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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  Great Car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EclipseRacer - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Got this Eclipse for 16th birthday...was look in at Integra but this car gets way more looks...this car is also more fun to drive handles well..for a heavy car...could use more acceleration power..so ive added a catback exhaust, and Aem cold air intake...and the Infinity System kicks

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  Great Vehicle, Great Value - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By floridamonty - November 21 - 11:03 pm

  We bought our 2002 Montero XLS used in Dec. 2005 and are coming up soon on a year of ownership. We love the way it drives and it has plenty of power to tow my 4,000 lb. trailer when we go camping. We looked at plenty of other SUVs, but the used cost of these are so low when compared that you really get a lot of bang for your buck on this. The bad news for me...my wife gets to drive it most of the time and Im stuck with our 2dr SUV (though Im actually in the process of looking for another used Montero to replace the 2dr SUV I have to drive).

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  Montero Delivers - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By radio - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This rig has been a blast to drive. You wont find a bigger sunroof. Great warranty. Monteros fit in the garage; yet roomier than most other bigger models that cant. Sleek, cool, sophisticated dash. Great visiblity. Awesome stereo and handling. Terrific value for the money. Distincitve styling. Doesnt look like every other SUV on the road

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  best bang for the buck - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mickey Mantle - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my first SUV experience with the Outlander. I was not looking for an off the road vehicle but for good gas mileage, ability to transport goods from time to time and comfortable ride. I got it all with the Outlander. It has decnet acceleration but I dont want a car to go 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. I am a point A to B type of guy and this Outlander has suited me well. Gas mileage is 25 or better with mostly highway miles. I am a big guy and I am quite comfortable in the drivers seat. Passengers have remarked they are very cozy in the passenger seats. I looked quite a bit before I bought and the Outlander has worked well for me!

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  excellent car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By kenhalts - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the money with a vary good warranty.

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  Endeavor Unlimited - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By s wittman - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle to drive. Has reliable feel and user friendly in terms of accessories. Also very good appearance. Ample outlets for power needs.

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  GALANT: The most unique and fun sedan - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GetSmartAgnt86 - November 19 - 9:00 am

  I am in love with my new car. I bought my 2005 Mitsubishi Galant GTS for many reasons. First, and most importantly, the price was within my price range. Second, it is a great car to drive. I test drove almost every other car in its class, including the Camry and Accord, and the Galant drove much smoother with better handling and performance. I love the V6 engine. It is very powerful. Third, I love the styling. The look of the new Galant is head and shoulders above pre-2004 models and above the Camry, Accord, and any other 4 door sedan for the same price. In short, I am very happy with my purchase and I look forward to many exciting miles of road ahead.

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  Worth the money - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Keith - November 17 - 10:53 pm

  I absolutely love my Lancer GTS because it is wicked nice looking and really just a blast to drive. However, I heard about the paint wearing around the back tires prior to buying it so I decided Id get the mud guards and keep it real clean even in the winter. I would never let too much salt cake on it and yet I still see the paint fading there. COME ON MITSUBISHI! I also noticed the speaker covers vibrate a bit excessively though I do like the sound system. All in all Id still highly recommend this car I would just suggest it in white or silver so you dont notice the paint wear as much.

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  Checqued out Outlander-Good Choice - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JMErbrick1980 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The other day I went to look at the Outlander, since I needed a larger vehicle. My first impressions were for the most part positive, but would have been more positive, had Mitsubishi added the Galant V6 as an option. A little underpowered, but overall a good choice.

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  5600 miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Raymond - November 17 - 2:00 am

  At almost 6000 miles the Outlander is still impresing me. Power to spair on hills and on the ice mountains sure footed like a cat. this is a great car at a great price.