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:

• 

  Wandering steering - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By donnie - July 17 - 9:50 am

  Car is nice and looks great but it bounces all over the road. Feels like the struts are weak and its really hard to keep the car going straight down the road. Im taking it to the dealer lets see if they do anything.

• 

  Its OK! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fra - July 17 - 6:10 am

  I got my 01 Eclipse because my previous car broke down and I needed a car quickly. I love the body shape, but I am really disappointed with the engine. This car is all appearance and no substance.

• 

  More noise than a toddler toy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By bayd - July 16 - 8:18 pm

  I bought my endeavor used in 2010 with 90,000 miles, for more room. Heater blower motor immediately started to scream. Replacing it was a nightmare. Ended up having to go to machine shop to modify the new motor, just so that I could have heat in the winter. AC doesnt work at all. Needs a whole new compressor. Tires, breaks and bearings all needed to be replaced. And tires for this bad boy are SPENDY! Ive had the thing almost a year and spent more than $3k on it. Now I have to get a minivan and am screwed because resale of these is so low. Used to have a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, and that was my all time favorite car!

• 

  Sheep in Wolves Clothing - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dtone - July 16 - 7:23 am

  Had a Galant for two years. Traded it in for the Eclipse. Has the same 2.4l engine as the Galant. Comfortable seats, good gas milage, pleasant handling characteristics, surprising amount of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Looks sporty, but is more a Mom and Pop 2-door coupe. Sensible Midlife chrisis car for relatively short money.

• 

  solid alternative to standard SUVs - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By elenagracia - July 16 - 1:10 am

  I did quite a bit of research before I decided to purchase my first SUV, and after test driving a few, I was afraid I would have to make the jump to the luxury SUVs when I decided to try the Mitsubishi Endeavor. This is a beautiful SUV with distinctive exterior and interior styling, and an excellent carlike ride and drive. It feels really solid -- being a bit longer and wider than the Honda Pilot - - and takes me everywhere (with its AWD) safely and securely. This trim level feels lush and spacious, and carries five adults and plenty of cargo comfortably. The Endeavor is a stylish, powerful alternative to the standard SUV box -- its definitely worth a look.

• 

  Just dont cut the mustard - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By David - July 15 - 2:50 pm

  Had the truck for 3 weeks, 16 mpg no matter how you drive around town..18 on the highway.Truck seems to be solid built but extremely underpowered with the 3.7 v6. Small inside cab as an old day small import is but the outside will fool you as it appears to be a full size truck. Might as well buy a full sized Silverado or F150 concerning the gas mileage and engine size for weight ratio. Had it to do over, would not buy one with the v6 would opt for the v8- then price wise- a Silverado or Ford with a v8 would be cheaper and more comfortable inside. Feels like a 4cyl powered truck. Nice design power train leaves room for beter power to weight ration and definitely pick up-a VW bug will do it in!

• 

  Never Again - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By majic - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I will never own a SUV like this one again. The gas mileage is terrible. When cursing on the Expressway at 85 mph the engine is reving at almost 4,00 rpm. that third row seat is useless, even to small children... The Depreciation is terrible.

• 

  Dont mess with a good thing - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Michael Albert - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just simply want to invite anyone to drive the Galant GTZ. Though I have driven this car for only 8 months I would recomend it highly, especially for the money that could be saved buying a competitors automobile.The ride and features are exceptional. Although the competition within its class are of higher horsepower dont let the GTZs engine fool you. I close with the confidence in telling you that even if I made a million dollars I would still consider this car.

• 

  Wish I could go back in time - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By time to move on - July 13 - 2:00 pm

  First of all, let me state that I dont hate this car. It has many redeeming qualities (see below) that make it a good purchase. Just dont be surprised when you are only getting 23 mpg on the highway, while your fellow Camry, Grand Prix, and Accord drivers are getting 28+. I was sucked in by the 0% financing for 60 months so I caved in and bought it. Now Im trying to get a new car because my family just increased by 1 and the backseat in this thing is ridiculously small for a "mid-size" sedan. Its laughable! Be forewarned that when you try to trade this car in, the value of it will have plummetted substantially. Spend the extra grand and buy quality - you wont regret it.

• 

  Fanciful, Fast, and Fun - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Campoly - July 13 - 12:16 pm

  Looked at many competitors in this price range (Sky, GTI, Speed3, M-X5, etc.). All were nice cars if you are 54 and weigh 98 pounds. At 61" I found the Eclipse the easiest to get in and out of. The exterior styling of this cars is sleek and sexy. Back seat room is non existent but honestly, who really cares. Seats are comfortable enough. The non turbo V6 is strong with lots of torque and surprising little torque steer which makes for lots of acceleration fun. It doesnt have road rally/oval track curve hugging ability that the Evo or Vette has but for everyday around town and nimble freeway driving it is great fun and hard to beat.