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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  compact and sporty - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Rachel ALA - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car, and I would highly recomend it to any young driver. Its sporty, and handles extremely well. Compared to other manual vehicles, the Mirage shifts gears very easily. There is an issue with interior room if passengers are large or tall, but that can be expected with a compact car. The silver paint also seems to chip relatively easily. Overall, this car is perfect for a driver who carries few passengers at a time and is looking for a reliable, small, sporty car.

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  What a blast - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Tuxedo - October 21 - 10:00 am

  We splurged and went for the 20th Anniversary Edition...loaded with all the good stuff. Not much more than the Sport and well worth it. We looked at the Sport, Limited and XLS but decided the 20th Anniverary was the way to go. Pretty good gas mileage. Quality build, good looking, comfy. Doesnt look like every other SUV on the road. Mitsubishis been around forever so you can trust the brand. We love it!

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  Best car I have owned in a long time! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dice1 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I bought it very weel equipped including the power roof and found it to be very comfortable. All of the accessories and features are well located. Very good gas milege, important these days of $2.00 plus per gallon. Red is the best color I found. I get many comments on the looks!

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  Taking it to the mountains! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By AndyAdams - October 21 - 10:00 am

  IN July we drove from Florida to Burnsville NC. THe Endeavor handled the mountains beautifully! We couldnt have been more pleased. From there we went to Findlay, OH. Overall, we put 3,ooo+ miles on the Endeavor. Never once did we have any handling problems or difficulties of any kind. The cruise control worked great! There are a few design problems, but overall, I love my Mitsubishi.

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  Its a Very Good Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By amrou_samir - October 20 - 8:00 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is a very good and economical car. It suits my needs very well, it is a comfortable vehicle for city driving with good gas mileage.

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  Still Happy! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By malibu1961 - October 20 - 1:20 pm

  without proper maintenance, ive had zero problems with this truck, wish they were still produced id buy another. decent gas mileage for SUV; fantastic 4X4, use it on & off road nothing extreme, just fun, it is very easy to live with on day to day basis. im gonna install airbags in the rear coils springs so it wont sag so much when pulling my 12X7 foot trailer with two full size motorcycles aboard.

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  Good ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By threetri - October 13 - 11:50 pm

  Its been a good car in the two and a half years I have had it. I have only had to replace the front left strut at 26000 miles because of speed bumps and crappy roads. I put an K&N air filter and an aftermarket exhaust on and I get 38 miles to the gallon on the freeway. Its not the fastest car, but sure is fun to drive.

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  Solid SUV Great Used Car Valu - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Brian Auld age 61 - October 13 - 8:40 pm

  Purchased 2004 AWD in 2008 with 50,000 miles , now at 114000 and have only done a timing belt. Call me lucky? Not even the brakes. From Oregon to Hawaii and back, most of it left outside and still looks great. Love the view of the road, with the small windows in the A pillar to see the sidewalk and kid on bike about to cross in front of you. Just test drove a Chev, Traverse and felt like I was in a cave. Negatives,Retarded instrument panel, light blue on gray/silver next to impossible to see as the driver. Heater strong but finding the air flow setting takes 2 people. Tire wear is even and not excessive No leaks or malfunctions in sunroof or other windows. Ride can be choppy due to the short wheel base, and this is a car that needs to be driven at a safe speed. Swerving at 70 mph on wet pavement would get dicey. Look for a well cared for used and it is a tremendous bang for the used car buck.

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  Love my Outlander - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By New Mitisubishi fan - October 11 - 7:23 am

  I originally wanted a RAV-4, Im glad I got the Outlander. It has a lot of pick up for a 4 cylinder, like the braking, pretty smooth ride, like the big tires. Amazed at the gas mileage, I was used to driving an SL1 Saturn. Some days I average 30 miles to the gallon, never less than 25. I really cant say enough good things about it.

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  Its Awesome - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By aburke80 - October 10 - 8:26 am

  The sales consultant was very knowledgable and treated me with respect even though I wasnt dressed in my everyday business suit. Other than that, the car pretty much sold itself. Must get the 650W Rockford Fosgate upgraded audio system. It absolutely knocks your socks off. Its been the best purchase Ive made in a long time. Its a serious reason to rubberneck.