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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  vibration problems - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TSERPICO - February 7 - 10:00 am

  great looks and comfort. had bad vibration at 400 mi. changed differential. problem again at 900 mi. still in for service getting ready to use lemon law...

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  Best sports car - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bocababy - February 7 - 12:02 am

  I love my new 2011 Eclipse.Its got everything I wanted,and a great price too.I was looking at more expensive cars, but this is the best for me.Its fun,looks great,lots of options that come with the car,that are extra on other cars.I love Bluetooth,MP3,6 cd changer with subwoofer,sunroof,etc.Its a great car for a girl like me that wants a sports car,without spending an arm and a leg.I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this car.Have fun!!!!!!

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  Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Peter - February 5 - 8:10 pm

  There is no equivalent vehicle in the same price range. 10yr/100k mile warranty is simply amazing. The car is solid and a pleasure to drive. Extremely happy with our purchase.

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  Bang for the Buck! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ANiceRide - February 5 - 5:23 am

  So far, I love this chariot! Its a nice ride. I purchased an Outlander XLS 4WD with navigation, the Sun & Sound package, and the Luxury package. THE GOOD: Engine power is adequate, (not afraid to pull out in traffic.) Fuel Economy is OK. (Im seeing about 22-23 MPG in mixed driving.) Sound System w/ NAV is VERY NICE! Leather, heated seats, Bluetooth, sunroof, paddle shifters - nice and roomy, excellent warranty - all for just under $30,000 MSRP. (Thats a bargain in my book - even more so considering I paid well under MSRP). THE BAD: Yes, it does have some wind noise around the A- pillars at highway speed. (But I just turn the stereo up!) In FWD mode there is a good amount of torque-steer when footing it (this is fine in 4WD Auto Mode).

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  I love my limited ! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mary l.brown - February 5 - 3:20 am

  I had purchased my Montero Sport Limited back in 2002 and ever since then my life has been a lot easier. I own a business and also have two dogs so you can imagine the great amount of usage I have gotten out of my truck. By the way even with my two dogs my truck is still super new and ready for anything or anywhere I want it to go. I love driving it whether its to the beach or across the country or to let off some steam and just cruise..its all just a turn of the switch away. Thank you mitsu for making my ltruck!

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  Fun factor < Maintenance headache - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TheMongoose - February 5 - 2:26 am

  Great handling car. gets 23-26 city and 35 hwy mpg with the 4 cyl. decent acceleration for getting on the highway. The motor needed a new head gasket and milling at 81k miles. Too early in my opinion.

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  Great Value - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By accprof1 - February 2 - 4:53 pm

  We purchased a 2004 model with the DVD entertainment system and so far are very happy with the purchase. The primary reason for purchasing this vehicle was the value that we were getting for the price. We got a vehicle with an MSRP of $36,074 for $18,500 plus our trade-in, which was a 2000 Montero Sport LS with 64,500 miles. The $5,000 generous rebate from Mitsubishi made it all possible.

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  Happy with my Diamante - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MarkPenner - February 2 - 2:36 am

  I purchased my 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante in Dec. 2003. I did a lot of online research before purchasing and found that most of the people complain about its fast depreciation, but praise reliability of the car. I was looking for a good used car, so fast depreciation was a good news. Why pay $36,000 for a new, when you can get a great used car for $12,000? So, I found a Diamante with 55,000 miles online and drove it home. For two years that I owned this car I just did regular maitainance (oil, transmission fluid, brakes, put new set of tires). I had no problem with transmission, it shifts perfectly. I didnt have any problems with the heat-core either. I spent only $480 in maintainance to keep this car in excellent shape for two years.

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  fun suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By thirdcreek2 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has the looks of a Vamp & drives like a Cloud. I have owned over 150 New cars,trucks and suvs and this one is the most fun to drive. It fits like a glove,solid and smooth. It it is like a Links it goes farward with personified awareness.

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  JUST GOT IT and LOVE IT!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrspsb - February 1 - 2:00 am

  well,where do i start. My GTS has it all and I got a great deal.