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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  Love it! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vikas - August 25 - 8:36 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years and never had any problems at all. So low on maintenance and fun to drive. I had an accident and it got totaled, but till last day I loved it.

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  Overall a good vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sportbiker3 - August 25 - 11:20 am

  Had the vehicle for about 3 weeks now and overall I am very happy with it. V6 engine is powerful. Exterior styling is unique and gets lots of attention, especially with the SE package. Also love the interior "ice blue" dash lights. Only have a few small complaints. The satellite radio does not display artist/song information like it does in my other vehicles!! And the little blue light that comes on when you turn the highbeams on is way too bright and is annoying to the driver... no way to dim that light with the dash controls.

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  Overall, Love It! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GrandTurk - August 24 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this car new one month ago and enjoy the ride to work everyday (city driving). My 63" tall but lean body build fits into the drivers seat with just enough headroom. The ride is a tad noisy from the engine, particularly with the high rpms upon acceleration, but not so much to be bothersome. I dont care about the "plastic" interior comments from some of the reviewers. I care more about the small side-view mirrors and wonder why nobody has mentioned this. Also, the turning radius leaves a lot to be desired. Why cant I turn into tight parking spots? The trunk is roomy. The rear passenger space is roomy for a small car. The good crash test performance gives you confidence.

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  Ralli - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RomeRacer - August 19 - 1:56 pm

  Fast, Fun, And Stylish

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  Dependability - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ray - August 12 - 10:26 pm

  I love this vehicle. I have 167,000 miles on this vehicle. The only money spent was on general maintenance items. No break downs or repairs. The timing belt is supposed to be changed every 60,000 miles, but I changed after 90,000 miles and only once thus far.I change oil every 6,000 miles. it does seem to take about a quart of oil every 2,000 miles.I purchased this vehicle with 27,000 miles on it.

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  Its NOT your Dads HOT ROD - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By dbrandenburg - August 12 - 6:12 pm

  I bought One of thee Mitsubishi Mirages, in late Nov. 2014.. The DE Model, (Automatic CVT), Sapphire blue.. For a First time buyer, It truly is a great car, Or for commuters.. It IS comfy driving, though seat adjustment/Steering Wheel could use a Improvement.. Noise Isnt really to bad, Annoying getting Off the starting Line, (green lights), though the Majority of the noise comes from the Transmission/Engine Combination, which IMOP could be Eliminated with noise dampening materials in the Firewall area(s), without sacrificing weight.. Going on Long trips, 600+ on I-40 is YES; is treacherously "fun",, Be prepared for the "side draft" from Big Rigs as they pass you, or them vice-versa..

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  600 miles so far. - 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By R. Mumford - August 9 - 1:18 pm

  LE is higher level of trim with fog lights, moon roof and rear radar. Not the slowest vehicle (2.4L) i have owned but it ok for merging on highways and scooting around. I find it fun to drive and very good on gas. Smart display a good size screen incorporates several options. Us your smart phone (USB or Bluetooth ) and you pretty much have it all! Lots of room inside and seats for 5 adults & 2kids. Ride and handling ok , to few miles on odometer to comment. When you take into account the discount the price was a big factor. Mitsubishi has been around a long time , My guess you will be happy with purchase of this Outlander. My friend Bob has the sport model. Smaller but hes very happy !

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  Fun Race Car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Joe McGrew - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car less than a year, and after owning several imports... this is by far my fav. Ive just started on the minor race mods getting it ready for SCCA Autocross next summer... The motor is a challenge to get out through the top but everything else has been fun to work on. The interior strips out with so much ease. Exhaust is easy to replace. I hear ppl say this car isnt fast w/o turbo but if u dont mind having a sucky street car, strip the interior, drop the power steering and a/c, add an intake, drop the car bout two inches, strut bars, and total straight pipe will help greatly (sounds and looks like crap after all this but runs great).

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  I love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dawn - August 8 - 6:20 pm

  I have only had my vehicle for 45 days, but it has impressed me with the lack of rattles and squeeks. For a V6 in really has a lot of get up and go. I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Eclipse GT 2002 - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By photolab1921 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Owning the car for one year, I have had several problems. The sun roof wouldnt close properly, and had to be fixed several times. Then the transmission messed up and the car spent a month in the shop so they could replace the whole transmission and the main computer for the car. Also, The sunvisor clip broke, the seatbelt cover at the top broke, and the tires constantly get low on air. Im so ready to get rid of it! Its beautiful and fun, but not worth the hassle of being poorly built.