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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  Great Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chris - April 8 - 12:03 am

  Ive had the car for about 3 weeks now and could not be happier. Was able to get the 0% financing promo too, which saved me thousands over the term of the loan. The car handles great and is just fun to drive. I highly recommend the manual transmission, its smooth hydraulic clutch and short throw shifts really add some fun to the daily drives to work. Also the appearance package is a must, it gives the car a great aggressive look. The leather wrapped steering wheel has a great feel and quality to it. I think there is plenty of pickup to the 2.0. I passed on the GTS because of the 18in rims and performance tires. I live in NY I didnt want to have to buy snow tires and switch them on every year.

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  My endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Walter Sprowl - April 5 - 9:56 am

  It is turning out to be the best vehicle that I have owned and this is about my 8th Mitsubishi.

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  2004 Eclipse - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Cody - April 2 - 6:13 pm

  Went to test drive the car and immediately feel in love with it. We wanted to see how the handling was, and found going 65 around a 40 mph curve is a breeze. It pulled right into the curve, and didnt make me adjust at all. All in all, wow!

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  Car-lotta for Fun and Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By El Greco - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Great all-around SUV,esp.off-road.Ive owned Pajeros/Monteros since 84 in Saudi,China,Europe and USA.Theyre indestructible,provided you follow mfctrs maintenance schedule.I still have my 95 LS,and a new03 Ltd.The new one has a better engine/overall performance/comfort.However,it also has a useless side-board,puny horn,and,as the old one,not-exactly- useful 3rd row seats(at least they can disappear!).

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  We Love our Eclipse! - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lindiglo - March 30 - 7:43 am

  We have only had our Eclipse since Feb 2005....so far we love it! We are in our 40s and this car has a way of making you feel 20 years younger. With the sunroof open, and the whole day ahead of us.......we are young again. Our Eclipse is Pearl White, and we put a black bra on the front, I truely think its the sharpest looking car in our city.

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  Dont believe the "professional" reviews - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Bill - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi builds a very fine product but you dont hear much about them because everyone raves about Honda, Toyota etc, well they have issues believe me. My only issue with the outlander sport is getting in and out of the backseat, they could have made the door openings a bit wider This SUV is basically a Lancer on steroids. Sure its not going to take you from 0-60 in 2 seconds but its quick enough...very smooth and quiet ride. The panoramic roof I wish would open in some fashion, the led lights are a bit on the trendy side which I could take or leave.

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  Nice car - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bob - March 26 - 10:00 pm

  Our recent trip of over 800 miles in our 07 Outlander was a pleasure. We consistently got 28-29 mpg at highway speeds. The manual shift option is fun and easy to use. There is plenty of room in the rear for baggage. how can you not love the exceptional 5 year bumper to bumper warranty? We have downsized from ford Explorers and are seeing a big difference in economy. I really like this car.

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  I Love My Endeavor! - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cindy - March 26 - 2:50 pm

  This is my second Endeavor. Ive test driven several other "comparable" SUVs and nothing compares. Its reliable, comfortable and most important, fun to drive. I love it! Cindy

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  great car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By s - March 26 - 2:30 am

  Smooth ride, slick styling, very comfortable seating for 4 adults, strong 4-cylinder engine, extremely fun vehicle, and highly recommended.

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  Pros for Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By kipsoin - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2002 Lancer OZ for the Ralliart Sedan. Excellent ride and reliability. Would have preferred the Sportback but diddnt come with Manual Transmission. My other car is a BMW 323i, Love the Ralliart for its nimbleness and fast take offs. Not great at high speeds but bests 90% of Mid size cars