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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  Keeps on Tickin - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By dap - June 24 - 10:06 pm

  We have owned our Red Montero Sport for around 5 years now, and this thing just keeps on tickin. I have been planning on buying a newer vehicle, but since this one is paid off and still runs so well, and still looks very good for a 97, I just cant see any reason for getting rid of it. One big plus is that it is roomy in the back seat for my two teens and has plenty of interior room throughout. The seat belts are beginning to lose their "spring" but its not a major problem, especially for an 12 year old vehicle. I have never owned this old of a vehicle that is so trouble free. Tune ups and other routine maintenance is about all we have had to do. Looks newer than 97.

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  what a great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By robi dog - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Best car ive ever owned

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  Fun car could use some upgrades... - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By phastinphilly - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Was driving an accord coupe that was too slow. This car is fast and definitely more fun to drive, but doesnt hand quite as well as Hondas are known too. Guess you cant have it all. Have had the car 5 months...so good so far.

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  I love my MO! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cp2010 - June 21 - 8:13 am

  I decided to get rid of my truck for something more practical but I didnt want to look like a soccer mom. So I steered clear of the more popular compact suvs and fell in love w/ the Outlander. Its a blast to drive! The sound system is great (6 disc changer was a nice surprise), but the cool new redesigned grill is really what drew me to it. It looks pretty tough going down the road! Ive had it for just over 3 months now and Im more in love every time I jump in the drivers seat. The visibility is really good and its very easy to park. Overall, I am completely satisfied w/ my decision to get an Outlander and I plan to drive it for another 10 years.

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  Mimi the Mivec! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mimi_the_mivec - June 18 - 7:01 am

  I bought my 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT used from a dealership in which the one owner of the car worked there. I bought it in 2011 with 80,400 miles on it. Its now almost 2015 with a tad bit over 108,000 miles and Ive havent had any issue with it. Ive forgot to do oil changes thousands of miles overdue. Its started in nine degree weather fine. Ive done over 100mph plenty of times and it was fine. Ive been cars price range of $3K all the way to $280k and mine was the best! Yay Mitusbishi!

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  WOW What a great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ljjscohen - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The Endeavor is a great ride. So smooth it doent feel like youre driving a SUV. Plus lots of features and comfort too.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JULIUS GASTON - June 13 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST SPORTS CAR UNDER 30K

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  Nice - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Paul - June 9 - 3:26 am

  I bought a Mitsubishi Raider for my son who is in college. It has a beautiful design. I also considered the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado. The Raider was the best for the price with more features. The rebate made it even more affordable and the warranty was a plus. My son is very tall (67") and the 4 door appeared to have more room than the others. It rides as well as my Toyota Tundra and gets better gas mileage. I am very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Great car at a great price . - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MITSUBISHI Outlander - June 8 - 5:24 am

  Had this car for about a month now . May be its too early to comment on many aspects of ownership,reliability and performance . Its under rated car with consumer reports . But feel that way . Its just like any other small SUV. Initial impression is-its a honest car . Drives well and the GT has a satisfying performance . Good price too . Prefer to avoid the 2.4 l as drove the 2.4 L and V6 3 L back to back and the difference was apparent . The features , driving experience and price were deciding factors in the purchase . 3 Rd row seats are a joke . Am quite happy and its 100% made in Japan .

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  I Recommend It!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By savingchris19 - June 5 - 8:36 pm

  I just bought the brand new 07 Galant ES with the sport package. Seems like it runs great so far, fun to drive, has a good amount of power for a 4 cyl., the dash lights look amazing at night! 360 watt rockford sound system sounds excellent. I had an 03 lancer before I got this car. This car is wayyy better than that was. Only thing wrong with the galant is the disc changer, something is wrong with the number 2 cd slot, but the dealership is putting a new one in for me so its all good. Go get yourself one, I recommend it!