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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  Its finally time to sell - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Nick - February 20 - 7:53 pm

  I bought this car with 104K on it back in 01. Had it ever since. I now have 225K and it is finally time to get rid of it. The last 20K have had some problems with it, but what car wouldnt at that many miles. Paint has chipped off and some rusting around the wheel wells. Did most repairs myself. Good car for the price I paid. Drove it into the ground but it still gets 25mpg.

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  Great in the V8 - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By frank - February 20 - 7:53 am

  I absolutely love the Mitsu. I have had it 7 months and already have over 12,000 on the odo. I haul my boat and trailer with ease and haul cargo around pretty nimbly. It is a great truck to work in or style in, especially if you dont want the hassle of trying to drive around and park in a full size pickup.

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  Pleased as punch - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By orotunds - February 20 - 12:00 am

  Having driven many different rental vehicles in the past two years, I had a good idea of what I wanted, and didnt want, in the vehicle I was buying. The 2009 Sports Galant from Mitsubishi motors is a great sedan with a moderate price. It reminds me of the Hyundai Azera but it costs several thousand dollars less. The 4 cylinder has good get up and go, and it accelerates quickly. The car handles well and the ride is very smooth. The car has a big trunk with the option of gaining more length by accessing the back seat interior. The car is the new canyon beige color and the exterior and interior is stylish. I am very satisfied with the car, and would have paid even more for it if I had to

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  Cool Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ali family - February 18 - 2:00 am

  We bought our car a month ago, We were looking for a lincoln Navigator or a van. This car is great for Family trips to yosemite and to any other destination. What i like most about this great SUV is the Huge moonroof third row seat for the kids(kids love it), Roomy second row seat, infinite steroe and Magnificent exterior and iterior appearence.

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  Love this Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By bina - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I Got into a major accident when this car had less than 3,000 miles on it. I was rear ended on the thru-way going 65 mile per hour because the man behind me was watching the accident and not the cars in front of him. My car had over $9,000 worth of damage to it, and I want you to know, every safty feature including the crumple zone worked perfectly. We had tons of presents in the trunk and not one thing broke, The whole trunk shifted to the ground, leaving all of the trunks contents and us perfectly safe. No one was injured and I was happy I had chose this car!!!

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  Replacement for 2002 Explorer - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By hgold7 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I got so sick of the stiff bumpy ride in my 2002 Explorer that I figured it was time to move onto something new and different and I found it! The Endeavor is like driving a Caddilac....nice smooth comfortable drive and takes the bumps like a car. Other then the recomendation to use Premium gas in this vehicle and just a bit smaller interior then the Explorer, you cannot go wrong. I have the XLS and the All Wheel Drive is great! Do not pass this one by when shopping....you cannot go wrong, this is a superb SUV with a carlike drive.

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  great car!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By miljam - February 15 - 2:00 am

  i would recommend its better than a honda, great driving like on air...

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  I love this car!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MistyKin - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I got this car and the only thing i can find that bothers me about it is that i cant figure out how to use the climate controls correctly the air only goes off if the little orange light is on is that a glitch?

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  Great Compact! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By big spank dogg - February 14 - 11:33 pm

  My Lancer is an awesome little car. I opted for the base ES, 5 speed, no options, but got most of the features I wanted anyway. This car handles very well and is a joy on mountain roads; however, the base 14-inch tires are much to small and the Yokohama rubber offers no grip in the wet. Fuel economy has been a little disappointing (I average about 27 MPG on my 120-mile round trip commute), but I drive it hard so thats to be expected. The Lancer is an awesome compact that beats everyone else in price as well.

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  A Must Buy! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Whitney - February 12 - 12:30 pm

  I just purchased the Outlander XLS 2WD today! I have to say, after searching for the past six months and doing some homework, this is the car to get. I test drove the CR-V, CX7, and Santa Fe, plus the old Trailblazer (previously owned). There is no comparison, this is the best and a definite MUST buy!