because of that, I havent had any problems with the interior design except the back seats, not even my shorter friends can sit back there without bumping their heads on the rear windshield. But, this doesnt bother me bc I dont sit back there, and they need their own cars anyway haha

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  I hate this car - 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
  By lora76 - November 14 - 2:05 am

  If I had done some digging before I purchased this car I wouldnt have bought it. I do not like anything about it. I have owned it for 9 months and checked in to trading it off and found out that in 9 months it lost 12000.00 in value. I paid just over 25,000.00 for it and was offered between 13,000 and 15,000 for it. This is just CRAZY.

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  Amazing - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Luis - November 12 - 4:23 pm

  This is what I have been waiting for. This car is so beautiful and the interior is just plain amazing with the Terra Cotta and gauges based off a motorcycle you cant beat it, especially at night.

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  Wonderful Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Arlene Coleman - November 12 - 12:40 pm

  I love driving this car. It has enough room to carry adults in the back seat. Plus it has a beautiful interior. It corners like a dream. I recommend this car to any body. You cant beat the quality for the price. It even has a great warranty and after sales service.

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  Reliable, but uninspiring - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By darkcoupon - November 11 - 5:22 am

  This car has been very reliable. I bought mine in fall of 2011 and, apart from regular maintenance, this car hasnt seen any time back at the dealership. The rest of the car, though, is rather unimpressive. Despite the sporty exterior, the underpowered engine makes this car beyond boring to drive and inspires no confidence when needed. The poor engine would almost be forgivable if the car achieved the advertised gas mileage, but after nearly 3 years of ownership I still average around 20mpg City and 25mpg Highway. This is mostly due to the fact that the pedal needs to be on the floor most of the time to keep up with traffic. Mitsu would have been much better off including their 2.4L engine.

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  Odor & AC design issues - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Danny Thompson - November 10 - 10:23 pm

  We have had an on going issue with a "rotten egg odor" with this vehicle. I took it to the dealer during warranty to review this problem and was given a standard read out that the problem is caused by 2% alcohol found in all grades of gas. This appears to be a problem with Mitsubishi vehicles. With onset of hot weather and running the AC, I noticed that the carpet under the drivers side was wet. I took the Endeavor to service and was informed that in order to clear a clogged AC line it would be necessary to remove the entire dash at a cost of $1,240.00. I am clearly paying a high price for a design fault in the manufacturing of your car.

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  2008 SE new car comments - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Darrell - November 10 - 12:50 pm

  As for the new 2008 SE Outlander this one is a disappointment. Sluggish off the line. Yes it is a 4 cyl. But no low end torque to speak of. The CVT is my first and am not impressed in one area. Slowing down it feels like the brakes are being applied. My first Mitsubishi with mechanical problems from day one. Turning left a clank. Same for turning right. Rear end screech when backing. Knocking noise mid vehicle. The dealer said they could not hear the clanking so did nothing. How about putting it up on a rack and turning the wheels? Said the screeching was the brake rotors. Normal. A first for me on any Mitsubishi. Average fuel consumption is not what we want. We want exact MPG.

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  Love my Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Miko - November 10 - 10:00 am

  When we were looking for a family vehicle we were testing Minivans and had decided to get a Honda however we fell in love with the Montero. I feel that this SUV rides more like a car than other SUVs weve tested ie: the Pilot, CR-V and Endeavor. If you have older kids this was a better fit. There is lots of room in the front and second seat. The third row seat meant for two additional passengers is really poorly designed, my ten year old has a hard time. It is really comfortable when we travel with the family. There is plenty of room for bags and luggage. Overall we really love this SUV.

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  GREAT CAR - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ERNIEALLSTAR - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I AGRE WITH ANOTHER REVIEW COULD USE A LITTLE MORE HELP ON INTERIOR ACCESSORIESS IE..CUP HOLDER AND SUCH..EVEN A CELL PHONE HOLDER...BUT IN GENERAL...CARS HANDELS GREAT..NO PROBLEMS...WOULD BUT AGAIN..SECOND GALANT I HAVE OWNED.HAVE OWNED GRAND AMM AND 6000LE...JAPAN RULES CARS