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 car! with a couple gripes - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ajkassay - October 31 - 4:44 pm

  I got this car used almost 2 years ago with 12k miles. now, with 35k miles, its still great. havent had a single issue with it yet. gas mileage isnt the best, but its fine. driving this car is great, the confident handling makes this car pleasing to drive. I just wish the engine had just a bit more power, and a little more quiet, but it gets the job done. I also love the interior and the rockford fosgate sound system, its one of the things that make this car such a great value. However, my biggest complaint is the paint. Its terrible! It scratches very easily, which gets frustrating over time. And since i live in a hot climate, im worried about the suns toll on the paint.

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  Not so bad, no value - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By What the?? - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Runs well, lots of power. Lots of road noise however. I went to trade this for another Mitsubishi. No deal with financing work that much loss of value $26,000 car new and was only offered $9,000 in trade. No resale value, dealer was rude. (Not the original dealer) Other than being noisy, the car is a running dude. My transmission works well, dont know what others have experienced but mine is not a problem.

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  00 GT - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By McClipse - October 30 - 2:00 am

  great looking fun car!!!!

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  1999 Mitsubishi - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mrsmoore - October 29 - 11:00 am

  I have had my 1999 Mitsubishi Galant for a year now and I love it. I bought it at 150k miles, it is now at 170k. The only major problem Ive had with it was the transmission, which went out do to my user error, it burns a bit of oil and the turn radius is not the best. Its the V6 model, very peppy and accelerates very quickly even with the new tranny I put in it. I put premium grade fuel in it, high mileage engine oil and I have not had a problem with its reliability. The A/C, heater, power locks and windows STILL work, even in he cold. This car is like a roach car, Im pretty sure it wont die. I met someone who has his at 330K miles and counting, another guy and he hasnt had a complaint.

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  Update - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By AJL - October 26 - 8:30 am

  I have stopped using the car for business (see previous reviews) and have started using it for commuting. The car is still holding up very well and has been one of the best cars Ive ever owned mechanically. Still no squeaks or rattles, engine uses no oil between changes. The storage space is excellent for a small wagon and the overall performance of the car My only big complaint is that fuel mileage is awful and has decreased big time since I began all-city driving. Im now lucky to average 18-19 mpg around town, which is absurd for a small, 4 cylinder wagon. Im fairly conservative driving it 90% of the time, although I do like to have fun now and then.

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  Sportcompact Segments Best Kept Secret - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JOE LANGLEY - October 25 - 1:00 am

  I did not know of the exsistance of this particular Lancer model, but I was forced to research this car due to rising insurance costs. I went to the dealership and was handed the keys to the Lancer ralliart W/5 speed manual transmission, the moment I slipped the transmission into first gear and rolled away, I knew deep in my heart that my search for a car was offically over. I took a left turn out of the dealership and headed straight for the interstate where I merged into traffic with authority. The smooth clutch and short throw transmission were a pure joy to operate. Torque is present in abundance with no need to downshift to pass. The handling is telepathic and this car has a great sounding exhaust.

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  My Galant - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kevzahchicago - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Summing it up....gorgeous to look at, stylish interior, good value for the bucks, do not like the 4 cylinder but other than that I love this car!

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  Better than expected - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Jackie - October 20 - 12:53 am

  I had to get rid of my 2009 lancer ralliart because it needed very expensive repairs. I literally cried. I loved that car. However, I am pregnant and needed something more practical anyways. My old car had two 10" subs in the back and no room for a stroller. I knew this car would not live up to that car since my old car had AWD and a turbo. I like driving fast. Ive been pleasantly surprised with the "get up and go" this car has. Not comparing it to my lancer of course. However, a few years ago I had a 2008 Ford Escape and that thing was so slow to go. I havent been using the paddle shifters, but I might give them a try. I also need to learn better how to really use the CVT transmission. Im used to a SST transmission. I enjoy the upgrades on this model, but Ill admit that some of them seem kind of random. I wouldve taken dual climate control over heated heats. I think the HID headlights are pretty nice though and I like the accent of the led lights that are always on. The panoramic glass roof is cool, but it doesnt open for fresh air. So thats another upgrade that I dont really understand. The headlights are adjustable up and down , bluetooth audio, rockford fosgate sound system that includes tweeters and a built in 10" sub in the back, mood lighting on the panoramic roof, rain sensing wipers, chrome accents inside, back up camera. The only thing I feel that I am missing is navigation (which I honestly wouldnt use much) and leather seats. Just putting the stroller in the back takes up a lot of cargo space. I kind of wish it was a little larger back there. I know my Escape had more room in the back. I plan on keeping this car for about 3 years and then getting my race car again. This time it will be a Subaru WRX STI since Mistubishi decided to end the Lancer Evolution. Kind of pissed about that! Whats the deal Mistubishi?!

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  Great Value for the Money - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GE04 - October 15 - 5:50 am

  I have owned my Mitsubishi Galant for about twenty months now. It is a great car, yery fast with excellent handling. However, I am not as happy with the ride at highway speeds. The car tends to jump around with the road surface. It does not feel well planted. Other than that everything else is wonderful. I especially like the 280 watt Infinity sound system. The car is also a head turner with its agressive looks. Other people, especially those driving the Pontiac Grand Prix, always want to race. Its hard to beat 0 to 60 in 6.5 sec.

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  I love my 1999 Galant DE Grace! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By valeries3 - October 14 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my car on June 25, 1999 with 25 miles on the odometer and I named her Grace. Im in tears because I finally traded Grace in on April 12, 2014 -- she had 419,574 miles on her with the original engine. The transmission went up on her at 402,359 miles in May 2013 and I actually had a transmission put in because I couldnt give up on her. She never gave me any problems even with the high miles. How did I get so many miles on her? I made sure the oil was changed religiously and did all flushes (dont laugh) that Jiffy Lube suggested. I also followed the guidelines from Mitsubishi for the tune-ups for the first 5 years. Grace is now in Frederick, MD at Renn Kirby Mitsubishi.