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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  Im Quick - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Freddie - August 29 - 8:33 am

  My 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is a great car. The price was nice, and the acceleration is great. It is hard to drive it slowly. It wants to haul. And it does! I would recomend it to anyone looking for a sweet ride that is just as reliable as it is fast.

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  The reasonable car - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By planotx - August 28 - 10:00 am

  All I have to say about this car that its the perfect combination of every use for you money. It is fast enough, comfortable enough, not too expensive to take care of, fun enough and still not too out of fashion.

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  nice car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By knick4ver13 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My Endeavor is a very nice car, have lots of space , specially when you splitfold the rear seat-bench,lots of power , the stereo is one of a kind. If you buy one you also gonna love the 4 power outlets(even one in the cargo area)and the dome light. Easy to get in-out. The stick shift mode is also fun especially if you are in a highway with lots of traffic .Dont like the painted bumpers , i live in nyc.

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  Best car you might not know about - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By happykamper - August 28 - 9:36 am

  I was reading all of these reviews and I wanted to agree with what everyone was saying. I have had this car for almost 2 years now. I bought it used with 17,000 miles. The reason why I purchased this vehicle was its low sticker price. I must admit I liked it from the beginning the 4 clyinder has power. The reliability is great all I have done is its recommended oil changes and thats it. Very roomy, let me tell you thats really important to me since Im 6 250 pounds! I live in Vegas and with all the driving through the snow on the mountains or the 100 plus degree temps. This vehicle has performed just great! Im about to do my 60,000 mile service! Great buy and great reliability

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  Really fun to drive - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MrLoopy - August 28 - 6:10 am

  Had the car for three weeks now. The car feels much more like a sports car then a small SUV! The suspension is very tight (as the reviews say) but I think this makes it feel like a low slung sportster. The seats are comfortable. Just love the way it drives. It is a small SUV though (we came from a Jeep Grand Cherokee) but has nice styling. Has enough power for fast acceleration. Very happy with the car so far.

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  o4 Montero - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By oceanman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Sun roof rattles Windshield had to be resealed Fun to drive, powerful engine Still like the style inside and out as much as the day we bought it.

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  Had mine for 6 years now. - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By John Carvajal - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my GSX new back in 1998. I made some modifications over the years to the exhaust and intake. Strut tower braces front and rear help to cure the cars roll during high speed cornering. There are differences in the 4G63 engine from the 1G to the 2G, mainly the turbo and intake manifold. The GSX is the best model because of the AWD and 4G63 engine. The non turbo models have to deal with a Dodge Neon engine that is very troublesome. As with any car, follow the maintenance schedule religiously and you wont have a problem. Ive used synthetic oil since it came home, and Ive had no valve issues or oil squirter blockage that causes the 4G63 valve click.

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  one-year review - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rongmu - August 27 - 2:00 am

  good choice of Mini-SUV

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  Outstanding Performance - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bluemidnight - August 26 - 6:53 am

  I traded in my 2002 Galant ES 4 cyl for the 2005 Galant LS V6 and was instantly happy with the performance and acceleration. Its power drivers seat is a great plus, although it should have a memory preset. I am extremely disappointed with the fuel economy, I am only getting about 12-15 mpg city and about 19-22 highway. I dont slam on the gas pedal, by am usually casual while driving to / from work. Maybe the car still isnt broken in yet with only about 3,000 miles driven so far. The interior design appealing, but the cheap plastic on top of the dash and doors is not easy to clean. What drew me to this car was the bold design. Its reliability has been satisfactory so far. The build inside and out seems solid.

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  Just Okay - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Taxi driver - August 24 - 12:53 am

  I find this Montero Sport to be just okay. It rides rough, even with new tires and alignment. It is very noisy with the back windows down at speeds greater than 35 mph. The V6 engine is ok, but it does not have much power. Also, the back seat doesnt have much room. I bought it for traveling with the kids, but am very disappointed.