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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  Not a good car at all - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By appared1992 - May 3 - 1:23 pm

  I have had this car for over a year and I have experienced problem after problem with it. 1. The shocks went out. 2. The transmission went out. 3. The car wouldnt shift correctly. 4. The air conditioner went out. 5. The "Service Engine" light is constantly on. 6. The rim to the wheel cracked. 7. The headlights barely light up anything, even in the darkest part of the night. 8. It always leaks when it rains. I have spent over $12,000 fixing this car, and Im about to spend another $1,000 to fix the air conditioner. I only recommend this car for people who like to spend money on their cars.

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  Something Different - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Scott - May 2 - 9:40 am

  There are too many Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, and Nissan Altimas out there. I wanted something different. Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante cutting edge? No, but it is a solid vehicle that has no weaknesses and it provides a lot of bang for the buck (if you buy used and avoid the depreciation hit.) I have had a lot of success with Mitsubishi products in the past. I am very happy so far with my Diamante ES. The car looks good to me and its engine, drivetrain and handling are very smooth and predictable. I have not experienced any mechanical problems so far after 15,000 miles. The car has an adaptive transmission feature where if you hop on the gas, it downshifts quickly and holds the shift point to a higher rpm. However, if youre gentle on the throttle, it shifts at a lower rpms. This is a great car if you can find one, they didnt make many.

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  Almost 3 years going ...thats a record - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By loanshark_08 - April 28 - 5:19 pm

  I must say this car is worth my money so far. Most American cars I buy are usually in the shop more than I get to drive then trade them in and become upside down. In July it will be year 3 and that is the longest I have owned a car. This car gets me all over Texas as well as a daily commuter. The only negative I can say is it randomly wont start but then will fire right up. I thought it was a fuel filter but much to my surprise this car only has one in the fuel pump in the gas tank? Upgraded the sound system and w/ Bluetooth makes it one awesome lil car.

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  Galant ES. Great buy.. a few issues - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Patrick - April 25 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this car for mom at the end of 03. The car performed well for 4.5 years and required only routine maintenance. Two problems came up at around 55,000 miles that I think you should know about. Heater problem- The heater began failing intermittently (vents would blow, but no hot air). The problem was not the heater core, but rather a component (a valve or a switch) of the heating system. I found that this was a common Galant issue and is not cheap to fix unless you diy. The other problem was that the drivers power window began to fail intermittently around 57,000 miles.

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  The Lancer is Fun to Drive! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Terrynconnct01 - April 24 - 12:13 am

  The Lancer met all expectations; (except no leather), great fuel economy, some of the highest emission standards, great handling, especially for New England roads.

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  Bang for Buck - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Carknut - April 19 - 11:30 am

  Actually, this car is just a solid deal all around. Hands down better than any other compact on the road. I have driven it 12,000 miles in the last 5 months - averaged 360 miles per tank, love the seats, and overall ride. The best thing for performance in this car is the automatic tranny (wish I had a manual though). The auto is perfectly mated to the engine, so that it effectively uses the entire power range. I love driving the car, and I have no regerts with it. Youd be smart to pick one up.

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  Not A Problem At All - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Danman - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I had Purchased This Auto Against My Better Judgement, After Reading Reviews At Many Websites All Against The Transmission Function And Ergonomic Flaws. Well It Has Been 5 Months And It Is One Of The Best Decisions I Have Ever Made On A Car That Has Awesome Styling And Great Pickup On The Highway 6000mi On The Odometer And Counting Bottom Line Go With Your Impulses!

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  Fun to Drive, But... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SiNTHETiC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my GTZ for a year and half. Since date of purchase the car has received one new side airbag, TWO new rear speed sensors, a new battery, the weather stripping over front head lights has been replaced, and the Inifinity radio no longer ejects or accepts CDs. Additionally , I had to have the brake rotors turned and the pads replaced myself since the Dealership would NOT warranty them! The car is great to drive, difficult to own.

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  Finally Got a Good One - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tracy - April 18 - 4:00 pm

  Although Ive only had it a month.... I love it! It is my dream car! Its very classy and sophisticated yet still sporty and stylish for young peoples tastes. Im still figuring the fuel economy, but so far, its better than my past 2 Chryslers and my Ford. Im a bit curious as to the transmission.. it doesnt shift as smoothly or as quickly as when I first drove it. Handling is very fun (on dry roads anyways, shouldve gotten traction control). AC is awesome, sun/moonroof is awesome, stereo sounds great except for a rattling speaker, overall I love it!

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  POOREST PERFORMANCE - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ChristianGT - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The eclipses had a sharp exterior and interior design but the performance is not too good for me. Its a V6 engine 200hp but not really kicksin on the road. When i first drive the eclipse it gives me a little impressive but when i test drive the other sport coupes ive saw some more power to kicksin than my eclipse But its ok i still love this car of course!!!=)