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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  Great Ride - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Megan - February 28 - 9:23 am

  I had a 2004 Outlander and was going to trade it in on a used X5 until I drove the 2007 Outlander. I was very impressed on the improvements from 04 to 07. The engine, the interior and exterior design were all much much better. Glad they added the 6 cyl. engine and navigation system. The sound system quality is great. It was amazing how much more I got with the 07 for about the same price as I did the 04. It was definitely a good deal and I could not be happier with the vehicle. Mitsubishi worked great with me as well. I didnt have to make my last 2 payments on my 04 and they "forgave" me for going over on my milage, and even a little body damage where someone hit me in a parking lot.

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  Bought It New - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By bsm - February 28 - 4:20 am

  The car has been a dream. It has over 182,000 miles and my only problem was the brakes initially until a mechanic changed me to another brake pad. I will probably get over 300,000 miles out of the car. This is the only car in my life I have ever kept for more than two years. Its transmission seems odd to other drivers who borrow the car but that is because it adapts to each drivers driving habits after about three or four times they have driven it consecutively. This is the best money I have ever spent on a car.

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  A very fine car! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Silvergirly - February 26 - 2:30 am

  I needed a vehicle that I could rely on and saves me gas. I fell in love with the Eclipse! Lets just say this car drives real smooth. For a 4 cylinder, it has a lot of get-up and go! I got the SE edition that includes the sunroof and the awesome Rock Ford Fosgate sound system (includes a subwoofer in the trunk). It also has the nifty front and rear spoilers that makes the appearance very sharp. So far I can tell a big improvement between this car and my truck I owned. I am very glad to have purchased this vehicle. :)

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  Excellent - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Basavaraj Patil - February 24 - 12:10 am

  Overall excellent vehicle. Mileage is aroung 17/gallon, but good driving comfort. Parts are very expensive and service delears should be increased.

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  Long Term Review - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By IowaRalliart - February 23 - 3:56 am

  Bought our 2004 Ralliart Sportback brand new in February 2005. Just turned 22000 miles (Jan 2008). Knock on wood the car has been free of any problems of any kind. Short of routine maintenance the only thing Ive had to do is change a tail light bulb. Car is comfortable but about 5 hours into a long trip I find myself wishing for just a little bit more lower back support. Fit and finish is excellent inside and out. For a wagon its peppy and handles very well. Gas mileage is what Id expect for a sport wagon and the engine sings over 3500rpm which is when the engine kicks over to the second cam profile. Ride is stiffer but its suppose to be - sport suspension. Very happy with the car.

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  Almost There.... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Almost There.... - February 22 - 10:00 am

  It seems as if Mitsubishi designers included what they could for the price range...As a former Montero owner, I did not want a larger truck, but a bigger car that did not look like a station wagon and a mid-size truck that did not look like a mini-van. I think Mitsubishi has accomplished this. The AWD handles nicely in the rain and has "some" kick. It seems loud upon rapid acceleration. Overall I am pleased with my second Mitsubishi. I think with a few improvements (see below) they will have the endeavor nailed!! They are almost there!

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  Stay Away - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MinderaserNO - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 03 GTS Eclipse for a about a year and a half. It has been in the shop 4 times... once they had my car for over 2 WEEKS! Everything that could go wrong with this car - has. Stay away.

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  Awesome Ride - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Brian - February 20 - 3:46 am

  The 2007 Eclipse is an awesome ride. It has the styling of a small speedster, the beauty of a classic sports hatchback, and the get up and goes of a roadster. The 6-cyl. 24 valve, 263 HP engine, provide plenty of power to rock the road. Do not hesitate to take it for long drives. The car hugs the road with my all season Toyo Proxes FZ-4. Its ride is very comfortable

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  My best car ever! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By zoltan2 - February 18 - 9:22 pm

  I own a lot of cars but this one is the best. I bought it with 105kmiles 4 years ago. Except brake pads and timing belt I did nothing! The car has now 170k and runs like new. I also have a Mercedes and a Porsche but none of them can beat this car reability. I use just synthetic oil.My next SUV? Mitsubishi.

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  Impressed - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Craig - February 16 - 2:53 pm

  We almost bought an 02 Altima SL before we saw the Galant. I am really glad that we didnt get the Altima. The Galant is so much better in so many ways. That and the dealership was better. I like what it comes with for the money. Although we purchased ours used, we dont get the 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty. Oh well, not really a big deal.