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:

• 

  read and choose wisely-BIG BOY w/class - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By unclebertram - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The Monty is by far, one of the top 3 offroad vehicles you can buy at a dealership (hummer and Landcruiser being the other two), and the Monty is the only one that can use its AWD on dry pavement. My fav. device in this car is the trans, which is rumored to be supplied by Porsche (Landcruiser does the same thing. Every SUV buyer read this,"YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MASH THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO GET POWER OUT OF YOUR MACHINE." I love this trucks evasive maneuverabilty and cornering, but I switched the OEM tires for Bridgestone Revos.

• 

  A Great Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By illiniturf - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I really love my new Endeavor! The looks are great and the features are outstanding. I did lots of shopping around (Highlander, Pilot, etc.) and settled on the Endeavor. I am very happy with my decision. Its an excellent value for the money. The color that I got (Dover White Pearl) was very difficult to locate.

• 

  My Review...The Real Deal - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mr. Eclipse - November 27 - 7:16 am

  Im 17 years old and we purchased my 06 Eclipse back in July. I love this car so much. Plus, it helps me feel better about myself. All my friends like the car too. I love driving the 6-speed manual. I wouldnt have settled for the automatic. This is deffinitely a car that holds its own on the streets. And it turns plenty of heads as you drive by in style. Just dont plan on taking a few friends out for the night. Maybe one in the back, but thats all the backseat is going to fit comfortably. And thats if they recline in the whole seat with their legs up in the seat. Its tiny back there. But if you want to take that nice young lady out for the night alone, it is awesome.

• 

  I love this car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mitsubishi PrOpHeT - November 23 - 3:13 pm

  Ive been driving Galants ever since I first started driving and this is the best one yet! My first car was a 95 Galant, my second one was a 00, and now I currently drive the 07. All in all, I can honestly say that this is a GREAT car. PERIOD! Probably will be the only type of car I will ever drive (unless I hit the lottery or something, lol!) I get great gas mileage, handling is pretty good, it looks sharp, and rides very smooth. I couldnt be happier with this purchase. Before I purchased my car, I test drove the Dodge Avenger, the Nissan Altima, and the Chevy Impala, looking for something different, and none of these other vehicles, in my opinion, could come close to the Galant.

• 

  Not my Audi TT, but great for $20k less - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By cutcoll - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I use my Mitsubishi Lancer SB/GTS for driving to work and chores. I have an 2009 Audi TT 2.0/Quattro I drive when Im not going to work. When Im driving the Lancer, I often wonder where the $20k difference in price is. The Lancer has many of the same features like auto. headlights and wipers, heated leather seats, pwr windows, ABS/ATC/ASC, 4 wheel disc brakes,anti-theft system, 18" aluminum wheels(extra $850 on the TT), cruise control, paddle shifters, steering wheel mounted controls, automatic temperature control... So where is the difference? The Lancer exceeds the mpg rating. Im averaging 30 with mixed driving. Plus the Lancers 6CD sound system puts the Audis to shame.

• 

  Really Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By coots - November 22 - 11:13 am

  great looking and great suv

• 

  Mountain Climber - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By SafeInSnow - November 21 - 4:13 pm

  My wife and I call this the Mountain Climber. Its ability to grip the road in all conditions (snow, sleet, rain, mud) is amazing. I really wish they would make a 2010 version. Compared w/ all other SUVs, this is the hidden diamond (get it?). 3 rows of seating, HUGE storage, and awesome cabin feel.

• 

  Better Than Volvo - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By LifeUncommon - November 19 - 6:23 pm

  I bought my 04 Endeavor in Jan. 05. I had looked at the Volvo XC90 for a long time and was going to get that but decided to look at the Endeavor after seeing one on the road. I INSTANTLY fell in love. The drive is fantastic, very comfortable, great display, style is "HOT!" Its now been over a year and I am currently in the market to trade it in on a brand new one! I think I will drive Endeavors for the rest of my life!

• 

  UJs Galant - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jammikk - November 19 - 10:43 am

  I have been driving this car for almost a year, and I still smile when I get behind the wheel. Its oil stays clear, it has no leaks, smoke, vibration, wobble or "clunks." Im glad I didnt get a Ford Taurus.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By William Dunn - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The heated leather seats, heated mirrors, 7 CD in dash player and the Platinum white color made the car a must have. After looking at and driving Infinity I35, Acura TL, Honda Accord, Lincoln LS and others the combination of luxury, color, driveability and the cash back made the decision for my wife and me. The best car we ever owned was a 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage that finally had problems at more than 208,000 miles. If this mitsubishi Diamanti LS is half the car of previous 1991 Mitsubishi, we will be very happy.