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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  awesome car - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By davo yoyo - September 18 - 10:00 am

  i just got car today great sofar.fun to drive very comfortable.very economic recommend it to any one.

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  Great economical SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tbailey152 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very reliable. Would recommend AWD version though. I bought FWD and sometimes wish I had AWD.

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  My First Mitsubishi is a great vehicle! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gmo - September 17 - 3:13 am

  My switch from a full size Ford pickup to a suv came when I needed a newer vehicle to drive in heavy Nashville traffic. The 2010 Outlander has been great so far with better than expected gas mileage and comfort. I researched the SUV line heavily between a Subaru Forrester,Toyota Rav 4, and the Outlander. I am 6ft. 3 and the Outlander by far is the most comfortable. I would recommend to anyone.

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  NOT SATISFIED! - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dissatisfied13 - September 16 - 8:43 am

  I purchased a 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavour about 6 months ago. About 1 month ago a loud wheezing noise started coming from the engine. The noise did not start till about a month ago and it only at speeds of 60mhp and above and only when the car has been running about 10 min. I took it to Mitsubishi and the regional manager determinied it to be normal engine noise. I asked why the noise was not there for the first three months the all of a sudden started. He told me that is what his service engineeers told him. I will NEVER purchase another Mistubishi car again as long as I live. VERY disappointed in the service I have received from this problem!

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  My First Mitsubishi - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Myprotoge - September 16 - 7:20 am

  This is my first Mitsubishi vehicle. So far I must say, I am very pleased with my 2006 Galant. The four cylinder engine is quite peppy. The automatic transmission (my very first automatic) is very smooth. Its accelerations is crisp. The ride is awesome, it corners well, and handle bumps effortlessly.

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  Not your cookie cutter small SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By CW - September 15 - 11:06 am

  It came down to the Outlander and RAV4. The Outlander looks a lot better, has a lot more technology and a superior warranty and provided more for the money. We really like the car and would highly recommend to anyone. If we had it to do all over we would buy the Outlander again.

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  Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ARS - September 15 - 5:03 am

  I like this vehicle more and more each day. It drives nice and has a lot a cool features. I find the engine a little soft on immediate acceleration, but find it very responsive afterwards. The third road seat is not that useable and I would like to have that as an option to get the extra storage. The clamshell rear opening is very versatile. I found you can lower the tailgate and close the top hatch to haul longer items like boards. I feel like I am driving a high class vehicle but not paying the high price. It is a real value!

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  No Brainer - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By D. Sun - September 15 - 5:00 am

  I was in the process of purchasing a Chevy Cobalt when I saw the new Eclipse at the auto show. Mitsubishi saved me from a costly mistake. While driving the vehicle, cant believe what you get for the price. The amenities, including the amazing 650 watt sound system, are incredible. Its ride is smooth and comfortable, allowing for enjoyable long trips. The design is amazing, it definitely catches the attention of others when sitting at a light.

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  Diamonte - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By contact - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first sporty car and for the moment I like it. I have a 2002 Lexus 430 for the long trips andse the Diamonte for commuting 20 miles to work over country roads.

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  Quality- ES 16" Wheels - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By colorado_speedway - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Solid ride, firm steering, excellent driver position, perfect braking and smooth exceleration that adapts to how you want to drive. I feel safe around SUVs and semis on Denvers expressways at speeds in excess of 70mph. Run around town in 3rd gear to be quick. And white with dark tint exterior looks gets some respect. One gripe: seal them door handles in the cabin (: