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:

• 

  So Far So Good - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Grindle64 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this car about a month ago and I have been pretty happy so far. I paid what I would have paid for a Civic or Sentra but my GTZ is V6 leather power everything low miles. So far I am happy.

• 

  Fast&Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By LoveMyClipse - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful. I traded in my Acura Integra for this car and there is a huge difference. My eclipse is much smoother to drive than the Acura. There is also a very noticable difference in power, and I love it!

• 

  Happy So Far - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jim - May 11 - 5:36 am

  We traded our 02 Explorer for the 2010 Endeavor. We drove a lot of SUVs (Nissan, Hyundai, Chevy, Ford, Dodge etc) and thought the build quality, ride, and performance were the best on the Endeavor - plus how can you beat the warranty. Started out to buy the Outlander but once my wife drove the Endeavor she was hooked. Also you feel really safe driving in it.

• 

  A Good Value - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bruce - May 10 - 8:36 am

  This is my first Mitsu (prior Camry & Accord owner). Not as refined as a Camry/Accord, but with rebate and deal, a far better value for the money. However, Ill be bringing it back for third service to hunt down an intermittent engine noise. Although disappointing on that one issue, it has been otherwise a good car (so far). A comfortable fit for a tall person. I purchase a car and drive it into its grave. Camrys and Accords have gone the distance for me (10-15 reliable years). Im hoping the Gallant will go the same distance.

• 

  Stylen in a Mitsu - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MitsuEclipse Driver - May 5 - 10:00 am

  It has an attention grabbing style, excellent performance in the kind of city driving that I have to do. Great gas mileage, especially on the road when travelling. (24-28 mpg) I am impressed with the service you get from the Mitsubishi dealership, not pretentious but very attentive. As if this is not enough, it is affordably priced both for the car and the servicing! You can pay a lot more and not get as much of a car.

• 

  Excellent choice. - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By JD - May 4 - 9:23 pm

  I have very specific yet opposing auto needs; weekdays I occasionally drive executive clients around LA/Hollywood; weekends I off-road, rock climb, surf, snowboard, camp, etc. After copious amounts of research, I purchased a new Carbon Grey Metallic Montero Limited. What an exceptional vehicle at a great price.

• 

  Excellent Choice! - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Rafael - May 4 - 11:56 am

  I love Mitsubishi cars. My previous car was a 98 Mirage (original owner). I had that car for 9 years and 135k miles and never left me stranded. Awesome little car. I traded in for a new Lancer SE and I couldnt be happier. The Lancer SE has everything i could ask for. The car is so comfortable. Engine is quiet and refined. Fuel economy is good for the class. Fit and finish is excellent. Stereo sounds great. Sun roof and power everything seals the deal for me! I highly recommend the Lancer to anybody looking for a compact car with lots of room and excellent reliability.

• 

  Whats the Problem? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mr.Big - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Handles well, tight steering is great. Could use a little more power without having to modify yourself.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By scopla - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Lancer O-Z 5 speed and Im very impressed with it. And for everyone who says the mirage has power and the lancer doesnt, check the specs. Its the same engine!

• 

  Mistu Eclipse 03 GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike Danes - April 29 - 4:03 pm

  I got a great deal on this car, with Mitsus 3000 rebate and 3000 customer loyalty last year and my 1992 Eclipse had 160K miles on it, so I figured it was time for an upgrade. I have no gripes at all with this car. It has great acceleration, has great handling and excellent performance. I enjoy the sun and sound package and the interior midnight blue leather combo looks great. If you can afford a few extra grand, definitely go for the GTS model. In my opinion, Eclipses blow Mustangs away; they are much better looking, more reliable and just made with better materials (Mustang is mostly fiberglass). The only drawback is gas mileage, but we dont buy sports cars for mileage.