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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  eclipse gt - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By alex195 - June 2 - 2:16 am

  Ive had my eclipse for 3 months now and its been a bast to drive! Bought it used with 130 000km on it. Painted the front center black, fake diffuser black to make it look real, and the roof too, and put ralliart badges on. Had no problems with the engine, however... the cheap sh*t door handles did break and even the new ones make that bending plastic quealing noise, the cheap plastic key also broke, and so did the cheap plastic a/c control. But thats why it costs so little, you do get a great 3.8L v6 that could use a little more power if your used to driving high hp vehicles, but if your not its more then enough. It always pulls in any gear with no hesitation but road noise is horrendous!!

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By harleychik - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my Outlander for four days now, but I think it is awesome. So far, it is exactly what I was looking for in an automobile. The interior is sleek and very comfortable, the exterior is very classy and stylish. It is exactly what I needed and wanted, no more, no less.

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  2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jota - June 2 - 2:00 am

  You wont, in my opinion, find a more stylish SUV around, period. It looks great and is lots of fun to drive. It is quite roomy for its looks. Everything I have ever wanted in a Mid- sized SUV. Fun, reliable, and practical for our family too!

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  lancer driving experience - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By shari - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I found my lancer to be a very fast driving car, it kind of handles like a sports car. It turns corners quickly, you only need a soft touch on the steering wheel...these points I like,however there is alot of noise thats seemingly coming from the inside of the dashboard, a rattatling(just as if, the car has a bad chest cold)of sorts. The sound really drives me crazy, I took it back, 2 weeks after I got it, I thought something was wrong, however the repair clerks said something about the cooling system or something makes a shaking sound. Anyway,thats the only problem as of yet I have to say.

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  I really like it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Eumax - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for something tha could be reliable, that would not consume like a V8, price-wise, updated design. I compared to the Toyota Highlander, but the Mitsubishi is stronger and has more interior space.

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  gret ride for the money - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ten Jam - June 1 - 10:00 am

  very happy with the dollar value great styling inside and out feels sturdy when cornering like the saftey features love to go 4 wheeling in this thing

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chip Stewart - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This car has done everything Ive asked it to do and more. I truly believe I could not have bought a better car for what I paid ($20,000). Its fast, has incredible handling, and the brakes are unbelievably strong. I conciously brake slowly, because cars behind me rarely can brake as quickly. With 9,900 miles on it, the only problems Ive had were a bad key fob and an air bag that needed replacement. Neither affected the reliability of the car, and were both replaced under warranty. This is my third Mitsubishi product, and I highly recommend their products.

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  Mitsu rocks - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By IanC - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Montero - the first I traded after 120000 miles in 2 years - lots of driving and nevr missed a beat. The 3.8 has improved the power enough that when you need it it is there. I commute 45 miles each way daily and nevr get tired of the Mitsu - this vehicle is a hidden gem. The 3rd row seat we only use occasionaly and it is tight but for the kids they are fine. The turning radius is great - a lot easier to park than the domestic bohemouths like the Tahoe. If you looking for a compact well built, occasional 7 passenger that will fit easily anywhere - the mitsu has it !! Great Vehicle - compleely underrated by most. Will continue to buy.

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  Rating the 2004 Galant, 4cyl.ES Sedan - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GW Altenburg - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I felt an immediate adrenaline rush during my first acceleration. The engine actually growled that deep throaty roar of a racing machine, my head snapped back, and my body was pressed into the seat. All this with just a 4 cylinder.2.4 liter engine. The steering was a bit stiff, but very responsive to the slightest adjustment. The ride was not cushy and was even jarring at times on roads that were not perfectly smooth. This might be objectionable to those looking only for creature comforts, but for the person looking for the exhilerating driving experience, this is one mean machine.

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  Thanks to Wallingford Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tim kyle - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great wonderful car. that is very reliable and has great gas mileage. Great for anyone looking for space, comfort and good gas mileage for a 4 cyclider.