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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  Low price, good quality, fun to own - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OutLander - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Lot of car for the money. Most of needed stuffs is standard equipment Interior is quiet and roomy. The 4 cylinders engine is ok, has enough power for cruising around town and freeway. Reviews from Edmunds.com, Car&Driver ... said its underpower. I guess whoever drove test this car maybe living somewhere in the mountain region? But it will be nice if Mitsu give us a choice of V6 or 4 cylinders with turbo as an option. Audio control buttons are too small that reminds me of Walkman stereos button. I pick this car out of my shopping list: Rav4,Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute.

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  Big style, little substance. - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MBowen574 - May 11 - 9:00 am

  I bought my 1996 Mitsubishi Galant as a college car. It had 83,400 miles on it when bought, now it is at 90,850 miles. I love the styling, inside and out. I love that its easy to work on. I just love this car. Ive done a great deal of work on it, and have mostly gotten it all working again. The engine is really smooth for a 4-cyl. with the A/C off, the interior has held up really well, all the problems the car had when I got it have been relatively easy to fix. Its a shame the parts are so expensive and the major components (engine, transmission) are so finicky about care and proper maintainence. I can provide great care to this car, and have. The previous owners didnt. Its a shame really. I plan to keep it for a long time! This is an awesome car!

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  Hank awaits the EVO VII - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Hizzank - May 10 - 11:26 am

  So far, Ive had zero problems with the car, its great.

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  Mitsubishi 2004 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Paul Filliman - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration. Like the transmission. Handles very well. Fun to drive. Do not like chezzy plasic pices below rear door. Front bumber is very delecate and expensive to repair.

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  Super Performance - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dave Adams - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The ride is smooth and the gas mileage, comfort and performance is outstanding. Althought, it do not come with leather interior, it can easy be added via the dealer.This vehicle has excellent space for storage of varied internal features to support the needs of those that would like to step away from the crowd. Can easily be dressed for style because its well above the other sport utility vehicles. Ride like a car , look like a sporty utility vehicle.

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  Great cars even used if you take care of it - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By overboost007 - May 6 - 3:11 am

  OK people lesson I am 6ft 8in tall, 260 lbs, I formally drove a 1999 Honda Accord EX CPE V6 with 248,000. Now I have a 2003 Mitsubishi clipse GTS 5 speed manual that had 98,000 on it when I bought it. The previous owner took great care of it. I went through it hard. I am just a DIY guy that knows car. This car was a good buy because of how it was taken care of. The dealers can clean it up but I know brakes, fuel systems, intake, transmission & engine. It is not rocket science. Research on line and make a good choice. The car runs great I will upgrade the brakes to what I like an just maintain it until I am ready to by a newer vehicle

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  Great looks, a few problems - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By nebhusker - May 1 - 7:20 am

  I bought my 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport brand new in 2001. It looks like a million bucks, very rugged and sporty. The power of the 3.5 in the XS model is outstanding, at least compared to many other competitors in this class. This truck doesnt handle particularly well though. It is a bit sloppy in the turns. I have had a problem with uneven tread wear on the tires, with the outside of the front tires really getting worn. The air conditioner is very weak on hot days - you have to put it on full blast just to try and stay somewhat comfortable. Ive also had trouble getting it into 4WD mode early in the winter, if you havent used it during the summer. Overall this is a decent vehicle.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mishel63 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I really like the look and handling of the Endeavor. However, there are a few standard features that I miss from previous vehicles. Heated mirrors. Auto locks at a certain speed for security reasons. Otherwise, it is a wonderful vehicle to own. Great on Gas! Plenty of cargo room.

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  Galant Good Alternative To Accord/Camry - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By john9263 - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Galant pre-owned (off lease vehicle). Was extremely impressed with the exterior lines of the vehicle. Fit and finish is up to the Japanese standard. Interior is reasonably comfortable and dash is easily accessable. Standard Infinity 100 watt stereo/CD is quite good for most individuals.

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  MITZU - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By nudunno4112 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car i have traveled all over the US with this car and it has held up great, the only problem i have had is the rotors and brakes i had them changed a few times dont know what happened in that department, another is the interior it bruises and stains very easily other than that i am happy with this car great deal and exterior looks is why i purchased this car, my wife swears by this galant