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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  Very Impressive. - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mikey He Likes It!!! - December 7 - 12:06 am

  What can I say? For a great price, you get a great car. I am averaging about 26 mpg. The interior is very quiet. The ride is soft. It feels like an Acura drive. The car is a little sluggish though due to its heavier than average weight. It does pick up after about 18 mph. I highly reccomend this car to anyone looking for a Camry or Accord. The price is a heck of a lot better for what ya get.

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  Upgrade to FWD Limited - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By coalgirl - December 3 - 10:00 am

  The Endeavor has it all!!! I dirve a lot on the highway and the comfort is unbelievable. Im looking at upgrading to a AWD and the Limited Endeavor is beating out the Honda, hands down.

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  Perfect for me.... - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By m67 - November 30 - 10:00 pm

  Yes, it is a rather tall-standing SUV, so you should expect the inherent flaws of being a bit top heavy and poor gas mileage. I bought my 01 XS used a few years ago and it has been a reliable daily driver without fail. These vehicles were very well made and with proper care will last many years; mine is nearly 15 years old and still looks and drives perfectly.

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  Love My Galant! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jen - November 30 - 9:10 am

  I have had my Galant for 5 years now (bought it new from the dealer) and I am STILL getting compliments on it! I had a co-worker recently remark on the blue lights in the dash and how cool they were, and another one comment on the color and how sporty it looked. I still love the pick up with this car. Very reliable car. They only issue I have had with it so far are the brakes, but I just chalk that up to regular maintenance issues (I had to replace them after 35,000 miles). This car is great in ice, snow and heavy rains along with nice, sunny days!

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  my galant - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rosy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i ever drove... it rides so smooth that some times i even forget im driving.... i love the design of it.. It was made to look sporty and drive like a luxury car.....smooth!!! i wouldnt trade it for anything...

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  Great Car! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kungfubaby - November 29 - 3:13 pm

  What can I say - I love my Galant! The first day that I drove it, it felt like I was driving a luxury car (I was so accustomed to driving a compact car before). It is a comfortable drive and I like the fact that it has received high safety ratings. I look forward to driving my Galant for a long, long time!

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  Luxury for Less - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Pixie - November 29 - 12:40 am

  Excellent car for the price...with the optional premium leather, 8 way power seats, 210 watt Infinity 7-speaker system, you feel as though you are in a luxury car. For the $22,000 I paid for this car, it is completely loaded. My husband had a 1998 Honda Accord EX V-6 coupe and this Galant rivals it any day! The ride is quiet and smooth and it handles turns well. You cant beat the exterior design of the car either...a real head-turner!

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  Love this SUV! - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mr. Mike - November 29 - 12:03 am

  My wife and I purchased this SUV several weeks ago. So far we really love it. Its quiet, fast, handles like a luxury car (thats a good thing), and has a great transmission. The sound system is very good and I love the display in the dash. I cant believe Mitsubishi is not selling these things as fast as they can build them. The dealership was willing to give us 1% over invoice and 0" APR on the loan. Its incredible that such a great vehicle is discounted so much. My wife and I laughed all the way home. And we love that warranty! Plus it got a great rating in Consumer Reports. Thats always a MUST!!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By zjdewitz - November 28 - 9:26 am

  Before I test drive my Galant, I had preconceived notions about the Mitsubishi brand. Id always heard that they were unreliable, underpowered, and boring. But, once I put my foot on the gas, all of that flew out the window. The 2.4L has plenty of power, and has more pickup than my previous car, a 1999 Saab 9-3 turbo, even though it has less horsepower. The Galant rides perfectly on the highway, with some wind noise that some of my other cars didnt have. But, it handles better than I could have expected. Braking, accelerating, and cruising are all top notch.

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  SO FAR SO GOOD/GREAT - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By woodley - November 28 - 6:06 am

  My whole family has been thrilled with this SUV. The kids love the DVD, my wife likes the visibility, and I enjoy the power and handling. I Owned four Explorers previously, the 93,96,98,& 2000 XLTs, and I didnt know what we were missing. Who knew that my big screen TV brand could top FORD.