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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  Good Car on Used Market - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Larry33 - January 11 - 5:36 pm

  I bought a 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage to replace a flooded car in Hurricane Katrina. I expect that it will most likely provide good reliability due to its Japanese manufacture. Its interior design is modern, useable and easy to understand. The exterior is what you would expect from a 00 model year. The trunk space is good. The car drives well and its body integrity feels better than most other small cars, especially Kia or Hyundai models of the same year. My opinion is this is a great car for anyone looking for a good used car that gets good gas mileage and is well built. The fact that this car historically depreciates quickly is advatageous to used car buyers.

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  Great car, bad company - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By s1n15ter1 - January 11 - 2:13 pm

  Bought this car new for myself, drove the wheels off and enjoyed this car completely. It had a 10 year 100k mile warranty that was rather reassuring but when the motor blew, Mitsubishi refused to honor the warranty. I will never again purchase anything Mitsubishi and I advise all to heed this caveat.

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  screaming bargain - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By elwood - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I am a frugal car nut. I keep a list of cars that I like when new. I watch for the ones that have high reliability ratings and depreciate like a brick. Enter the Diamante. Why no one buys them new? I do not know, and dont care. The result? Two years ago I purchased a 97 w/ only 27K on the clock in mint cond. for only $15,700. Happy motoring since.

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  Mitsubishi Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mystery - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I have to tell you that at this time last year, I would have told you I would rather walk than drive in a Mitsubishi. After my truck got broken into, and the rental company gave me this car, I wasnt too thrilled. But after I started it up and drove it for a little while, I started to change my mind. I love this car. As soon as the rest of my money is saved, I am getting the brand new Lancer. The turns in this car is unbelievable. Thank You Mitsubishi!!

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  Piece of JUNK!! - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kelly - January 6 - 7:53 pm

  Worst car I ever had. Will NEVER but Mitsubishi again. Broke down constantly!! I know two other people who got the same car around the same time as me and they had the same complaints. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE!!! Good thing it is a small car because there were numerous times I had to push it to side of the road!

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  The Silvet Bullet - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Trina Hannon - January 6 - 9:26 am

  I love my car. Its very reliable and fuel efficient. Not to mention how cute it is. Ive had it for 3 years and I have never had a problem with it. Its already at 80,000 miles and runs like a champ. Originally, I wanted a Honda and was skeptical about Mittsubitsi, but my Mirage has proven to be just as good as any Honda.

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  High mileage - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ronda - January 4 - 1:30 am

  My mitsu now has 151K miles; dealer does regular maintenance. Its a tank! I have had 2 wrecks, 1 front, 1 back. Crushed in the trunk and back door of first car I hit. Later I backed into a Lexus and did lots of damage. I had no damage except scratches (most of which wiped off). When I drove to dealer service after 1st wreck, they checked it out and asked me if I was sure I even had a wreck. I did have to get a new (used) transmission around 120K, but thats all other than regular maintenance. I want to keep driving to at least 200K.

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  tires and brake life - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By dfarmery - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Bad tire wear. We had the the tires replaced due to road noise after 26,000 miles. The car is in the shop for rotation and balance on a regular schedule. Brakes have problems. The left rear is making a dragging noise. We have had the car in the shop 2 times for brake problems. The car otherwise has been good to us but we are very unhappy with the resale value.

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  the best - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dan lee hill - January 2 - 10:00 am

  we love it ,, it is the best car we have ever had,,,

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  Galant LS-Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TheRobinsonFamily - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the vehicle handles on curves and the gas mileage it great! I like the new body style and design.