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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  2004 Galant:: What a surprise! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kdelight - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The newly redesigned 2004 Galant has moved this model up a serious notch from 2003. While searching the web for a $20,000 car, the new Galant popped up and caught my eye with its new style and much improved gas milage. We intended try the Accord, Civic Hybrid, and the Galant. After seeing the Galant, we walked across the street to the Honda dealership and found both cars to be boring and tired in appearance and performance. We returned to purchase the Galant with fun packages like a moon roof, 6 CD changer, 16" wheels, etc. and still stay in our price range. Great pick-up and smooth sailing! No irritating pings or problems either.

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  My 2003 Christmas Gift - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Beachnsunlvr - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The new Galant is outta this world. I have the heated leather seats and the Infinity sound system. Makes ya feel like your at home its so comfortable. The ride is smooth and easy. Its also been great in the snow.

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  BETTER THAN JAPAN AMER MANUFURED CARS - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ROOKIE - August 8 - 2:00 am

  WHILE BLISTERING ACCELERATION IS NOT EVIDENT, THE 5-SP WITH DEFT USE OF CLUTCH AND 4.11-1 REAR WILL HOLD ITS OWN THROUGH ALL LEGAL LIMITS AND BEYOND AS REQUIRED TO KEEP UP W/ TRAFFIC IN NJ. THIS IS ESP EVIDENT ON RT 80 EARLY AM WEST BOUND TOWARDS PA. CONTROLS ARE WELL DESIGNED. REMEMBER; DURING WORLD WAR II, BELIEVE MITSHUBISHI MADE AIRPLANE ENGINES OF NOTE. I TRUST THE 2.0 LITER SOHC, 9.5- 1 COMPRESSION. FACT IS, I TREAT IT TO SUPER-UNLEADED IN WINTER TO PREVENT GAS LINE-FREEZE-UPS IN OUR UNIQUE CLIMATE. PITY WE DO NOT HAVE AGIP PRODUCTS HERE TO MY KNOWLEDGE.

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  Awesome CAR!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Marg - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun to drive and you really have to watch the gas because it is so smooth it is easy to forget how fast you are going! I love it!

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  MELS REVIEW - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By melmgirl17 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I THINK THAT IT IS A FUN SUV AND HAS A COOL DESIGN

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  Eclipse review - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Inkburrower - August 7 - 4:30 am

  Nice car

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  The best car in its class - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By darkness - August 4 - 10:20 am

  I have had it for about two weeks now. And this car is awesome. Turning is awesome, get up and go is good. And dont forget all about the toys inside. Satellite radio is great. The nav is very accurate. All in all a great car inside and out.

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  The Eclipse is Back and Better than Ever - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Gustavo - August 2 - 10:50 pm

  I bought a new 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT in May of 2005. I have enjoyed it and continue to enjoy it. The outside physical appearance is aggressive and mean. The interior is sporty and sophisticated at the same time. People stare at it while driving down the road. If you like what it looks like on the pictures on this web site then imagine what it will look like once it is fixed up. I have already tinted the windows and added 20" rims. I plan on adding a body kit once they become available to make it look even better. I recommend it to anyone in the market for a new car.

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  Dont flip - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By pmsuvman - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Despite all the hype about flip overs. Ive yet to come close to fliping. The suv is fun to drive. I had my share of problems, but the only serious issue was my bearings went after 30K. Heated seats work well and the car is quiet and solid.

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  Super! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Power X - August 2 - 2:00 am

  One of the best!