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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  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By japanesewerkz - July 26 - 1:27 am

  Bought this car with 130k as a second owner. If your paint is black, it has been recalled. Luckily mine was well taken care off so I was able to use a clay bar and some ultra compund. The rims are also made by chrysler so they will rust. Other than that, this car is mechanically in great shape. It runs perfect, sounds good and just looks sexy. Mine has 152k and has just needed regualar maintainence. If you keep it up to date, then it will run. Ive seen many of these 4 cylinders hit 250k and still run great. Engine mounts and tranny are common things to replace a bit earlier than usual, other than though it runs and wont leave you with an empty pocket. Fuel econ. is decent though.

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  Nice Look---wish it was a smoother ride! - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By AlisaAnn - July 25 - 10:56 am

  We bought our 2000 Montero used in 2003. I loved the way that it looked, people mistake it for a Land Rover. And it rode very nicely. But over time, the ride has become more rough. I just put new tires on it thinking that would give me a smoother ride, but it really hasnt, and my mechanic cannot find any reason for it to be riding so rough. But I do still love the way that it looks, and we have had no major mechanical problems--the only thing weve done in 2 years, besides the routine maintenance of course, is have the brakes worked on, and replaced the tires. All in all it has been a good car.

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  Made a big switch - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MellyG - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I traded in our beloved Acura Integra for the Outlander in preparation for a family. I admit I miss the sports car, but other than the loss of power, I absolutely love this car/suv (my husband calls it a "cruck"). We have the upgraded sound and sun package and the stereo sounds awesome! The sunroof doesnt open as wide as Id like, but its still nice. I love the interior design. Not many people have this car which is nice. We are the only ones in town to have the Green Pearl Color which I also love. The only regret is not getting the AWD. The 2.4 also make a funny whistle sound which I was told is normal...we wish it didnt do that.

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  Reliable and Sporty Looks - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Stace - July 22 - 9:03 pm

  I bought my Montero Sport new. I changed the oil every 5,000 miles and have never had a problem with this truck. I have only changed the tires once and replaced the brake pads. Other than that, its been a low cost vehicle to drive and it gets about 20 MPG.

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  Mine has 260,000 miles still going(4cyl) - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By colton_f - July 21 - 12:59 pm

  I felt a need to post a review on this car considering how good it has been to me. I bought my 2002 Mitsubishi Galant ES new at Rice Mitsubishi. Now it has 260,000 miles and still runs strong and looks great. Everything works. The only problem Ive ever had with the car is I had to replace one of the headlights. I can say with confidence that this car is just as reliable as any Honda or Toyota,as long as, you change the timing belt every 60,000 miles which is routine for all Mitsubishis.(This will run you around $600) Besides that this car had caused me NO inconveniences. My Galant with 260k can still reach 100mph and still has pretty impressive acceleration and is praised for its handling.

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  COOL IF YOU RIDE ALONE - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By meeka - July 16 - 2:00 am

  DURING MY 3 1/2 YRS OF OWNERSHIP,OVERALL THE VEHICLE IS RELIABLE.ITS VERY SMALL INSIDE. IM A FEMALE, AND WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR FOR GUYS OR FAMILY UNITS. ITS LIKE A FEMALES GOING AWAY TO COLLEGE GIFT OR FIRST CAR. MY STRUTS ALSO WENT AT 30,OOO MILES WHICH IS UNHEARD OF. UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY.

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  Fun car.. air bag problems... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chinoloco93 - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my GTZ for a year and I have the SRS light on. It appears that the passenger side air bag is a known issue (at least that is what the dealership told me) and its a ongoing problem. So far however, its a fun car to drive. The engine on the GTZ really sucks because its the same as the ES V6. I mean, its got less HP than a V6 accord and this car is screaming to have like 225HP. The suspension/handling on the GTZ is just super and very true. I can zip in and out of traffic with little problems and going up in the mountains, I feel very confident in the tight turning parts of I-80 into Reno.

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  GLAD I DID IT - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By novbec - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Lancer brand new. I really thought that I wouldnt like it. I LOVE that car. Granted, its not the fastest car on the block, but its pretty darn zippy, and I have no problems getting on the highway at a highway speed or faster. I havent had the opportunity to take it to the mountains to see how it does (in colorado).It gets great gas mileage 30-31 mpg combined. I really couldnt ask for anything more for the price except anti-lock brakes. The car comes loaded;powerwindows,locks,cruise,tilt. My car has a/m leather interior which matches the color or the car (yellow and black) and I get a lot of compliments and looks about my car.

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  Not too happy - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By desi plains - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Galant for the last 4 years and all I can say is that its been satisfactory. The car has a reasonably powerful engine but the brakes are simply aweful. I have had to resurface the rotors and also replace the rotors and pads for the 48.000 miles on it. Also the audio system is pathetic. Ive also had some bearing and tire problems. The car came with Goodyear tires on which there was a manufacturing defect so there is a unique tire noise.

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  excellent - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ing_mfeliz - June 27 - 2:43 pm

  Is an excellent vehicle, the only problem with this is the consumption of gasoline, but in general is an excellent vehicle for both the family to go to work too, for use as road , is great fun to drive and very comfortable , is a rock