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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  190,000 Miles and Still Going Strong - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By guitar_guy - December 5 - 5:34 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004. It was February, and the salesman was discouraged as he walked me to the lot, and the car was under a pile of snow. He said all he had was a 4 cylinder with standard transmission... I didnt let on, but thats EXACTLY what I wanted. The car has been a dream to own. I have performed regular maintenance with my own mechanics. I never went back to the dealer, and never needed to. Oil changes every 3000, and regular timing belt changes were the bulk of maintenance. Also plugs every 60k. I replaced two tie rods, and recently an axle (after 189,000). Two sets of brake pads. Thats about it. I love this car, and I dont want to part with it.

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  My Best Sedan Ever - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By FAX68 - December 3 - 5:33 am

  I love my 2008 Mitsubishi Sedan ES Manual with 41,225 miles. It never gave me any problems except for getting use on those computer gadget on the dash. I live in the northeast and drive on Interstate 95 all the time 7 days a week sunny or noreaster. Who said its bad on snow? I realized it is not the car its the tires. I almost hit the railing on 95 but the car tremendously responded on my driving and avoided a total wreck. No power? Just use 4th gear all the time to pass cars. it can pass 2 to 3 cars in a second especially with a manual. The secret is learn to drive this car. "You control the Lancer Dont let the Lancer control you." The Lancer is fast just be aggressive.

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  One Fine SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Herbertt - December 3 - 3:30 am

  The Endeavor is my 1st SUV and a fluke, since we were looking to purchase a Galant LS! My wife fell in love with the Endeavor. So I test drove one, did hours of research, came back the next day and bought one! I am extremely pleased and happy with this SUV 16 months later. Very comfortable leather heated seats, a blasting 6-CD changer stereo system, excellent trim and interior fit and finish with no squeaks or rattles, cool blue gauge lights, a rather torquey (although a bit raspy) V-6 engine, which moves the vehicle quickly from a dead stop and at highway speeds without much downshifting. The vehicle always feels solid and nimble, but not plodding. A very comfortable road trip vehicle!

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  I love my Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cymbidiumchic - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I was shopping for a new vehicle and test drove the Honda CR-V, and the Chevy TrailBlazer. The Outlander was more comfortable, stylish, and had a better ride and feel.

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  POOR MANS FERRARI - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By desertsoldier22 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car used w/18,900 mi Previous car was a Dodge Neon, so this was a bit of an upgrade. Gotta love Mitsubishi for all the features they pack in for the price($15998). A Honda Prelude pulled up to me last night thinking it was a badass and when all was said and done I was about 100 ft away from it before I reached 45mph. The tranny takes a little while to get used to because of the short throw but once you do you wont go back. This car hugs the road like slot car and winding country roads are a thrill.

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  My Lancer Experience - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Amber Welch - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Hi my name is Amber. I purchased my Lancer June of 2003. I have really enjoyed my car, it has been a load of fun. The car has been a complete joy to drive. I have only had one major problem. The car just wuit one day, so i called the dealership and they sent a toe truck and picked me up and took care of me. As it turns out it was the cam sensor. It had come loose but after that all was great. My overall experience has been good.

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  fun suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JAY MA - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I really love this suv. has great pick up and handles great. It is an all around well built car.

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  Very happy Mitsubishi SUV Driver - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By luken - December 1 - 2:00 am

  great sub to drive. Great fun to drive economical in gas. Is very good looking, which sun roof came with the vehicle I picked. The engine is quiet, and vehicle is solid. When you shut the doors you can not hear the outside.

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  Best Family Performance 4x4 - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Hawaiian Time - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Montero Sport Limited 3.5 V6 is the best 4x4 we have owned. It is a great compromise between an all out heavy duty truck type 4x4 SUV (like the older 4Runners) and the newer Car based SUVs. It drives as good in the NW rain, snow, and ice as it does in the Hawaiian sun. The power of the 3.5 V6 is Outstanding as are the handling and ride. We consistently get 20 MPG. The reclining rear seats are nice (we didnÂ’t realize they reclined until this year) as are the storage compartments under the rear floor. Never broken down.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Nancy Bevis - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car at the end of February and it was my dream vehicle. Its an incredible ride and the sun and sound make it that much better. Great purchase experience at Circle GMC, the salesman Adam did an outstanding job along with the finance team. When I priced the same vehicle at Shaffer Mitsubishi, they couldnt come close to the price.