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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  Wow - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By fan4life08 - February 8 - 9:13 pm

  This is my first brand new car I have ever had. I gave up my 2003 Pontiac Vibe for this wonderful car. I do work for carmax so I had a general idea of the competition for this car and I have to say that once I jumped in this car that I had no planned on buying I just bought it. What a great car. Im very happy and I look forward to driving it everyday. Its quiet on the highway and seems to be pretty comfortable. My first tank of gas was 26 mpg driving in a mixed driving environment. Im sure it will do 30 no problem on the highway. Great car if your looking for a new car under 15. Id rather have this than a civic or a corolla.

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  My V-RX Rocks - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Josie - February 8 - 4:20 am

  I have 137K on mine and all Ive had to replace is brakes and tires. (Bridgestone Insignia s-200s are a great replacement for the Goodyears it came with improves ride greatly)Plenty of power and if you use synthetic oil you can get 22mpg in town and better on the hwy. Since switching to synthetic oil it gets 22mpg consistently in town weather I lead foot it or drive like Grandma. This is the perfect blend between sports car and luxury car. Luxury usually sacrifices a bit of style and pep which this has both, and sports cars usually sacrifice smooth ride which this has too.This is the closest thing you can get to a BMW or a Mercedes for 30 grand. Camry and Accord feel cheap by comparison.

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  2006 Endeavor Limited review - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rob - February 7 - 8:46 pm

  My Endeavor handles great and its ride is very comfortable. I love the audio system with the volume adjusters on the back of the steering wheel. Seats fold up very easily, with one hand. It has an excellent ride and is lots of fun to drive.

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  Great truck - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ohio - February 7 - 4:13 pm

  I have had my Montero Sport since it was new. It now has 100,000 miles on it and besides brakes and tires it has never had any problems. I also use mine to tow, and the 3.0L engine was never an issue for me while towing.

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  I love it - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By I Love it - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my car.I had no problems with it. Besides, the mitsubishi dealer at Thousand Oaks is excellent.

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  My Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MagickalDragyn - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This has been the most fun Ive had in a car. I have teenage children, and the rear leg room is the best weve found in a midsize car.

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  Best sports car - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bocababy - February 7 - 12:02 am

  I love my new 2011 Eclipse.Its got everything I wanted,and a great price too.I was looking at more expensive cars, but this is the best for me.Its fun,looks great,lots of options that come with the car,that are extra on other cars.I love Bluetooth,MP3,6 cd changer with subwoofer,sunroof,etc.Its a great car for a girl like me that wants a sports car,without spending an arm and a leg.I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this car.Have fun!!!!!!

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  Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Peter - February 5 - 8:10 pm

  There is no equivalent vehicle in the same price range. 10yr/100k mile warranty is simply amazing. The car is solid and a pleasure to drive. Extremely happy with our purchase.

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  Bang for the Buck! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ANiceRide - February 5 - 5:23 am

  So far, I love this chariot! Its a nice ride. I purchased an Outlander XLS 4WD with navigation, the Sun & Sound package, and the Luxury package. THE GOOD: Engine power is adequate, (not afraid to pull out in traffic.) Fuel Economy is OK. (Im seeing about 22-23 MPG in mixed driving.) Sound System w/ NAV is VERY NICE! Leather, heated seats, Bluetooth, sunroof, paddle shifters - nice and roomy, excellent warranty - all for just under $30,000 MSRP. (Thats a bargain in my book - even more so considering I paid well under MSRP). THE BAD: Yes, it does have some wind noise around the A- pillars at highway speed. (But I just turn the stereo up!) In FWD mode there is a good amount of torque-steer when footing it (this is fine in 4WD Auto Mode).

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  Great Value - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By accprof1 - February 2 - 4:53 pm

  We purchased a 2004 model with the DVD entertainment system and so far are very happy with the purchase. The primary reason for purchasing this vehicle was the value that we were getting for the price. We got a vehicle with an MSRP of $36,074 for $18,500 plus our trade-in, which was a 2000 Montero Sport LS with 64,500 miles. The $5,000 generous rebate from Mitsubishi made it all possible.