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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  This car eats up gas - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By b.garhid - October 16 - 8:40 pm

  This car is beautiful, but non reliable had it for a month and the starter died, the battery died and did I mention it gets 12 mpg city and a decent 18 mpg highway the car is pretty fast though but I hate it when a neon srt-4 can beat me and get better gas mileage at the same time

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  interior lighting - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By larry - October 6 - 12:26 pm

  I owned a 2005 endeavor and was very happy with it except the gas mileage. I purchased a 2008 outlander XLS v6 3.0 awd and was sorry to see that there are not any interior lights in the glove compartment or on the dials for the temperature settings, and fan speed or positions for the vent direction. Cannot set any of the 3 dials at night while driving or go from 2wd to 4wd.

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  Not for off road use - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By spudhikes - October 6 - 2:30 am

  Perfect on the road, crappy off of it. Tiny rocks get caught between the brake rotors and the brake rotor covers. Had them emptied six times in one year. Drive dirt roads with the occasional rutted out section 3 times per week. Broke the suspension over and over again. Everything was perfect on the road, but off of it caused problems. Sound system was great. Heated front seats were amazing. Seats easily stain, even from water. Plenty of room for a 65" guy. Cant complain about anything on the pavement. Cant suggest you use it off of the pavement. Second Mitsubishi. Will buy an older montero most likely. Mitsubishi still rocks, just had the wrong one for day to day use.

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  Fast and Fun, but FULL of Problems - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Leepoffaith - October 4 - 10:56 pm

  My 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is good looking and very fun to drive, BUT it is plagued with problems. Ive replaced the oil sensor ($125), had the brakes re-surfaced 4 times (stock rotors are horrible), motor mounts, had to have the heat shield removed because it was making noises, there are rattles all over the car, I have 2 bent rims (each would be $400 from the dealer), the stock tires are junk, the clutch rattles when disengaged in netrual, and the transmission likes to grind for no reason! Not to mention the bearing rattle that everyone has. Do your research! There are many websites out there that will tell you all the problems these cars have. Listen to what they say and then make your own decision

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  smooth operator - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By naseer - October 4 - 7:00 am

  I just got my new mitsu outlander and it is really good, the ride very smooth. my 2.4 lacks some power but that expected and is good for low mileage. CVT is my first and it is very smooth. Turning is like a sedan, information panel is quite accessible.Lots of cup holders and power outlets. Competes with CR-V and RAV4, with a good deal it is much better than both.

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  Endeavor in Vancouver, BC - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lancetroy - October 3 - 4:03 am

  Performance-wise, this SUV is outstanding. I like the car-like handling and of course, as most of you know by now, its torquey 225-hp engine.

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  XLS AWD with leather package - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ikay - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I got it and I love it. The engine has not been a problem. 140hp is enough for most people. Someone likes to compare with 200-hp+ SUV. We never get to use the full power anyway or you get busted. However, when speeding up, the engine is kind of loud as other mitsubishi. It did not bother me. The sportronic is very nice and it actually works well. It has a very good driving position in the car. you dont slide so much even with leather when turning (the bucket seat is doing some work). Overall, it is good and worth the $$. Comparing with CR-V, just less space with cooler look. Your call.

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  Its not going to work!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Fuzzywife - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has a fairly nice design, but is too under-powered for my taste and for the price I paid for it (13K used!) I should have bought the Diamante!

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  2004 Galant ES Bought at 45k miles - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RK - September 23 - 2:56 am

  I bought a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant ES in July 2009 from a Mitsubishi Dealership (Schaumburg, IL). I had a fantastic experience with the dealer by the way. The car was at 45k miles and 1-owner when I purchased. Good used-car bargain. Came with great features including powered sunroof, infinity audio system, 17" alloy wheels and leather strapped steering wheel. Excellent control and driving performance. Low on the mileage (I get around 22 mpg city and highway mix). Havent used in snow yet... hopefully it will drive well. Love the exterior and the looks.

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  Decent Nice Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By CJ4482 - September 17 - 6:00 pm

  This is my 1st Mitsubishi. Its a nice car, decent and I enjoy driving it. Ive had A/C problems way too much and the back seating is kind of tight. I would recommend this car for a 1st timer, or a commuter car, poor gas mileage, although I do like this car, I will not be buying another one nor will I be buying any other Mitsubishi.