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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  3 plus years old and kickin - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By diverbob - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck with 51k miles. It is in great shape. I was impressed that there are no rattles and sqeeks. The interior is easy to use and the seats are comfortable. We are very happy.

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  smooth operator - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By naseer - October 4 - 7:00 am

  I just got my new mitsu outlander and it is really good, the ride very smooth. my 2.4 lacks some power but that expected and is good for low mileage. CVT is my first and it is very smooth. Turning is like a sedan, information panel is quite accessible.Lots of cup holders and power outlets. Competes with CR-V and RAV4, with a good deal it is much better than both.

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  Fun lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By gevans - October 3 - 3:16 pm

  A really fun car to drive with the 5 speed shift. Clutch is light, brakes are great. 36k miles without a problem - normal maintenance only. Warning - Watch out for the hub caps. They scratch easily on curbs. Price tag - over $70 each. Dealer where purchased was great!

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  Great at first then it goes downhill - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By hc7454 - October 3 - 5:50 am

  First my 4WD stopped working. They had to change several switces to get it working. Then my battery died after only 1 year. Then my security system died. They had to change the entire security system wire to wire. Then my car just wouldnt start. They have replaced the starter which helped but it still has starting issues. Then my Radio stopped picking FM signals. Then 2 months latter my CD player stopped working.

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  Endeavor in Vancouver, BC - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lancetroy - October 3 - 4:03 am

  Performance-wise, this SUV is outstanding. I like the car-like handling and of course, as most of you know by now, its torquey 225-hp engine.

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  THE BEST IN ITS CLASS - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By theheyman - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The moment i layed on this car it amazed me with its looks and its ride. The Corolla,Civic, focus and every other car in its class have nothing on it. THE BEST. I pity the fool without a mitsu. mirage!!!!

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  XLS AWD with leather package - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ikay - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I got it and I love it. The engine has not been a problem. 140hp is enough for most people. Someone likes to compare with 200-hp+ SUV. We never get to use the full power anyway or you get busted. However, when speeding up, the engine is kind of loud as other mitsubishi. It did not bother me. The sportronic is very nice and it actually works well. It has a very good driving position in the car. you dont slide so much even with leather when turning (the bucket seat is doing some work). Overall, it is good and worth the $$. Comparing with CR-V, just less space with cooler look. Your call.

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  the greatest purchase that i made - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By amis - September 30 - 2:00 am

  i looked at a couple a cars and the toyota was one of them and the people at levis mitsubishi treated me very well. the 4cyl. that i bought has just enough power that i need to get out of the way of trucks and other things.

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  Dont Buy this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dontbuythis - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car ever build. Its a hunk of crap. I had to return this car to the dealer 3 times aready. The engine over heated, the fan was not running, and various interior electrical problems

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  Its a okay car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mitsufreak - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is a okay car, it lacks in power, design, interior, and some other things, but it saves alot of gas