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:

• 

  THE FULL MONTY - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By WalkMan - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I finally broke down and brought a newly designed 2001 Limited. I had a DVD player installed, swapped the front and middle headrests and had 6.5-inch TV screens installed in both so my rear passengers can enjoy a movie on the road.(I’d be happy to email pics). I put about 25K on my vehicle and have experienced no problems at all. Its under-powered and gets poor gas mileage- -get over it! Off-road though there is an abundance of stump pulling power in 4WD Low Range. This is the best-looking SUV out there by far, even if it is slightly lethargic when you mash the pedal. If you need acceleration, buy a Porche. If you want a class-act 4WD, get the "Full Monty."

• 

  Mitsu Montero Sport 2002 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ChrisZ - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Montero Sport is a fun vehicle to drive, but the engine is sluggish at times. It seems as thought the 3.0L V6 cannot pull hills. It continually shifts gears searching for the correct gear. Also, there is a constant raddling noise in the front driver and rear passenger wheel. When we took it back to the dealer, they said that it is the normal sound for an SUV. I have had other SUVs and have never heard anything like this.

• 

  200,000 miles - here I come - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By NowAPorscheDrivertoo - January 27 - 9:13 am

  Picked up my Solano Red GT in 2000 and I went thru 2 faulty side air bag changes in the very first month. I almost felt that I landed a lemon but was convinced other wise by Mitsu techs. Well, I will celebrate 8yrs of owning this marvelous car (my first ever new sports car) this 7th of June. Design - The exterior SST styling in this 3G GT - in my opinion - beats any G of the Eclipse.Performance - V6 with 205 hp - enough to pass quickly and stretch the odo (once in a while) Fuel economy - 26-27 avg on regular gas. Driving a 2000 Boxster S for the last 2 yrs, but the Mitsu is my daily road warrior with 157,000 mi and going...

• 

  My previously owned Diamante - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By joekewl55 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  So far it has been a very nice automobile, no problems yet. I have read reports about the heater core going out at about fifth thousand miles, so I am hoping that my car will not prove this to be true. The car is about a eight on a scale of one to ten. I love the looks of it, and the performance is good, the gas milage is a little tuff, but concidering the performance with the 210 horses, it is not too bad.

• 

  montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By theodore - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent service

• 

  Its ups and downs - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By a galant driver - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Really, its a nice, fun car to drive. Knowing that whenever you drive down a street, people are looking at your car wondering if its a BMW is a nice feeling. However, before driving this car, I drove a 1993 Honda Accord. Another member of my family drives a 1998 Accord. One thing I noticed is that on the Hondas (even on the 10 year old one), there are more features in the interior (pockets on the back of the front seats, glove compartment lock, easily accessed cupholders) than on the Galant. On my angled driveway, the parking brake tends to squeak and slip a little more often than my Accord previously did.

• 

  great ride for the price - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bbf65 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  v6 engine is really smooth, powerful and quiet. sound isolation is at par with class leading camry. ride is a bit stiff but with moderate body roll during spirited cornering. brakes are strong and non dramatic. front seats have adequate breathing room but rear seat is cramped. interior could use a little adrenaline. exterior styling is really nicely executed.

• 

  i love it - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Omais - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, i think my gtz is real nice, the handling is great, the 7 speaker infiniti system sounds better than any factory sound system i heard, the exterior style is awsome. Engine is real quite, and styling is awsome. 5- year 1.9 rate was the best deal around. I get so many compliments on this car, and the ladies love it. A maxima or accord with all these features would cost way more, and doesnt look nearly as nice.

• 

  nice car but could of did better - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Nikki - January 4 - 7:50 am

  Well I bought my Diamante used.. I loved this car when I test drove it. Beware! This car carries a high symbol for insurance rates. This car is 5 years old and has a higher symbol than most brand new cars. Not worth it to insure it . Get insurance quote before u buy. Other than the high insurance and the 19 mpg on highway (which sucks with the price gas today) ---- Im trading it in. For cheaper insurance and better gas mileage . On the other hand the car has a nice style about it. It runs smooth. Oh and not very good in snow or slush. Parts and labor are more expensive

• 

  Fun car... but - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By maxima155 - December 31 - 6:41 pm

  Purchased my Certified Pre-Owned Lancer GTS Sportback Ralliart iin 2013 with 28,000 miles. So far, great car to drive. 4WD is amazing. Drove this winter in Indianapolis with 8+ inches of snow and past countless SUVs and trucks. Turbo is great so far and no issues. A few problems: The car has a sport pack option which includes an aluminum gas tank cover. If you live in a colder region, avoid this option. The gas tank cover does freeze under 25F. The Rockford navigation system is a bit awkward and takes some time to adjust. Voice command inside the car is hopeless. Also the rear window in the sport back has poor visibility.