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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  My Saddened Galant Loyalty - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MARTIN HODES - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This 2004 is my 5th Galant. This 2004 has front and rear suspension which reduces my comfortability. Every road defect is disturbingly transmitted. On 4/16/04 I drove another 2004 Galant, the bumping and jarring were not as frequent and severe as in my auto. Same day I spoke with a MItsubishi "engineer". He confirmed, 2004 is a newly designed vehicle. Is supposed to give firm, non-swaying ride. I asked if less firm and rigid shocks could be installed. "No, this is the way the car is designed and we wont make any changes in your vehicle." I have requested a visit by a Factory Rep. Martin S. Hodes

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  MY GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By StacyMarie - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my Car. It looks great drives great. Out of many compact imports this is a very powerful car. I LOVE IT. =)

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  Fun Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ruben - October 25 - 2:50 am

  My Eclipse GS has 105,000 miles (got it with 35,000). It has been pretty reliable, besides doing some maintenance which isnt cheap. Other than that, it is an extremely fun car to drive. Moon roof open, windows down, it makes you feel good. Acceleration sounds awesome, even on the highway. When you sit in the drivers seat, you know youre in a sports car. Its OK in New England winter, but AWESOME in the summer!

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  The Most Reliable Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mister Digger - October 23 - 6:43 am

  This is my fifteenth car in 20 years, so for this one to give me almost no trouble for 160,000 miles is truly remarkable. The AC went out at about 100K miles, just after doing a major overhaul as preventative maintenance (the timing belt was still good). The latch on the drivers side rear seat also went out at about 80K miles, but that was very minor. With gas prices soaring and me griping about only getting 24 MPG in this SUV, I did the unthinkable and tried to trade it in on a gas saving economy car. Well, I should thank the sales manager for giving me an insult of an offer for trade-in. I canceled the deal and kept this vehicle. If it works, dont fix it!

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  Satisfied owner - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 08Outtie - October 23 - 4:36 am

  Only owned the car for over a week. For the price of a fully loaded 4WD SUV, it beats all the competitors in the same market segment (mainly RAV4, CR-V and Ford Edge). The interior is not excessively rich, but it is comparable to the competitors. The technology features are hands down the best out of the competitors as my XLS model is equiped with touch screen harddrive based navigation, bluetooth, HID headlights, full function trip computer.

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  Been a great car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jb - October 21 - 9:33 pm

  Bought it new, now has 140k miles. Live in the DC area, so I needed a car with a little "zing" to get off and on the beltway. Have only replaced the O2 sensor. Reliable, responsive, good stereo. Everything still works (amazing with 3 teens sharing. Nothing has broken, though showing wear on the outside edge of drivers seat.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE $$ - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Shoregirl22 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the look, the ride, the space. I got a silver one, Its yummy.

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  Love it - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jessechop - October 20 - 11:53 am

  Girlfriend and I just bought a new 08 Lancer and love it. Handles great, even in the snow. Fuel economy is ok, a lot better than the trucks we are usually driving. The CVT is really neat

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  Diamante LS, Noise & Vibrations - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Jerry Brocato - October 12 - 4:23 am

  This is a beatiful car but one that is marred with strange noises and vibrations. Ive had the car to the dealer several times to correct the problems only to be told it was "tire noise". I even went out of town and drove the same car. Same problems. I think there is design problems with the car. I have asked that the problems be corrected or give me another car.

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  2000 Eclipse GT - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Oliver - October 8 - 10:00 am

  After a shaky first year the car has been trouble free. Two problems that I took the car in for: AC stopped cooling shortly after use (factory overfilled refrigerent) and remote lock failed (receiver). Factory issued 5 recalls in first year but I did not experience the problems. This Eclipse has the Sportronic tranny which is convenient in the metro area and fun in the country.