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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  Terrific little SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Lady Faire - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Read the reviews on this and other SUVs before I made my choice(s). Drove the Honda CRV and thought I had a winner. Went immediately down to drive the Outlander while the experience was still fresh in my mind and the Honda was totally blown away! The Outlander is more solid feeling, seems much roomier, is MUCH quieter on the road and handles beautifully. Some of the reviews I had read complained of a lack of zip or get up and go, but I have not noticed any problems at all. Jumps right out there with the big boys and keeps up just fine!

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  hope this helps someone - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 2 Time Montero Owner - April 15 - 4:56 am

  The things that keeps me from selling my montero with fuel prices on the rise is that it is awesome to drive, handles great, great driving visibility which makes me feel a lot safer driving in different types of conditions, comfortable driving on freeway or on a dirt road, and is as easy to park as a car. Im not afraid to be a little rough on my montero because I know it can take it. Very cold A/C, lots of headroom, turns and handles like a car, high ground clearance. Downfalls are that the 3rd row seats are not intended for adults, is hard to wash, and carpet length is hard to vacuum. The good things still outweigh the bad. It is an awesome driving suv.

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  Love My Third Galant! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mrs. Robinson - April 15 - 2:53 am

  This is the third Mitsubishi Galant that I have purchased; the first was used, the second I leased and then purchased and the third I purchased. Each vehicle performed beautifully! The first was involved in a serious accident and was demolished but the driver (my mother) survived! The second I sold to a friend w/over $100,000 miles on it ~ she still has it! The third my husband purchased because he wanted me to have a vehicle with a good warranty, etc. The only complaint I have are the brakes. Each car needed new brakes at about 35,000 miles...but thats my ONLY complaint! If youre in the market for a great-looking car thats comfy, fun-to-drive & good on gas, check out the Galant GTS!!

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  not a porsche but close enough - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dadive - April 14 - 10:00 am

  It gets up at any speed. I dhave no clue about the rear passengers, but the front is very comfortable and the shifting is very easy and the clutch is fast in response which makes it easy to shift fast. The sound system is good. Handling is ok but the suspension is not that great, but almost all sports cars are like that.

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  Happy Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Happy Endeavor - April 12 - 3:33 pm

  Weve owned a Land Cruiser, 4-Runner, Blazer, Explorer and Expedition. The Endeavor is THE BEST! I think its a well-kept secret. Nothing but praise for all of it...the rides great! People actually ask us what kind of car it is and cant get over all thats included...especially the loooonnnng warranty!! Give it another year and youll see more on the road...darn it!:)

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  GTS Fan - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ohio Owner - April 12 - 8:56 am

  Really like this GTS model-fun to drive, smooth ride after some new tires were put on and handles great for a sedan. Interior is put together well and very comfortable-best Mitsu Ive had.

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Enterprised - April 10 - 10:00 am

  I rented this SUV for a camping trip this weekend. Awesome! I didnt want to trade it in and now my wife wants to buy one. Neat dash at night, great sound, lots of room. Feels very safe. However, hard to judge front of car when parking. I love it! (got it in black by the way...nice color)

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  Love, love, LOVE IT!! - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rose - April 9 - 3:46 am

  I owned a Land Rover previous to this, and had to call AMA about 7 times in the winter and it had problems every 2 to 3 weeks. I needed a more reliable vehicle, and was ecstatic when I found a 3 year lease return 2006 Endeavor (so, only 1 previous owner!). Ive had it for almost a year and it drives incredibly, and Ive had NO problems with it so far. Everything works perfect, plus it is a beautiful, spacious, comfy ride. I couldnt be more thrilled with this vehicle! Even if something did go wrong, Im still covered under the 100,000 km warranty. No worries!

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  Great Car & 0 Payments for a year. - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mpeters@niu.edu - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in November 02, and I love it. The interior quality is excellent, better then others in its class. Ride on the highway is smooth, and handles great. Over all excellent quality, and a great value.

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  Waht a japanese car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Juledum - April 4 - 7:30 pm

  I bought a DE MAN and I am very happy with it. The performance is very good and its fun to drive. I dont feel intimidated when a BMW or other fancy cars stop next to me in a Light. When they want to show the power of their cars, the Lancer response very well with its 152hp and its light weight. It is a good car for long trips.