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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  I am Queen of the Road - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Miss Penny - February 18 - 10:46 am

  I love my Galant! It chose me at the dealership-I didnt choose it. I didnt even test drive it--I simple drove it away and you have been unable to catch me ever since. It handles great and I havent had any problems at all with it. It is very fast (or maybe thats just me) I got a lot of bang for a little buck. Used with 22000 miles it was practically brand new. Ill never give it up!

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  Trucks Can Be Sweet and Pretty - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By millerandassoc - February 16 - 8:13 am

  I have owned this truck for three very enjoyable weeks. It is rattle-free and squeek-free. I dont know how anyone could make a more solid truck. Its ride is quiet and stable. It has a better ride that the Jeep Liberty I traded in. I love the looks. It is a truly good looking vehicle inside and out. I am averaging 17 mpg so far, which iss pretty good for a V8 but it should be a little better. I wish the truck was a little lighter and/or a little smaller. The side step bars are just a way to get your pants leg dirty.

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  Our 5th Mitsubishi (2nd SUV) - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jerry - February 14 - 7:10 am

  Our last SUV was the 2002 Mitsu Montero Sport XLS. Our daughter now owns this and it is still going strong. We decided to "trade down" to the 2008 Outlander and love the car. Just like the Montero, 100% made in Japan to last. The 4 cylinder engine will not win drag races, but is peppy enough and CVT is smooth. The engine is a little on the loud side though.

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  Fun Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By buflordr - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, good acceleration and handling in curves. Seats are comfortable on trips and memory is nice. No significant problems since purchased used. A little noisy due to wind noise, good sound system.

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  Nice car... - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dover513 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle after a terrible accident my wife, daughter, and I were in. The first thing we noticed was the design, which is a little different from some of the other cars out there. The other thing we noticed was the zip- factor... This car has a decent amount of torque and the adaptive shift control transmission is ourstanding. The ride is great, just like others have said, this car handles edxtremely well! IT IS ONE OF THE FUNNEST VEHICLES I HAVE DRIVEN. I will be buying another on for myself as soon as out budget permits...

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  An Attention Grabber - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cammie - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I like the look of my 2004 Endeavor XLS. It has more head and leg room than my 2001 Montero Sport. It handles well on the highway and in the rain. The only thing that I miss that I do not have is the birds-eye view I had with my Montero Sport. I wish that they would add a little more height to it.

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  The Fast and Furious! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mr. Nguyen - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Powerful 210 hp engine. Great Infinity Sound system. Comfortable front seats for driver and passenger. Nice 17" alloy wheels.

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  Great little SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Melanie - February 13 - 9:53 am

  The Outlander is great for the person that wants a vehicle large enough to haul everyday things, but doesnt want the huge, gas-guzzling monsters that are out there today!

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  Extremely disapointed - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By icharles - February 13 - 1:52 am

  I have had my Outlander since December 2009. While it is fun to drive and has very comfortable seats, I have been very disappointed in the build quality and reliability. 1) After 14k I started hearing a knocking/creaking in the rear right brakes. Dealer said it was caused by rust. After two failed brake services Mitsu replaced the rotors under warranty - fixed. Now, at 38k the problem is back. Mitsu again said the problem was caused by rust and would not fix it under warranty (new rotors only have 24k on them). 2) I have a multitude of paint chips on the front hood after only 1.5 years of driving. I had a Honda Civic for 4 years prior to this vehicle and never noticed one. 3) Creaky seat

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  Great car with few problems - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Eric - February 12 - 5:43 pm

  Ive only had this car for 3 days but love it. Plenty of room all around, including ample trunk space. The engine is very responsive and can push you back against your seat when you want it and it has a great throaty hum from 2K RPM and up. It looks great from the outside but it is truly gorgeous on the inside. The Rockford Fosgate system is an awe and you will blow out your eardrums way before you it becomes distorted. The sport suspension lets you hug the road around turns but still offers a comfortable ride. All around a truly functional car that can still make your adrenaline pump when you want it to.