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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  Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ParCh - November 12 - 2:00 am

  For $1,500 less than civic LX, we got a care which well equipped and fun to drive. Good power and fuel economy, nice interior and exterior and fun to drive. very happy with it specially since it was selected as best pick in crash test.

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  MUST HAVE........... - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Lady Di - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have recently purchased this Galant and I just cant stop driving it. Its awesome, I havent driven my old car since. With the spoiler attatched and the sun-roof, it is SO sporty looking. Very reasonably priced I got my best friend to purchase one also just TWO WEEKS later. Now were both riding in style.

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  Great Reliable SUV for Smart Shoppers - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By DEROCK - November 10 - 8:33 pm

  No complaints - I am a Honda fan all the way but since I test drove this SUV to now I love it - smart buy over the Toyota Highlander all day long and the Honda Pilot if you do not need the third row seat. Test drive and you will see!

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  How Can You Lose For Less Than $20K? - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SPOLkLd - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 01 Ford Ranger with a drunkardly thirst for fuel. Surprised when I drove the 4 cyl Outlander how much faster it was than the 6 cyl Ford (and they dont weigh that much apart). Better handling than the Ford, corners better, accelerates better, and has more room for passengers (I had the extended cab and if you think you can get 2 people back there, dream on).

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  Poor quality and resale - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DJPDX - November 7 - 10:00 am

  It is an attractive car, handles well and I negotiated a good price since they are trying to unload the poor things off of dealer lots. This car was of poor build quality, has been recalled three times, and was returned to the dealer numerous times for various warranty problems. When I went to sell it, NOBODY WANTED IT!! The dealers offered 30% of original MSRP even though it was in excellent condition. No one would call on it in the paper, even though it was below wholesale NADA blue book. Dont buy a Mitsubishi! Spend more and buy the quality of a Honda or Toyota. In the end, youll be happier.

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  You get more than what you pay - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Taha - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I basically love the exterior, the interior, the way it drives and not to forget the worth of money I paid. IIts a piece of luxury, sport and class. I recommend it.

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  Excellent Choice - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By McGee - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Sure there are lots of SUVs to choose from, but no other manufacturer offers the kind of incentive to purchase that Mitsubishi does. I also like the fact that there are (currently) relatively few Montero Sports on the road (as opposed to the over-abundance of Explorers & Xterras...yawn). Additionally, theres plenty of cargo space & passenger room in the rear. Its been said before, the power is not where it needs to be (e,g., the unacceptable lag time when you press the accelerator), but other than that, after four months, Im still pleased with my decision.

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  Reliable - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Good Car - November 6 - 1:36 am

  I have had my car 6.5 years and put 135K miles on it. No major problems. In fact I really did not put any money into it until 125K with first tune up. At the same time it did overheat. I put in new water pump and thermostat. Mits paid for a new radiator. It has been cross country a few times and has done well. My model does not have heat/ac vents in back, bad idea when you have kids in the 3rd row. Now for the bad. It is terrible on ice even in 4 wheel drive. I have had it fishtail several times and in full spins twice on the freeway. I got lucky, did not hit anything. If this car was ever going to roll it would have been the last icy spin with a loaded storage container on top of the car.

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  Very Good SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Owner - November 5 - 5:00 pm

  The 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor is an awesome SUV. It has great power. Some SUVs feel sluggish. Dont be suprised if you have to say goodbye to that term when your driving this truck!

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  Love the new car!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Great Car - November 5 - 2:20 am

  I just bought the 2008 ES 5 speed manual transmission Lancer and I love it. It has plenty of power to pass slower moving cars, has great design features and has tons of options that are standard. This is a head turning car for sure!! I like how it was built ready for after market performance upgrades as well. Which are definately going on in the near future. It handles great and I love the sound of the engine when you get the revs above 3500.