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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  Eclipse GT 90K Still Prefect - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By John D. Min - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the V6 GT loaded! I know I might be the exception, but the car has been awesome and free of problems. The new styling is beautiful and the car (manual) is fun to drive. I owned a BMW 325i, but I enjoy this car more, the fit and finish is better and though the balance and control on the Bimmer was tighter, I paid thousands less. Now I have over 90,000 miles, I have had no mechanical problems. I still have the original brake pads, timing belts, spark plugs, everything. The only thing the car goes through is tire wear (17" V), I am on my third set. Hopefully I wont jinx myself, but I love this car.

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  Ralliart Fun - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Wayne - April 4 - 9:03 pm

  We owned a Mitsubishi Diamante VRX 03 model and were looking to replace it after 5 years of trouble free driving, and found out the Diamante was discontinued. The other car makes were all test driven and some stood out more than others, like the Passat and Maxima sedans, and then my wife and I drove the 09 Gallant Ralliart. Well it rekindled our love for Mitsubishi with the build quality in the car plus the wonderful 258 horsepower 3.8 MIVEC engine and sport shift automatic transmission. All we can say is we recieved more for our money and fun for our dollar!

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  Mitsu - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Moe4 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  GREAT vehicle to drive..eazy to fix up and handles great...go go go

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  best value suv for 2003! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By marcus mauceri - April 1 - 10:00 am

  i did my research and it paid off well i reccomend the leather and get sport seat covers. it drives like a car not a truck. i bet the ride is as good as a mercedes at one fourth the price. complements are given to me everywhere i go. the interrior is like a benz!get the leather.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bobchiu - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I saw a couple of these media Outlanders driving up from Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq with big "TV" in masking tape. I really wished riding the Outlanders instead of my G.I. Humvee. After coming back home from deployment, I took a 550 mile drive from Temecula to Sunnyvale CA and surprisingly was not fatigued. With 3 people, the ride is very comfortable and quiet, power is adequate enough to pass other vehicles up the I- 5 "Grapevine". Mitsubishi did great interior design on this, it does not give you the cheap feel.

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  funtoown - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nancydollhouse - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive. Handles like a car and looks great. Easy to get into and out of. My kids are all jealous that I got one for myself.

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  mitsubishi endeavor 2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By stuartandkay - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love driving this vehicle - the smoothest ride around - love stereo system - everything!!!!!!

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  2008 xls outlander - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By s. mitchell - March 30 - 1:23 am

  I Love it!!!! Got it a couple of weeks ago and I have nothing but good things to say about it..Runs great, looks great, so much fun to drive. Looked at several types of crossover suvs and this was by far the best one. I will say that the XLS Model is the way to go. All the gadgets are very cool.

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  Move over Honda Pilot - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Chad Arnold - March 28 - 3:26 am

  I cant be more happy with my 2004 Endeavor. I researched both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota 4Runner / HIghlander. What I found was I can have a new SUV with a beautiful ride, sleek look and plenty of comforts AND not get killed in the pocket. The AWD system has been an added pleasure. The 315 Infinity system has a gorgeous sound. The ride is very smooth with minimal road noise. The warranty is out of this world. The look of the interior with the LCD displays and blue lit backgrounds are both futuristic and beautiful with a nice metal finish. Not having the 3rd row seat is a drawback for some. I dont need it. It also makes the 2nd seats roomier and provides nice cargo space. A lot of vehicle for the money!

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  terry - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tralic - March 27 - 8:26 pm

  The ride is extraordinary. The seating is very comfortable and the interior design is a work of art. All controls are convenient. The smoothest SUV I have ever experienced