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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  Love it so far - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By B Tator - November 18 - 7:03 am

  i purchased this car about a month and a half ago and i love just about everything about it and theres so many things you can customize on it with aftermarket parts, i would recommend it to anyone thinking about getting this car

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  Great Sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sasha - November 18 - 1:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle with a little over 16,000 miles on it. It was absolutely great for these past 2.5 years. I did not have even one minor problem with it. Its gas mileage should be a little bit better, but overall this was a great car for the money.

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  Galant ES - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ES Galant - November 16 - 12:36 pm

  I had my car for 134,000 miles when I sold it. It had no major problems except for the radiator thermostat that was replaced and other regular maintenance. I could have bought another new Galant but they lack the safety features that are available as standard equipment on other vehicles, like the side curtain airbags.

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  Slightly disappointed - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Adren - November 15 - 10:36 pm

  Going from my 2000 Eclipse GT to this car was a big difference, especially the power and acceleration, I am satisfied with everything but the power, I wish they offered a larger engine or gave the 2.0 a smaller version turbo compared to the EVOs, but other than that, as stated, I am satisfied with this car... for now.

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  HAPPY_SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By SYCAMORE - November 15 - 2:00 am

  WE ONLY HAVE THIS XLS ENDEAVOR LESS THAN A MONTH AND SO FAR, MY WIFE AND SELF WERE ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE OF IT. ACCELERATION IS VERY GOOD, SOUND SYSTEM IS GREAT AND RIDE IS VERY COMFORTABLE SINCE IT RUNS LIKE A CAR.

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  EXCELLENT sport coupe - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By eclipseGTS - November 15 - 2:00 am

  love the power of this car as well as the low end torque

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  Bought in 2008 as new, and its still drives like new - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By yokohomme - November 13 - 12:24 am

  I bought it new from MT dealer in 2008. Mine is 09 model es, and its extremely reliable daily commute car. I personally think this car is way cheaper and better than competitive model Civic and Corolla. My car has put 82,000 miles and never had any single problems. Brakes and tires are very sturdy because I have neven replaced brakes still today.

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  rattle box - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By goldie - November 12 - 2:00 am

  caris a rattle box all over. Wind nosie at all all speed. Poor gas mileage

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  The Best SUV ever - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By samine - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The Best SUV ever

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  Dare to Compare - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By fiveover - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our new 2002 Montero XLS with Touring Package and rear A/C a week ago and are very happy with it. We have 2 young boys and there is abundant room for everything. We havent been off-road with it yet (trip planned in April) but according to other reviews this is where the Montero shines. We compared it to other vehicles in its class and I dont think there is any comparison. I think most people have a hard time accepting the radical exterior styling but thats one of the many things we love about it.