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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  2003 20th Annversary Special - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By PHOnos - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001 LTD. Loved it. 55,000 miles and decided to trade for a new one with 0.0% financing. Hope this one is as reliable and as good off road as the 2001. The 2001 had LSD in the rear. Hope the new traction system works as well. I changed out the springs and shocks to ARB OMEs and the tires to BFG AT KOs in 265-75 x 16 Improved the handling but ride more like a truck.

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  Great! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By stevend44 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  i love this car@

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  2006 Endeavor LS AWD - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dale - September 3 - 1:00 pm

  This is my first SUV, and so far, I am very happy with it. The ride is ultra smooth, it handles well in snow (Im in Denver), and has a "sleek" look to it. Also, the gas mileage is decent as Im averaging 19/24 mpg. The only thing I wish was different was it had somewhat more horsepower (it has 225), as its acceleration is somewhat slow. Then again, with high gas prices, I would rather opt for the better gas mileage. All in all, the Endeavor is a solid buy.

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  The new 2005 Galant LS - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ted Moore - September 1 - 1:50 pm

  Traded in a nice 2001 Galant for this new 2005. Totally different car. Finest car Ive ever owned. You MUST drive one!

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  An Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Keith D. - August 31 - 7:43 pm

  I was looking for fun yet reliable transportation. The Outlander fits the bill. With the luxury, navigation and sun and sounds packages, the vehicle is simply awesome. Even during the break-in period, the gas mileage has been impressive. It has a very solid feel when driving and exceptionally comfortable. It fits my familys needs perfectly. My first car in the 80s was a Mitsubishi and I am thrilled I found my way back. Give it a test drive, you will not be disappointed.

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  2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE V6 - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Speedy_Mitsubishi08 - August 30 - 12:26 am

  Im only 18 years old a Senior in High School African American and I am loving this car. The way it looks, the way it feels when you drive it, the 650 Watts sound system is great. The back seats may be small but whos to carry around but either your girl/boy friend. Good price for a good sports car. Leather seats are nice. Great acceleration and nice power V6 engine. All In All Love the Performance. I got everyone at after school just looking at when Im going 15-25 Mph just bumping the system and just the way it looks.

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  SUV-just the right size - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Melly11NY - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my subaru WRX wagon because I needed something bigger and cheaper (to fuel and to insure). While I loved the performance of my WRX, it wasnt a car that was easy to drive. And two adults in the backseat were definitely cramped. The Outlander has a big trunk but also room for adults in the backseat. The controls (cruise, radio, etc.) are easily accessible for the driver. The XLS comes with most of the options I wanted; I upgraded to the sunroof and enhanced radio package, though. The additional speakers sound great. The sunroof is a little clunky-fully open doesnt seem that open.

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  aa - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ttk - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Good SUV, Nice Ride, Quite inside, Handles well.

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  Buy it - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By bigben - August 29 - 2:00 am

  An overall great SUV for the money. recommend the 3.5L engine over the 3.0 L. Smart looking outside and comfortable inside. The gas mileage is not bad, getting 18 MPG overall.

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  LANCER LOVER - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By KEN K - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I TEST DROVE CIVIC, PROTEGE AND COROLLA FIRST. LANCER IS THE BEST COMBINATION 0F BUILD QUALITY, SMOOTH RIDE, GOOD HANDLING AND POWER. LANCER IS ALSO THE QUIETEST CAR BY FAR!