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:

• 

  A Whole Lot of Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tennis_playa - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought a used 2003 Galant a month ago and I am very happy I did. Great looks, fun to drive and peppy! If you are looking for a newer car and you seek a good value, then a Galant should definitely be considered! Buying this new is not a good idea, but buying it used is a great deal!

• 

  This car will be missed if it ever dies! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By cynbaby - January 18 - 10:36 am

  This has been the only car to ever outlive a car loan. It is still going and still has great gas mileage. The reason why performance is not a ten is because it has slowed slightly in its old age due to the fact that I beat it up. Only basic maintenance has been done because thats all it ever needed. I am quite surprised since it is a first year model. I have never had to doubt my safety in it and have off roaded in it despite the fact that its a sedan. I dont even avoid pot holes and after five years, still great suspension! I get roughly 32-33 miles to the gallon w/126,000 miles and counting. I will cry when I retire it.

• 

  Its all that I could expect it to be - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mr Mark - January 16 - 1:33 am

  I bought this car out of necessity. I really dont like the exterior styling much. I added 18" custom wheels, which made it look much better. The stock tires are tiny. The interior is bland but functionality-wise is great. A lot of interior space for a small car. The car has been very reliable. Ive had zero major problems. Engine-wise the only thing Ive had to replace is one ignition coil, which wasnt too costly. The car doesnt have much muscle - slightly more horses than a Civic - but its what youd expect for this class of car. I really like the stock sound system. Its fairly loud and clear, and after over 3 years still sounds the same as when I bought the car.

• 

  Should be better - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By KY Driver - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Bad resale vaue, had frequent problems with the "check engine soon" light, good fule economy.

• 

  Longterm lease - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MarkAM - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost the full 5yrs and the only regret I have is that I didnt buy it outright. The car has performed flawlessly---even with 3 recalls for minor preventive fixes. (I never had problems) The cars balance handles well in snow (Midwest blizzard recently) and traction on wet roads I would rate as good.

• 

  Just got this SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JoJoFlyboy - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Nice car/SUV, meaning it drives more like a car than the others, Santa Fe, CRV ect. Paid just a bit more than the TMV value on Edmunds for a XLS with "sun and sound" package. Only negative is that you cannot seem to find one, especially in the south with ABS without getting the luxury package also. Mitsu is one of the only companies around that ABS isnt standard or available as a single option. Interior is very nice, except for the gaping hole below the radio for cell phones ect. Ample leg room and headroom, I am 63,my head scraped the top on the Santa Fe. Exterior, still not totally convinced on. SUV is for wife and she likes it a great deal.

• 

  Cheap interior - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MITSUMAN - January 4 - 9:53 pm

  Chose the Outlander over several other small SUVs on the market because of bang for the buck. Love the performance of the engine and 6 speed tranny. Also very glad we opted for the sun and sound package. The interior however is cheap cheap cheap! Carpet is worst I have ever seen in a new car, plastic inner door panels and seat material are very low grade as well!

• 

  Bells & whistles galore - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MICHAELLA - January 4 - 7:53 pm

  Loved the 2005 Toyota 4-Runner (had a 95 4-Runner prior), but didnt want to pay for all of the a la carte upgrades (sunroof, 6-cd changer, leather) on the SR5 or Sport Edition & wasnt willing to pay for the Limited. Endeavor had everything I wanted and then some, plus the added 0% APR deal. Easy choice! Still prefer the exterior of the Toyota, but wouldnt trade my heated seats, steering wheel audio controls and other bells & whistles now for anything! As far as value, I definitely feel I got the biggest bang for my buck. Extremely satisfied overall.

• 

  Very reliable, nice looking - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mikey - January 3 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car one year old with 12,000 miles, and it has served me well. Aside from a cooling fan that runs for a short period after the engine is turned off (I ignored the recall), Ive had no problems. Its comfortable, zippy, handles well, and the cargo space with the back seats down is plenty long. Wish it were a little higher, though. I had considered a 2004 Ford Escape (too pricey) and a 2004 Honda CRV (not long enough). Im happy with my pick. My only complaints are that the sheet metal is thin (dings easily), the in- town mileage isnt great (I get about 17 mpg on a 4-cylinder engine!), and wind pulses through the car when the back windows are down.

• 

  Good Family Car, but not a sports sedan. - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Adam C - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used last year because I like the styling & speed. Its a reliable car & fast as heck. However, the handling leaves much to be desired and the brakes are a constant maintenance. I understand Mitsu did a change over on the brakes mid year, I guess I got the bad half. Overall, great car for the $$$.