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 SUV! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By montero01 - December 18 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased my Montero Sport with only 27 miles on it and it has just been absolutely wonderful to me! It takes care of me and I most definitely take care of her. It still looks great. I recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  KGs Galant - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By King George - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am happy with my Galant. The V6 is a sweet engine. Smooth with decent power. Too bad you cant get it with a manual. Its a good handler. I have realized that I should have bought the LS version since it would have been cheaper than going the aftermarket route for alloys and a decent stereo. This is my first Japanese car and I am impressed with its build quality and reliability. I have owned Volkswagens and American cars previously. Other than recalls, I have not had to take my Galant in for anything. It did have warped rotors and I have replaced them with Powerslot rotors and the brakes work fantastic.

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  Love my Mirage - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By sarah - December 13 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had my Mirage for 2 years now and I would recommend this little car to anyone looking for a reliable, fuel efficient, sporty looking car. I havent had any mechanical problems other than normal wear and tear. I just got a tune up a couple months ago and it has really helped with the pick up on the car.

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  I WOULD HAVE PAID ANOTHER $5000 - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By njcontreraz - December 12 - 3:56 am

  I think this is a fine buy for anyone looking at value. Mitsubishi has to be one of the most underrated automakers. The Lancer has great pickup, good handling in the snow, and a smooth ride all around. I looked around and did a lot of research on other cars in this class (including some above) and this won by a mile as far as price and value. Give it a drive and you will be convinced.

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  The 2006 Eclipse RULES - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mplschemo - December 11 - 3:36 pm

  I recently bought a 2006 Eclipse and man does it rock! It definitely turns heads. The torque that it puts out is insane for a car that size and can easily beat most stock cars on the market today. Driving at night is awesome. The interior glows a dark blue and everything is easy to read. The only downside to the car is the gas. I drive this car so hard and fast that I get about 15 miles per gallon in the city. Sure, you can get the 18 mpg if you drive nicely but why would you buy this car if you were going to? All around this is an excellent car and I will be driving it for many years!

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  Best Kept Secret - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Laura - December 10 - 2:06 am

  We love the Endeavor! We hadnt even considered this SUV when we went car shopping and happened upon a great deal, did a little research and ended up getting the Mitsubishi Endeavor. It has been so nice to have! Everyone that ever rides with us ends up loving it too. Im surprised that they havent advertised it very much (at least where we live) I see several of them on the road now in my area, but it looks like theyre still the best kept secret in the SUV market.

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  Could be a great car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Sicilian - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The Diamante is a good car and could be a great car. A lot of noises from the rear suspension, old fashioned door design (no door frame) makes wind noise, low seating position, and most of all TERRIBLE RESALE VALUE!! This was a $28,000 plus car, barely worth half of the MSRP. Compare resale value to that of a Toyota Avalon or Nissan Maxima. Dont buy this car unless you want to keep it until the whels fall off. Mitubishi needs to either fix this car and eliminate on its poor image or PULL THE PLUG ! ! Barrcuda

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  more than i expected - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By deepnite - December 8 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car used with the premium package..its got everything in it..i was surprised at how much punch the motor had though ive gotten used to it and wish for more..i love this car and its the only one that get the use of the garage

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  2004 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By nwa39564 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a SUV but wanted something that sticks out as unique. I went to the dealership to buy an Outlander, but once my kids and I test drove the Endeavor we all fell in love with it , it drives like a dream, it is so quiet and very roomy, it has been a wonderful car so far.......

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  Just Bought It on 1-5-07, Very Happy - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mark mitsubishi - December 7 - 2:03 pm

  I have only have had my Galant for little more than a day. I previously owned an 03 Galant and an 03 Eclipse. Those were very good cars, but Now! WOW! The 2007 Galant is a great deal more refined especially and it has more rear passenger room and better styling than say the 04 model. Im lovin it. Betcha heard that one before.