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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  12 HOUR TEST DRIVE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By STANMN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  RENTED THE ENDEAVOR DURING SNOW STORM DROVE 500 MILES IN THE CAR FOR 12 HOURS AND LOVED IT . WAS NOT PLANNING TO BUY A SUV BUT DUE TO MY POSITIVE TEST DRIVE FOR 12 HOURS DECIDED TO BUY IT

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  Love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kina k - April 2 - 7:03 am

  I bought the 06 6 speed Eclipse GT, and this car can move! I really like the fact that the car can accelerate to a high rate of speed so quickly. I have the aero kit, and it sets the car apart from the others out there, all of the ones Ive seen did not have the kit. The Eclipse is a lot of car for the money. It is a better value than Nissans Z; it is faster overall than Hondas Accord; and has a much better warranty than Fords Mustang. What else needs to be said?

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  I Hate This Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Kali - April 1 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased my Mirage seven months ago. I think this car is slow. The interior layout is nice, but is very small. I can only have one passenger with me or it is very uncomfortable. Do not buy this car.

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  Great car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Allen Fort - April 1 - 6:33 pm

  Wow!! What is there not to say about this car. Ive had it for almost a year and already put 16k on the thing. I cant leave it parked in the driveway, its just to sexy for that. It definitely needs to be opened up to get best results. I have the fully loaded GTS, has nav, blue-tooth, great system and dont forget the paddle shifters. The new Lancer gets great gas mileage and is extremely fun to drive. I do enjoy the keyless entry, however, dont leave the car on and take the remote out too many times, soon it will tell you the key is missing even though its not. This car is definitely a "Head Turner".

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  alot of fun - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By horsplay - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Always wanted a SUV. We went shopping for someone else and ended up with 2 Outlanders. So much fun to drive and comfortable for myself and passengers.

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  A car for Everyone - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mms119 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The interiors are bigger than other midsized cars. The car is enjoyed by the older members of the family as well as the young. Its a nice car to drive.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By wocogirl - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my car. The best part of it is the gas mileage I get. My friends and family who have small cars as well are jealous that even with incredibly high gas prices (about $1.93)I am still paying under $20 to fill my whole tank. My car has better pick up than others in its class and has made me more confident in the reliability of my car. When I test drove the Ford Focus, I wasnt sure how reliable it would be a few years down the road, but with the Lancer, I knew it was a good car. I would be here forever telling you about all the reasons why I love my car. I highly recommend getting one!

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  I love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pgoodnight - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2 June 2004 so only two days experience but so far I am loving it. Handles very nicely. Short turning space required. Sound system is excellent and so far the mileage I am getting is excellent. Could use a little more hidden storage space that is presently not in use. (Montero has more storage.) Cruise control and Windshield wipers could be more user friendly.

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  I love this car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By naveedpr - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  Endeavor surpasses my old Xterra - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dsxterra - March 29 - 4:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed our expectations. The way it handles in corners and in general is great. We have had an Explorer and a Xterra. The Endeavor by far surpass the handling and comfort of those.