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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  nice car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By knick4ver13 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My Endeavor is a very nice car, have lots of space , specially when you splitfold the rear seat-bench,lots of power , the stereo is one of a kind. If you buy one you also gonna love the 4 power outlets(even one in the cargo area)and the dome light. Easy to get in-out. The stick shift mode is also fun especially if you are in a highway with lots of traffic .Dont like the painted bumpers , i live in nyc.

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  Best car you might not know about - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By happykamper - August 28 - 9:36 am

  I was reading all of these reviews and I wanted to agree with what everyone was saying. I have had this car for almost 2 years now. I bought it used with 17,000 miles. The reason why I purchased this vehicle was its low sticker price. I must admit I liked it from the beginning the 4 clyinder has power. The reliability is great all I have done is its recommended oil changes and thats it. Very roomy, let me tell you thats really important to me since Im 6 250 pounds! I live in Vegas and with all the driving through the snow on the mountains or the 100 plus degree temps. This vehicle has performed just great! Im about to do my 60,000 mile service! Great buy and great reliability

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  o4 Montero - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By oceanman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Sun roof rattles Windshield had to be resealed Fun to drive, powerful engine Still like the style inside and out as much as the day we bought it.

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  Love it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SRR MAUI - August 22 - 11:53 pm

  I have owned Toyota and Honda for the last 30 years and have no complaints. I test drove and researched the Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 thoroughly before reaching the conclusion the Outlander far exceeds these two in quality, ride comfort, and value. The Outlander has great style, a 6 speed transmission that is smooth and perfectly balanced. It is quiet inside and has a fantastic Rockford Fosgate stereo and bluetooth.

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  12 year Mitsubishi driver - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ny - August 22 - 8:16 pm

  The Eclipse is fun to drive. Take a while to get used to the wide interior, dash, hood. GT excellent choice for the price difference. I bought it even with GM employee program available on other cars.

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  auto - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By N Isphan - August 19 - 2:00 am

  like very much to drive and to own

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  simply the best - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By park - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I never thought this SUV was this great, but this car is simply the best. I had eclipse previously, and I didnt have any problem with the car, so I decided to go with mitsu one more time. before buying this suv, I test drove 2003 toyo 4 runner, 2003 nissan pathfinder, and none of them can really match with montero. Engine is powerful enough, and I am not gonna race with this car, so I dont need more power. I love everything about this car.

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  Best Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Boston Matt - August 15 - 1:43 am

  Not one bad thing. Got me through college, several million bad nights and its been Driven XC two times from AZ to NH. It is like a child to me, 75,678 miles to this date. Next this thing will be on blocks, waiting for bubble rap. Ralliart made it up to the Car Driver est top speed as well. I am impressed. This is the best car I have ever had and I will NEVER get rid of this car.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Sam - August 13 - 12:30 pm

  This is the first small car Ive owned in many years. Seating and ride comfort good for this size car. Unbelievable power from a non-turbo 4 cyl. Fit finish etc seem top notch, have only put 200 miles on it, so havent checked the gas milage, Im hoping for better than Ive read in other reviews on this site, I drive mostly highway and without a lead foot, I guess well see.

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  Amazing! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tombrater - August 13 - 9:14 am

  Okay...I have only had this car for a week. I bought it used with 55k miles. I will update this if I run into any problems, but I am confident that I wont have to. The car looks sweet and turns heads. I took the Eclipse lettering off of the back to create an extra clean look. It is extremely powerful and responsive with acceleration and handling thanks to the 6 speed manual transmission. The RF sound system is one of the best systems I have heard. The car feels sturdy too. No rattles out of the hatchback or anywhere for that matter. The blue instrumental lighting is nice too. As for the person that paid $300 per tire, I found good year 18in tires for $140, and that was brand new.