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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  Love this Car !! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By GLAB - January 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a quiet, smooth driving, Zippy car. The high torque engine is fantastic. Transmission shifts very smoothly downshifting when you need it and acceleration is great ! The car is loaded with the features you use and the automatic climate control is great ! The stereo sounds fantastic and gets rave reviews by every passenger that gets a ride.

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  Converted! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By yyhr - January 1 - 10:00 am

  The dealer had to really talk me into even test-driving the Endeavor. Once I did, I was SOLD! It has all the advantages of an SUV yet drives like a car. Its loaded with conveniences that are not essential to driving, but just make car ownership easier. The only drawback is that premium fuel is required.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bob MacMillan - December 27 - 5:43 pm

  I wanted a front wheel drive car -- I live in New England and this is my only car. Had a Saab which I enjoyed but this car is much much tighter and more fun to drive. Excellent power, engine sounds terrific, I feel like if I need to "go" into traffic, I can GO! After I read the review in early July in USA Today I was sold.

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  We love our gts! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By t-n-t - December 27 - 3:16 pm

  Just bought. We really like it. CVT good comp for husband and me. He wanted manual but I drive in the city so he can still have fun with the paddle shifters. Love the look and gadgets inside.

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  Nice Truck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Scuff - December 26 - 10:00 am

  A very nice truck for the price. I also had a good sales experiance. Fun to drive.

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  What a Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dan41 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Well, after several months of research and test driving a number of other SUVs/Cross-Overs, we kept coming back to the Endeavor because we realy liked the styling, the interior, fit and finish and the way it handled. We were also impressed with the value compared to the others ( especially, when you consider the current $2,000 rebate ). By far, IMO, the Endeavor is the best in its class. This, at first, was difficult for me to accept because I am a big fan of both Honda and Toyota. I currently own of new Lexus and, although I have never owned a Mitsubishi product, I must say that we have been absolutely thrilled with everything about the Endeavor.

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  Getcha one. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By djm028 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Fairly good bargain, solid handeling, comfortable, stylish, adequate power, gets alot of 2nd looks from passerbys.

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  Love the Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Donna - December 19 - 2:56 pm

  I drive 40 miles round trip to work, city driving, highway, stop and go all the way. The endeavor has had quite a few recalls, all of which I was notified about and service was provided without problems. My endeavor has 90K on it now and I hate the thought of trading it although it would only be a on a 2011 model Endeavor. Unfortunately it is in the shop now. I dont have the final details but it appears to have transmission problems. The warranty says drivetrain coverage 10 years/100K miles. Fingers crossed.

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  I Love My car After Two Years - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jennifer - December 19 - 10:43 am

  I have had my Galant for two years and I still love driving it. It has torque and is comfy. I am considering getting another, but the GTS model with a leather interior instead. I recieve top notch service from the dealer as well.

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  The Lancer is an excellent car - 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lynx2 - December 18 - 11:27 am

  The editors review does not do the Lancer justice - it is an excellent car for the money, in almost all respects. I am particularly perplexed by their commend regarding the engine/CVT transmission combination, which in reality is smooth, quiet and powerful considering the excellent gas mileage (over 33 on the highway). You can buy cars with better mpg, but it will come at the expense of power. I have not problem going up steep hills at speed, with very little noise coming from the engine/transmission.