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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  not so great - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By kristin guptill - February 11 - 4:29 pm

  Had the car a few months.states 4x4 . couldnt get up hill in snow.couldnt move in small amount of mud in driveway..was thinking 4 wheel drive didnt actually work but brought it to tire place and they said its probably because dealer gave me garbage tires at this point they were bald.at no point in my probably 5 oil changes did dealer ever tell me my tires were worn.very annoyed.so im 700 dollars in on tires.we will see if its tires

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  Extremely satisfied - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ronald Elzy - February 10 - 9:16 pm

  This vehicle has only required routine maintenance. It has an extremely good ride and is very well equipped. I looked at quite a few "mid sized" SUVs the Mitsubishi has considerably more to offer!

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  Karate Moms dream - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By MN Mike - February 10 - 10:00 am

  A major reason we bought this vehicle over the competition is the financing available. This truck is a great suburban vehicle. In Minnesota, we get some slippery roads - I have started calling our Montero the "Billy Goat". Even on glare ice, the traction is phenominal - even in 2 wheel drive. When you slip it into 4 wheel, this thing seems to be able to tackle anything - we havent even had it in 4 wheel with the transfer case locked. Road noise is a little high and it likes to visit gas stations but otherwise we really like this vehicle.

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  You Will Love the Eclipse GTS!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Flossem - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a Fun sportscar...drives well...havent come upon anything I dont like with this car yet! It looks great, drives great! I just love it! Having owned a GT Eclipse in 98, this is a huge improvement...on style, driving ability...just all around a real fun car to drive!!

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  hot new mitsu - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By joep - February 8 - 10:00 am

  well to start I do not know how consumers guide does not have this mitsubishi as a best buy.It rates a 9.6 with the public and let me tell you the 6 cylinder version flies.I purchased this car for $23,000.And got 1.9%financing.If there is a more solid value for your money please show me.

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  Endeavors are truely the best! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By c_m_smith - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it handles. Its such a smooth riding truck!

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  2003 Eclipse GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Scott Miller - February 5 - 10:00 am

  It hauls ass! Very fast car for the money but i do suggest turbocharging it.

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  lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jeremy - February 1 - 12:50 pm

  i Like it it is way better than my previous car- Honda Civic EX 4 door automatic. i love the way the engine revs and it is a very fun car to drive in or pick up my little brother. As a junior n high school this car is soo cool.

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  Large small SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hfelen Uhrmaan - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The Outlander feels more spacious than any of the other small SUVs I considered. Despite the small engine, it doesnt struggle to climb the mountain roads of West Virginia, and it hugs the curves very well. The combination automatic/manual shifting worked well to get me up my icey drive and the AWD seemed surefooted on the snow this morning. The hatch is easier to open and close one handed than other SUVs. The cargo area with the rubber liner tray option is great for my 40 pound dog. The exterior design lacks the safari feel of my old Montero, but the smoother ride and better gas economy, along with the luxury features make it a pleasure to drive.

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  Great looking car - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sader - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for a sporty looking (mid- life crises?) car and found it in the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Havent won the Powerball yet, so the Ferrari is still a dream. This car handles well with the rack & pinion steering and though it wont beat a vette off the line, it looks like it could.