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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  ML430 Vs Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By rkuch - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have both a Mercedes ML430 and the 2003 Montero. The interior of the Montero is just as nice, if not better than the Mercedes. I like the third row seating and wood trim on the Montero. The area of view is better in the Montero and it has much more interior room. A great buy for the money so far.

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  I like it - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Georgia Girl - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I"m relatively new to the design as my last Galant was a 94 and ultimately was crashed and totalled due to someone rear-ended me. The 94 sort of folded around me as the car hit me from behind and pushed me into a cement barrier. I was not injured. But the 03 has many of the same features as my old Galant and handles even better. The steering is tight and it handles like a larger car and not the mid-size that it is. The engine has got a lot of pep for a 4- cyl. in my opinion and the new Steel Blue is just gorgeous. The a/c blows ice cold air and the gets good reception although the rear speakers dont seem to be of high quality.

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  First SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Miss Tall - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive normally driven a Subaru, but was looking for something larger my 67" husband could drive - this narrows the field of cars. We love the Endeavor! It drives like a sportscar some say and has a great deal of power. There is also a lot of room in the back seat, it seats 3 very comfortably, even if all three are over 6 tall!

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  fast & furious - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By flower - August 7 - 10:00 am

  2 words to describe what I feel about this car , "Completely Satisfied"

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  Nice pickup truck - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By raul - August 4 - 7:56 pm

  The ride is very smooth and quiet. For the price I paid I am very happy, I really like this little truck.

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  fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rff - August 3 - 10:00 am

  After driving a saturn the mitz was much more expensive, but definately worth it

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  Galant 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Shannon HAys - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Stylish and easy to handle. Good for a young, independent individual but not roomy enough for a family.

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  i love this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By leigh lee - August 3 - 10:00 am

  it has never broken down on me, its a grat car and fun to drive!!!

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  2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jim o - August 2 - 3:10 pm

  Okay - its only been 2 months but I also own a 2003 Maxima (Which I love) and this car rides BETTER and is more fun to drive! Not as quick but oh so close...Both cars have Goodyear Eagles. Unlike on the Maxima, they are very sticky on GTS- even in the rain. This is a tight car. It gets lots of compliments! Will post review after one year and winter in New York City. I Love this car so far. I intentionally purchased a 2005 model, the 2006 model looks too wierd for me.

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  Good value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 502flier - August 2 - 1:41 pm

  My wife wanted this vehicle to replace her 04 Outlander, which she loved. Turns out that it gets better mileage than the 4 cyl. and has tons more power. Im not a big fan of the transmission, which hesitates slightly when accelerating from a stop light (almost like a delay between gas pedal and actual go). There are foot wells under the front seats, which are great for taller backseat passengers. We now have 200,000 km on this vehicle (15,000 the first 10 days we owned it) and, aside from a transfer case seal and squeaky rear shocks (both replaced under warranty, it has been regular maintenance only. Changed the plugs last week at $400+, but it was past time. Wife still loves it.