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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  Lancer gts manual. - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jbl0114 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a suv but something about this car just got me.The front of it with the chrome looks great.Test drove the car and that was it very nice pick up and fast 0 to 60 in no time.Nice interior but they can do a little better seats are good very comfortable.Nice factory 18" wheels.But the ride is just great a little noisy inside engine noise but other that its fine.They kids love it the wife loves it I guess the suv can wait till next time and most like it it will be a Mitsubishi great bang for your bucks love it.

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  Better Looks, Better Performance - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mitch from DC - April 15 - 3:23 am

  My new 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS has been great. With its new interior and exterior design, it causes people to ask about it and forces many stares. Pros would have to be that at least the front of the car is comfortable, but the back could use some more space. The Rockford Fosgate stereo with the 6-CD changer is a must. Other than a big turning radius everything else has been fine.

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  Best value vehicle I could find - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dcpizz - April 13 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Chevy Avalanche for two years, I needed a vehicle with better gas mileage. After test driving about 10 small SUVs, I decided on the Outlander. In three weeks and over 1500 miles, the vehicle has been fantastic. Fun, easy & comfortable to drive, plenty of power (I dont do 100MPH), great in the snow & ice, and it looks good too. For under 20K, it has all the features that I need.

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  Reality check on this model - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By apct - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Compared this SUV to the others expecially the Honda Pilot. Side by side the Endeavor looks and sounds more solid than the Pilot. Bigger stero knobs for easy control on the road, both heated seats, cheaper options and more base options. Found several Pilots at auto shows with busted seat controls.

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  A Surpisingly Fun Toy to Drive - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lonestar1914 - April 9 - 10:40 am

  I was very surprised at the handling of the Mitsubishi Outlander. For a small SUV it really excellerates well. This is a good vehicle for a first time buyer.

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  I love Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By grayva - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Mitsubishi, my first brand new one. We own a 1997 Mirage, 2001 Galant GTZ and 2004 Endeavor. All are terrific, reliable, no problems. I love the Endeavor. I have almost 3,000 miles on it now with not a single problem. This is the first brand new car I ever purchased with no problems from day one. Im not sure why more people dont buy Mitsubishi. They cost alot less than other Japanese cars and the quality is just as good without the high sticker price. My salesman told me that it is hard to get people to buy a Mitsu for the first time, but when they do they are almost always hooked on Mitsu. Thats me, hooked on Mitsu!

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  Wow, What a Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By William OBannion - April 9 - 12:33 am

  The Raider handles well, is easy to drive and I get the best comments on its styling. The dealership I bought it from is always there for me and I never have had a problem with the truck at all.

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  my first new car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By myself - April 7 - 2:23 pm

  Well I went to the dealership to buy a Kia Sportage. Then I found out that it was too small, and that I wanted something more sporty. I found the Mitsubishi lancer. And I loved driving for the first 5 miles, then before I got back to the dealership I new that it was my own car already. Its a fast one, with a lot of nice stuff. I got the sport package and the sun & sound package with the bluetooth, for only 19,300! I was looking at a Honda Civic coupe but the lancer is so much more worth it. And its a perfect size for a girl too!

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  Nice Performance SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Austin - April 6 - 3:23 pm

  Relax and enjoy the drive. Great drive, great power. A tremendous high performance vehicle.

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  Very comfortable yet rugged vehicle - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By rs_rogers - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Had this truck for 16 months and can say that I really have no big complaint. I am very pleased with it. Extremely comfortable and capable for city and highway driving - as well as the roughest backcountry you can find. Seems like a very solid, safe vehicle. Very tight turning radius and easy to park.