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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  Love the Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Donna - December 19 - 2:56 pm

  I drive 40 miles round trip to work, city driving, highway, stop and go all the way. The endeavor has had quite a few recalls, all of which I was notified about and service was provided without problems. My endeavor has 90K on it now and I hate the thought of trading it although it would only be a on a 2011 model Endeavor. Unfortunately it is in the shop now. I dont have the final details but it appears to have transmission problems. The warranty says drivetrain coverage 10 years/100K miles. Fingers crossed.

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  I Love My car After Two Years - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jennifer - December 19 - 10:43 am

  I have had my Galant for two years and I still love driving it. It has torque and is comfy. I am considering getting another, but the GTS model with a leather interior instead. I recieve top notch service from the dealer as well.

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  The Lancer is an excellent car - 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lynx2 - December 18 - 11:27 am

  The editors review does not do the Lancer justice - it is an excellent car for the money, in almost all respects. I am particularly perplexed by their commend regarding the engine/CVT transmission combination, which in reality is smooth, quiet and powerful considering the excellent gas mileage (over 33 on the highway). You can buy cars with better mpg, but it will come at the expense of power. I have not problem going up steep hills at speed, with very little noise coming from the engine/transmission.

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  Fun for this teen! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RkQue - December 17 - 3:46 pm

  I just purchased the 2008 ES with CVT and oh man is it fun to drive. I got all the options including the navigation system, Sun and Sound package, and bluetooth. This car is such an upgrade from my previous car (02 Chevy Malibu). It handles corners with a breeze, and its high speed pick up is very much unexpected. My brother just bought a brand new Lexus IS 250, and my car has all the same options for less than half the price! With a few performance upgrades coming in the near future, this car will be a fast, head-turning, teched out piece of automobile art! Oh and by the way, it looks great in black!

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  Wow! What a bargain! - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By john - December 15 - 8:46 pm

  My wife has wanted one of these since they changed in 2001. She finally got it and will not even let me drive it, except to do oil change. Very comfortable and responsive.

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  The best car i have had in years - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mschriscub - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my mitsi.It is the first great car I have had since I purchased my first new car in 1974. I had always bought GM vehicles but after my last experience with my Buick that was in the shop 15 times the first year, engine and trans rebuilt at 44,000 miles, seatbelt that did not work and they told me to drive carefully in case it did not operate properly in an auto accident,etc.etc My mitsi has only had 2 minor problems and the dealership rectified them immediately.LOVE MY MITSI!!!!!!!!

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  Good little car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kick Axe - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Very good ride as well as an acceptable quiet engine.We chose it over the Civic.

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  purchase for son - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mi powell - December 13 - 12:20 pm

  bought a 1 year old outlander for my sons 16th birthday (23,000 miles). it was the car of his choice. i was a bit skeptical at first but once i drove the car and looked at the interior features (sound system quality, seating, etc) along with the performance and fuel economy, i was impressed. we make long trips (500+ miles)on the interstate once a month. this car runs along at 80-85 mph with little or no wind noise and the motor is so smooth! in 6 months my other son will be getting his license. trying to find a follow up to this car will be difficult.

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  I LOVE my car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By lalalaaa - December 12 - 2:21 pm

  This car is awesome. I bought it used in 2008, it had 2 previous owners, one for a year or two and the other for about 6 years before i bought it. This thing is sturdy. Ive hit things, Ive been hit and it will not quit. Ive got some pretty bad cosmetic damage. Like, really bad, but i just cant bring myself to give it up because i have not had any major mechanical issues. My mother has a much newer Mazda 6, that she has had both transmission and alternator issues with. The most serious thing i had to get replaced thus far is a bearing. I need to get my exhaust manifold replaced because it is making my car kinda loud, so that is next on the list, but i wont give this car up until I HAVE to

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  2001 DIAMANTE LS - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By billko - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED ABOUT 80 DIFFERENT CARS IN MY LIFE, SOME NEW SOME USED. I PURCHASED THIS USED WITH 15000 MILES ON IT. IT IS ONE OF THE FINEST DRIVING AND MOST COMFORTABLE CARS I HAVE OWNED. I HAVE OWNED MB,VOLVO,NISS,EVERY AMERICAN CAR MADE. THE LOOKS AND FEEL OF THIS CAR SURPASSES THEM. FOR THE MONEY YOU CANT FIND A BETTER RIDER.