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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  My 2nd Fav. car. - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dru - August 21 - 10:00 am

  A good car for a good price. you will love the ride comfort and fuel eco. handles very good but might need a bit of a work. other than that its a good reliable car.

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  max mads - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By q4 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Very Well built, no problems

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  Mitsubishi Eclipse for me - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By crumptown - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I have driven several sports cars over the years and this one compares favorably to the rest. The handling is excellent and it seems to grip the road like a larger car. I was surprised to see it classified as a subcompact because it feels larger than that. All in all an excellent buy.

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  my car - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Mrs.f - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I havent had the suv for too long. I do however love to drive it. I actually feel safer than in my smaller car. I think the suv rides smooth, but I have seen better gas mileage. I think the dash needs a bit of updating. Other than that I am quite happy with the vehicle

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  Good hybrid of old eclipse and 3000GT - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By kiljaerdan - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a good strong vehicle with a low, wide sport stance. The handling is very good and nimble even above "driving" speeds. The interior is of intelligent design with only minor problems, like head room for those of us over 6 ft, which is compounded when you add the moonroof option. Economical with price and fuel, a good all around vehicle.

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  katrinas kar - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By hooleybags - August 18 - 10:00 am

  the style is unmatched,fun to drive,great stereo,unbelievable sunroof,drove to new orleans in it and it was the most comfortable car i have ever had......great for traveling

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  Not bad so far - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By eedog64 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Well I just bought it and so far I Love it. It isnt my style of vehicle Im more a truck Guy, but with the gas prices the way they are it seemed to be a great way to get a nice car that will last a long time and still has the functionality I need. So far so Good.

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  Urban Asault Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rondevou - August 18 - 10:00 am

  for your money, a great vehicle to concern if your looking for space and comfort,I was considering Nissan Murano but the price was a bit high and Endeavor has an interior resembling to Nissan Titan truck.

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  love it - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By loughreys - August 18 - 10:00 am

  i love the endeaver

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  Great SUV, Slaughters Toyota - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Yonsson - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed flawlessly since the get go and everyone I talk to says itll go 200K easy. Those only problem I here of is a clogged A/C drain that backs up into the cab and its a $1,200 fix. A simple coat hanger or air gun up into the drain would do the trick people. Easiest car to maintain and cheap to fix.