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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  Not Bad, But Not Great Either - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By shoeie - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 4 years now and have 51K on it. It is just mediocre. Fuel efficiency is poor, I have never gotten better than 28mpg, even with conservative driving. The lower price is attractive (as compared to a Honda or Toyota), but once you have owned it for a while you start noticing all the little corners that were cut to bring that price down. Not a bad car, but for $2K more you could get a Honda or Toyota and have a great car.

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  The Little SUV That Could! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Montero Limited 4 WD - March 30 - 5:33 pm

  We bought our Mitsubishi Montero Sport new, and it was love at first sight! Its my prissy looking SUV with a work horse engine. I routinely run up and down the Sierra Nevadas to Tahoe and it takes on anything thrown at it. It feels rock solid in the worst snow and ice conditons due to a well made 4WD. It keeps its blissful cool in the warmest summers with its fleible climate control. The huge sunroof lets the stars in at night. I hauled 6 (SIX!) middle school boys in a carpool for 3 years, with 2 in the jump seat. Now that is head room. The dual linkage allows you to control gearshifting making small work of big grades(and V8s!). It fits surfboards to kayaks, kids, dogs and parrots, this SUV thrives under family demands.

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  Awesome Little Go Getter - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chris from Tacoma - March 28 - 9:06 pm

  Ive had the car for 5 months with no problems at all. The interior is great and the paint is really nice for the compact car segment. Its definately not a burner but I got it for the amazing warranty and the gas mileage (which has been improving ever since I got it). Great little car (with a HUGE backseat). Awesome features, I got my fully loaded ES with A/T for $14,200 out the door.

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  Great Car at Great Price - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KzooFan - March 28 - 1:10 pm

  This is the second Galant I have owned (previously had 2003 with 95,000 miles and that was a great car). Have had this 2009 ES for one month and have put 2,000 miles on it so far. Not a problem, not a strange noise, nothing. Very nice car. Great styling. Nice to have something a little different than everyone else has. Nice ride, love that ABS is standard. Comfortable seats. Very roomy. Very pleased so far.

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  Lancer stick - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jjwarner - March 24 - 12:40 pm

  LANCER 5 speed is a cheap car with better gas mileage than predicted. I get 25 in the city and 37 on the road. It needs a 6th gear however, the rpm are high on the highway after about 60 mph. Its very peppy and easy to drive. Has a horrible blind spot on left side. The "fast key" and map system are bogus and the time clock takes forever to display. However, its economy and fun to drive make up for the blind spot (bought a blind spot mirror). This is my third Mitsubishi, the cars do very well overall.

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  Me and My SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Phillygator - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck. The style of the vehicle inside and out is very handsome. I got the SUV at a great price used, and I havent had any troubles since (knock on wood). I traded in my 2002 Nissan Altima for the Montero Sport and I am extremely happy that I did so. Most people think that Nissan makes a superior product to Mitsu, but in the 5 months I owned my Altima, it was non-stop trouble. The Montero Sport has been a pleasure to own.

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  Great SUV - 2nd one - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Darren T - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Montero Sport LS, had great luck with it. I towed a 17ft fishing boat with no problem. Reliablity was great - not one problem for 3 1/2 years (45000 miles). Decided to opt for the 2003 XLS this time around. The 3.5L motor is a nice improvement and the ride is a little nicer. The dash is the only thing I would change, its a little outdated but functional. All and all a great vehicle.

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  04 endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lucas - March 21 - 1:43 am

  Like everyone else, I have big problems w/ the paint. I also have big problems w/ the quality of the interior. Very poor plastic throughout. Lots of fading. Very noisy ride on the freeway. Definitely need to improve the quietness for the interior. Needs air vents for the rear seats in the hot Arizona desert.

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  Mirage is a winner! - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Texas Gary - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this vehicle for about four years now, nearly 65,000 miles, without any problems whatsoever. Only work needed so far has been for routine maintenance. Good fuel economy at ~30mpg average city/hwy mix. Our mechanic even loves it, says its very easy to work on.

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  Diamante from California - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Paris and Kimberly - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Wow ... we lost our shirts buying it new even with the huge rebate and great financing. Looking to trade with only 50,000 miles and its worth nothing close to what we would have expected. Paid close to 30k and now its worth 9k??? Not a winner in my book. I like the car but money is money. We wont buy another Mitsubishi for sure.