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:

• 

  1999 Mitsubishi Galant - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By 1999 Mits Galant - January 23 - 2:56 pm

  This car has been great to drive. It runs smoothly all the time and has had no major mechanical defects. I normally drive cars into the ground, but I dont think its possible with this car. It has 115K Miles and is going strong.

• 

  Happy Consumer - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rich2putt - January 21 - 4:30 pm

  Looked at the Honda CR-V, & RAV4 first, & the Outlander last. Been very satisfied with my decision.

• 

  did not plan to buy - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By herby - January 21 - 10:00 am

  bought an mitsubishi outlander xls a few months ago to commute to work. liked it so much that i went back to the dealership and bought a diamante ls for my wife. who says there is not enough horsepower? I live in the rockies and this vehicle flies up the hill.great ride and comfort. we simply love this vehicle. would recommend to anyone.value is very understated.

• 

  wow ! I like it - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By herby - January 21 - 10:00 am

  made a test ride and loved the comfortable and high seating position. needed something for my busy ride to work on the freeway.I was amazed how much power this little vehicle has. especially when using the manual shifter on the transmission.I am very happy with the good looks too.

• 

  Nice car - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ambular0832 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for about 2 years. I have had great experiences with it. It has not broken down, or anything broke on the car, which is different from my neon that I had before.

• 

  Nice car to drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Albert Wiley - January 21 - 10:00 am

  this is a very nice car to dive. It hanldes greqt with enough power to get you out of trouble.

• 

  Impressed - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By First Jap Car - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt sure about buying Japenese but I am loving the Endeavor. Traded in an explorer and this rides and handles 100% better. Had good luck with Fords and hope I do with the Endeavor.

• 

  True Quality - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 123456789 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car.

• 

  1,000 Mile Review - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By has5kids - January 17 - 11:39 am

  My wife and I are the proud new owners of a 2013 Mitsu Outlander Sport in Mercury Grey. We test drove two ES models, one was FWD with the standard transmission and the other was AWD with the CVT. My wife actually was excited to have the standard transmission as an option, but in the end, she elected to forego the fun and added driver control offered by the stick in favor or the AWD w/ the very cool paddle shifting. We have nearly 1,000 miles on the vehicle in just over a week and have noted many highlights and only a few lows. The styling is aggressive and cool... almost menacing from the front. The interior materials are great and original. The AWD actually works and is useful.

• 

  Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart fan - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Illini Ed - January 16 - 1:13 am

  I LOVE my new Ralliart. Ive only had it a week but it might already be my favroite car (and Ive had at least 15 cars in the thirty years Ive been driving). I purchased a new 2005 model in March 2006 with 60 miles on it. It is an auto transmission, Lightning Yellow with Rally pkg, Sun & Sound pkg, and dealer- installed Sirius radio and side air deflectors. The 2.4 MIVEC engine is FANTASTIC! Its silky smooth, gives immediate power on demand and gets good mileage . Im already getting the EPA mileage and the engine isnt broken in yet! The exhaust note is a sexy growl when accelerating but nearly silent at idle.