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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  First new car - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Amanda - October 7 - 12:46 pm

  After 3 used cars, the 09 Galant became my first new one and I love it! I came out of a 98 Galant and what a difference. Ive racked up over 12000 miles in 5 months so I have a good feel for all aspects of the cars performance. I could nitpick and agree about the lower quality plastic interior and stuff, but thats not what I rely on to get me around town. The interior is driver friendly, spacious, and comfortable in any type climate. It pulls well going up mountains, downshifts nicely in bad weather and has smooth acceleration. I would wish for a few more horses on those short on ramps, but otherwise, it has plenty of get up and go.

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  excellent vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By sad - October 6 - 2:00 am

  what a vehicle to own

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  All i ask is MORE POWER - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Thunderbird290 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and it is fun to drive. Forget the civic and the impreza.this is a great car for a good price.

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  Nice mini suv - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By el dog - October 6 - 2:00 am

  The outlander is a quiet mini-suv that demands a test drive. Its a real suburban vehicle for shopping, picking up the kids etc. I enjoy the clear view of the road from the driver position. The acceleration in the lower rpms is great for city driving. If you need to carry large items this is not for you! Ive notice that cargo space in limited but other than that I have no complaints!

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  My Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kaitai - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Great little economy car, its not a hot rod, but has loads of room, is fun to drive and skips the gas station like the plague. Drove the Civic, Focus, Protoge and the Sentra, picked this becasue it had more room and just felt like it had more spunk, while being very quiet on the inside.

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  xxxGrEaT cAr 2 HaVexxx - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lancerbaby767 - October 4 - 8:23 am

  I bought a new Mitsubishi Lancer because i liked how it looked on the platform while i was looking at the Mitsubishi Montero Limited with my fiance. Being 22, i still wanted something sporty with a practical edge.

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  Good sporty sedan - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Gagan - October 4 - 12:50 am

  I like the styling and the steering of the car. It has given me no problems at all. The V6 engine provides this car a lot of spright.

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  Needs more ponies - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lane - October 3 - 11:26 pm

  I got my car brand new with 7 miles on it 3 of which I put on during a test drive. I just wish it came with more stock hosepower. I have a DMT racing muffler which I got a ticket for so that helps a little. It handles awsome and is just a sweet ride.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By donna42 - September 30 - 10:14 pm

  I have had my baby for 3 yrs put over 50,000 on her and she is still going strong at 139,000!! It has never fail me, its a great car that got myself and to kids back and forth to school and myself to work.!!! Now we need a bigger car cause are family is growing, hate to see her go..

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  Wifey had to have it - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By South Tex - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Now I just love it too. 14 months of pure bliss. We thought we wanted a Sequoia, but we drove this home because we LIKED IT BETTER and it was considerably less. I find the thrid row seating fine for our infrequent use. THe styling sets it apart from everything else on the road. I just love the thing. Wish it got a little better milage.