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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  The most fun you can have on 4 wheels! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GTinSilver - February 16 - 10:40 am

  The Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is an awesome sports car. The insurance is affordable and the car is loaded with extra features. The styling is similar to the second generation, and in 5 years Im looking into getting the 5th generation Eclipse. I think they should call the convertible model - the Solar Eclipse, rather than the Spyder.

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  Love it!! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By joecool69 - February 16 - 5:03 am

  I have had mine for 4 years and it truly is a wonderful car. I named him Jack because hes a jack-of-all-trades. Comfortable, I still get 24 mpg in city and 37-40 hwy, reliable and just a good car. Its amazing. Never any real problems. I even was hit by a drunk driver going 57-60 mph and was not hurt except for a minor concussion and that was only because my car hit a tree in the back and I went forward. Had it completely restored and am still driving it now. Amazing!

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  Great Little car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Seaaa - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the OZ manual, as a economy alternative to our 2002 Suburban. It is just that and more. My wife and I now race to drive it first, it is fun to drive, only 120 HP but feels like more, we have all the option on it, but most came standard (AC,poer window, power locks, cruise control,variable wipers delays...) the sun roof is great, and works smoothly. The rear seats easily accomodate full grown adults! I have been in some mid size cars where fitting in the back is a tight squeeze. The design is definitly sport, as well as the steering. So far we really enjoy the car and performance.

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  Love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lex81 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven low small cars, for I only use them to go to work. My last car was a Doge Shawdow. I had that car 10 years. The body went but the engine never gave me one bit of trouble. That engine was made by Mitsubushi. I decided to try the whole Mitsubushi car this time.

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  Built on Monday? - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pismo sam - February 14 - 10:00 am

  For years I had told myself that my next vehicle would be a Toyota. I loved the new 4Runner, but thought it wise to consider other vehicles. Considered the WRX wagon and the Endeavor. Wife and I were really impressed with this vehicle. It has great low end power and reasonable fuel economy for an SUV. The one we purchased ended up having door fit and hood fit problems. In addition, the sound system (which is great when working!) was not working properly. Things one wouldnt expect from a new vehicle. The dealerships service dept has made a "game saving" catch to promptly remedy all issues and we love the vehicle.

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  Great Car, but no EVO - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RSGJR - February 14 - 8:36 am

  The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally is an absolutely great and economic car to purchase, but do not expect high performance. Its a little above average in handling and comfort, but without ABS, traction control, and more than 120 horsepower - it is lacking. I love it and wish I was a mechanic because I would do an engine swap.

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  A little car that can - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Doo-B - February 12 - 7:06 pm

  I am really a Supra owner, but she has died, so this is what I purchased, brand new, while I rebuild the other car. And let me tell you, I am most impressed. It has a very spacious and comfy cabin. It has a well thought out design and lay out to the controls controls and dash. The stock stereo is not bad at all for being stock. In all there is a fairly organic feel to the cabin. The rear is very spacious. My kids dig it. The trunk space is decent. It handles like a charm. We just received a huge snowfall, and its handling was very quick and precise and though I really was wishing for AWD, I have to say that the FWD did its job well. It has great perk on the highway and drives very well. In all this is a great little car. I highly approve.

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  I Miss it, it was Excellent - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Biosynth - February 11 - 4:10 pm

  My 2004 Endeavor was my baby. I loved that car. Comfortable, lots of power, fun to drive. I never ever EVER had a problem from it. Nothing. I could rely on it. Also, very roomy. I had to haul around a wheel chair and various other things and it had the room and more. I only sold it because I needed emergency money. My only complaint was that it really wasnt all that great on gas. I got something around 18 MPG and that was just killing me. Otherwise I recommend it.

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  Outlander Sport Obsessed! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Michele Knight - February 11 - 1:31 pm

  I read all of the reviews before deciding to purchase the 2015 Outlander Sport SE. I live in Florida, so having heated seats was not a big deal for me. However, it did have to have great braking and great traction on the busy roads. This vehicle does NOT disappoint. My last car was also a Mitsubishi and it lasted me 13 years. That, in itself, sold me on the Mitsubishi line of cars. To be honest, Mitsubishi is highly UNDERRATED! I see people complaining about the CVT and the torque of the engine. It doesnt bother me at all. The main thing that you must keep in mind is this SUV is NOT an off-roading vehicle. Also, just because it has "sport" in the name, doesnt mean its a sports car! This car, for me is EXACTLY what I wanted without going into MAJOR debt! The navigation system is great, the 9 speaker Rockford Fosgate with the 10" subwoofer really kicks some music butt, and the panoramic moon roof is incredible! This car drives like a dream! The 4 disk brakes are highly responsible and the steering is spot on! What I really enjoy about this car, is the fact that I can change from an automatic transmission to a manual transmission. This works out great when you want to get off the "red light line" first or, you have to speed up on a highway on-ramp. Unfortunately, not many people who come to Florida, know how to drive their cars and proper road procedures. Currently, I am getting 25.6 mpg driving in the City. Keep in mind, I am also not driving the car like Im Mario Andretti! Im a 43 year old mom. I dont need to drive like a maniac! But when I do, this car has the needed "get up and go"! I highly recommend this car if you are in the market. From what I understand, the 2015 will be the last made with a gas engine. In 2016, Mitsubishi will be redesigning the Outlander Sport with a Hybrid engine. Regardless of whats to come, I am extremely happy with my purchase! I like having a vehicle that doesnt look like every other SUV on the road!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By browneyes - February 11 - 1:06 pm

  This is my second Mitsubishi and I love it. I previously owned a 1996 model and recently bought a 2003 Galant ES. The car looks brand new, the interior design is a little boring but I like the feel of the seats. Its accelaration is fair. This car comes standard with a lot of great features like keyless entry, CD player, power locks, windows, brakes, cruise control, etc. The air conditioning is great! Ive only had this particular model for two days, but Ive had the 1996 model for about seven years.