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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  its no BMW - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Stuart - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car now 10 months and drove it across USA on vacation with no real complaints. I have had the roters turned once. I bought the GTZ which is nice as it comes with a lot of features for the $. I also looked at the Altima and to load that out the same way would have cost me $29,000 and change. I paid $24.750 for the Mitsubishi. It could have done with a little stiffer suspension as you feel roll when driving hard. Also I think Mitsubishi should have put more horsepower in the GTZ. Considering you are paying considerably more than the other Galant V6s but have the same engine,

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  Good car, but not a sports car... - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By monepit2003 - September 17 - 8:13 pm

  I bought the car new in May 02 and had to replace the factory clutch in Sept of 02. The car now has 53k on it and I have only had to replace the front breaks. No problems since then w/ anything mechanical. But, for essentially a two-seat sports car it could be faster. The seats should also be more supportive and less cushiony. The suspension is noticable soft/bouncy and feels more like youre in a sedan than a sleek hatchback. It also turns like a Mac truck (40+ ft turning radius!) overstear also becomes a problem w/ more spirited driving. Consider the Acura RSX as well if you are considering a Mitsu.

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  Steel Blue Mitsu - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By hahmed87 - September 14 - 3:20 am

  I love the color that I got. The car is pretty quick for a GS. I like the style of the body, and most definitely love the interior light. I love the sub they included and plan on putting in my own.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TAG - September 12 - 5:46 pm

  My wife and I have driven ours over 3000 trouble free mostly highway miles. Were more pleased with our purchase now then when we rolled it off the dealers lot. This is a very good highway vehicle. One of my biggest concerns about a vehicle of this type was how well it would handle cross-winds and truck wash. Well it is no longer a concern. Its the most stable vehicle Ive owned in those conditions. This SUV should not be the well kept secret that it is. The Endeavor is a must drive for those in the market for a mid-size crossover that dont require a third seat.

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  Engine is a disaster, but fun to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By D-Ro - September 11 - 6:20 am

  I bought this car used in 2007 with about 65k. Ive had to replace the timing belt (needs it every 75k). Had some issues with the CPU, idle control unit, and gasket seals. It is a blast to drive, and so much fun. I love the look, the sound system, everything. All 210 horse power under me is just incredible. With the manual transmission downshifting at 60 or even 70 mph is such a rush. The thing accelerates in 5th gear, what more could you ask for? I accelerate and Im at 60 before I know it! New tires December 2007 in the midst of a week long snow storm, and the improvement in the snow has been amazing. I only skid in about 2-3 inches of snow- anything else is a breeze to get through

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  2 year review - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rdbmpls - September 10 - 8:27 pm

  I am a normal person in that I am not a car snob nor a gear-head. In a vehicle, I only want a few things… first and foremost I want a reliable vehicle that gets me from point A to point B. I want a vehicle that makes me feel comfortable while driving in it. I live in Minneapolis, MN and am 6’4” so I need a vehicle that can drive through sloppy/snowy weather and this vehicle can get that done. It also gets good highway MPG(23-27Highway MPG) (only ok if continually driving in the city:14-17MPG) If you are looking for a reliable, small SUV, that offers solid features at a good price, purchase the Outlander.

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  IM NOT A STOOGE FOR MITSUBITSHI - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By A.S. CAR OWNER - September 7 - 10:00 am

  YOU CAN TEST DRIVE THIS CAR YOURSELF AND SEE IF IM RIGHT. OVERALL GOOD CAR, BUT: IM DISSAPOINTED IN THE ENGINE NOISE COMPARED TO MY 99 SENTRA WHICH RUNS QUIET ALL THE TIME OR THE 99-03 GALANTS WHICH DOES THE SAME. THE ENGINE IS a SOHC = SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM, COMPARED TO ITS COMPETITORS TOYOTA, NISSAN, HYUNDAI, MAZDA, WHICH ALL USE 16 VALVE DOCH = DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES - MEANING QUIETER, MORE POWER AND LONGER LASTING. AT SPEEDS ABOVE 47, THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO TORQUE POWER IN THE ENGINE EVEN AFTER FLOORING THE PEDDLE.

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  Happy with my 2nd Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ronnys - September 1 - 10:00 am

  No problems to speak of yet with 19,000 miles on my 01

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  Very reliable cheap car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By rvrsd - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 00 mirage used with 21k. I did not have any major/costly issues until August 00. I did 3 tune ups on the car, and oil change every 3-4 months. The car never broke down on me, but as a preventive maintenance, I had the water pump and timing belt changed at 65K.

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  An Overlooked Bargain! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Samuel B. - August 26 - 3:06 am

  I was looking for a new ride after my Honda had an unfortunate meeting with a deer the night before New Years Eve. I found a fully loaded leftover 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS sitting on the dealers lot and after negotiating with the dealer ended up buying it for $4,000 under invoice. Overall, I am very happy with the way the car drives and handles, but at highway speeds the wind noise can be almost deafening. I have to turn the volume control on the factory stereo up to about 30 so I can hear it over the wind noise. Other reviewers have complained about gas mileage but the real culprit here a fuel tank that is too small. The mileage isnt really that bad.