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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  Dud Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MIKE BISHOP - January 7 - 10:20 pm

  Our experience with this car was not what we expected for a car with a new style. Although we loved the new design the quality of the car seems to have been put together with the cheapest materials Mitsubishi could find. The test drive was nice but two weeks into ownership there seemed to be a lot more engine noise than what we experienced on the test drive. This cars initial quality was pitiful.

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  Run Away From Me - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bad mitsu - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I have bought this car right off of the show room floor. 12 miles on it. Right after the warranty expired. I have had to replace Engine, have the transmission overhauled, replace entire muffler from rust. This car has never been involved in any accident or loss. The interior Started falling apart. Whats worse the car never gave any warning signs of engine or transmission trouble. Called Mitsubishi, they were no help at all. Not even a sorry for all the trouble. $24,000.00 for the worst car I have ever owned.

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  Upset With 2003 Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By gjcarrol1 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had several problems with my Eclipse. Ranging from the computer dying to the drivers door not opening. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Mitsubishi knows of all the problems and have fixed them under warranty yet I havent been compensated for inconviences or down time of the car. With only a few miles left of the warranty, I might be stuck with a car that costs more in repairs a month than my payment. And with the quick depreciation, trading is not an option.

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  2001 GS Eclipse-not a car of quality - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dorothea71 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a sporty looking car and that is all that is sporty about it. I find it to drive more like an underpowered sedan. If you are used to a quality car you will be very disappointed with ths car. I drove an Acura Integra before and I miss the quality and supurb handling. I am disappointed with the interior quality and things like the doors never shutting quite right (the dealership just cant seem to fix them) and many other little annoying things. Beware also if you buy these cars new they come with 20,000 mile tires, so you will be spending the money to replace them shortly. The car is hot looking, but overall I am very dissatisfied.

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  problems - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By anda - October 16 - 10:00 am

  vehicle had to return for repair three times,still unable to find noise problems,sound like power sterring.power sterring pump replaced,brakes relaced, recall on four different items on vehichle.gas milaege terrible,sensor replaced twice because check engine light on.

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  Worst Car Ever owned - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Dude From Clevland - October 15 - 10:56 pm

  Considering I have owned a Pinto, 2 Escorts, a SHO, and original Rabbit diesel, that is saying a lot. Bought new. First week engine light started going on and off, 4 years later finally did my own tune up and it went away. The cars paint faded after 9 months and the rust started 13 months after purchase. My wife was diligent at changing oil. At 80k it has been diagnosed as having bad valve seals. Replacing anything is a hassle that requires isnt easy. Lights for instance are held in by silly clip. Now at 80,000 the car looks and drives like a car with 280,000. The door leaks air, the CD even quit at 50k, the gas door has seized up, and it has an exhaust leak.

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  Dont deal with Mitsubishi - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kevin - October 6 - 12:10 am

  It was very nice at first then unusual stuff started happening to the car. Stuff Mitsubishi wont cover. For example, earlier this week, I was driving down the highway at 60 mph. There was no one on the road in front of me and there was no overpass. Clear skies. All of a sudden I heard an explosion right above me. It was the sunroof. Glass started flying off the back of my car from the sunroof. I had no idea what just happened and am absolutely positive that nothing hit the car. After getting the run around from the dealership and their hot line, and finding proof this happened to other people (theres an entire forum with people with similar stories) They still said they would not cover it.

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  Slightly better than a bus pass - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By The Bishop - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The worst experience I had with this truck was changing a flat tire. The truck cames with wheel locks that strip after being tightened with a torque wrench. Had to get the thing towed in to the dealer to have the tire changed. Th dealer stated that is one of their major complaints. After being standed on the highway on Mothers day, paying almost $200.00 in towing fees, replacing the lug nuts and losing a days pay I would rather have a bus pass. Wrote Mitsubishi and got the brush off. This is my first Mitsubishi and my last unless all other auto makers go out of busines.

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  UNCOMFORTABLE!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By pilot - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Worst vehicle that I have ever owned!! Runs good, but VERY UNCOMFORTABLE to drive!! Arm rest too short, seat too low, window ledge for your left arm too narrow, A/C is undersized,takes forever to get cool, having electricial problems with the interior lights and the lights when you press the keyless entry system. No tape deck, fake roof rack, and no leg room in the back seats when the front seats are all the way back, which they have to be unless you were in the Wizard of Oz as a little person. Lousy resale also - I have 63000 mi. and they only want to give me $8500.00 for it and other than the miles there is nothing wrong with it.

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  A big mistake! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MeanGreene - June 9 - 10:30 am

  I leased a 2008 GTS in Dec 07, only to get rid of it shortly thereafter. The right front door rattled terribly and the dealership kept pretending not to hear it. They also refused to print work orders for my car. The windshield wipers went out on me in the pouring down rain for about 5 minutes on the highway during rush hour. The subwoofer in the trunk became dismounted within the first week of me having the car. Ended up getting an 08 Nissan Altima Coupe. I love it. Better quality car and comes with better customer service.