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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  Terrible Pull to the left - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By BeagleDog - September 12 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I started driving this new vehicle I experienced a severe pull to the left. I assumed it was just out of alignment. However when I called the dealership, service told me the 2003s had a known defect requiring a major repair and I needed to drop the vehicle off for at least a day. Can you sell vehicles with known safety defects? Other than that major flaw, its nice.

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  Better than expected gas mileage - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By IowaWinters - September 11 - 10:03 pm

  Other than maintenance items this car has been super reliable. It sits low to the ground but still got around in 7.5 inches of snow this winter. Granted I have pretty new tires on it! Stock brake rotors are crap - invest in some nice aftermarket ones. I put on drilled and slotted rotors and can stop on a dime! This summer I think Ill figure out why the A/C drips on my foot. Have heard the A/C vent tube can get clogged on these. Got 114,500 miles on it now and hope to get at least 200,000 out of it!

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  Keep on reading... dont give up! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Armin - September 11 - 10:00 am

  For the price I paid for this car I think it was the best on the market. As far as toys and looks go it is a very very good car. If you are not planning to race around professionally, the performance is good enough for you and the stereo system, design, etc., makes the car look more expensive than it actually is.

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  I love my car.. Its has been good to me - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Isimiyake - September 10 - 10:00 am

  I got my car in October of 1997 as a birthday present. It is the 98 model. My car had 9 miles on it when it was purchased. It now has 112K. I have not had ANY major problems with my car. Yes, I did have to replace the harmonic balance about a year and a half ago but other than that I had no major problems. For those of you just starting out I must say you have a great car. The check engine light came on about 4 months ago and it turned out to be just a wire needing to be replaced. I have the 5 speed and it is so much fun to drive. I am now in the market for a SUV (more room) but I am keeping my Eclipse and will do so for many years to come.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By IA - September 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car. Good solid comfortable ride, handling and sleek styling. It could use some minor changes in the design of its interior for example, the cup holders are at a petty uncomfortable place and it needs a sunglass compartment and some coat hangers.

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  cheap and fun - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By james - September 9 - 6:13 pm

  Just traded in a Pontiac Grand Am for my 05 Lancer ES two weeks ago. The Lancer is such a better car. I like the look and the engine is peppy for only 120 hp. The MPG has been far better then my Grand AM wich was also a 4-cyl. engine but doesnt feel like Im sacrificing power even though the lancer does have less then the Grand Am. Excellent warranty and 3 years free scheduled maintenence helped sell me on the car.

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  Impulse buy - turned out GREAT! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Brandon in Jersey - September 6 - 12:23 am

  I saw this car in the show room (black w/ black leather, 18s. ) gorgeous. Made my heart stop. Sitting in it, I thought, "I cant afford this" . Killer sale, got it for like 22k and had them drive it out of the showroom. So far, so good, been almost 13 months. No problems, almost 14k miles. Im loving it. Definitely a head-Turner. Have not see others like mine on the road thus far! Unsung hero. I think Mitsubishi has a lifer now. Definitely would recommend!

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  2004 oz vs 03 es - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By DANRAY - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I had the 2003 lancer es for about 4 months.. it was auto, hubcaps, no spioler or sunroof.. so We went out and got the 2004 lancer oz.. VERY NICE UPGRADE.. we were origonally looking for the 2003 lancer oz but couldnt find one manual ANYWHERE.. I am very impressed with the 2004,, Definate upgrade..HIGHLY RECCOMENDED

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  Good SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By lawsnoles1 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Traded a new Altima in and I like it a lot! Very cool on the inside and out. Just not sure of Mitsus cars, this is our first. So far, its great.

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  Endeavor Mitsubishi #6 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ekdaliuss - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle for both comfort on long trips and hauling capacity when needed. Seat comfort is second to none. Dealer service department has no peer; it is outstanding in all respects. I travel 55 miles one way just to do business with this dealer. It is my sixth car from this dealer in the last 12 years.