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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  Galant GTS Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Willyd - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Have driven this car less than 1000 miles, but it is evident this is a great car for my rush hour commutes. Good ride / handling compromise with a sporty feel but not too jaring ride. The body seems to be solid as a rock. You can hear the engine when you push it, but it has a great tone. Super stereo and a decent sized trunk that is easy to access. I got a light silver exterior color that shimmers and the black interior. Great looking combination. The most important feature is a decent price for the car. At a little less than the average price car you get a Galant that is fun, confortable, and loaded with great options. Good job.

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  Purchased new... still a great car! - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By HLC2071 - September 19 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased a brand new 2001 Diamante LS and have had zero problems with this car. I have driven it everyday (city+highway) and the quality has been simply outstanding... Tires-Oil-Gas only. Mitsubishi built this great car to last many years.

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  Decent import - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JMarsh - September 17 - 9:36 pm

  Overall, the OZ edition is a good buy. No one would be dissatisfied by the features. Mileage is decent and the car is plain fun. Plus I havent yet seen another just like mine on the road anywhere Ive been. The audio is weak, but replacing the head unit makes for a decent system. The car is also highly modifyable, though nearly every possible change voids the warranty. By the way, the 10 year warranty is solid.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Drew Day - September 17 - 7:31 am

  Literally the only complaint I have is the finish quality of the interior. Too heavy on the hard plastics (we opted for more of a base model trim.) Everything else is par excellence! The CVT is silky smooth. The 2.4L engine offers plenty of pep. The ride is sublime, very quiet cabin. Solidly put together. Comfortable seating position. Nimble handling. Took it for a spin at elevation on a rainy, then slushy, then icy road - 4WD auto and 4WD LOCK are a must have - offers incredible traction. Confident around the corners and a great feel. Wish for a smidge more room in the back for our big dog, but we are exceedingly happy with our purchase. The dealer was eager to please. Subaru has more brand recognition, but we believe we purchased the better crossover for the money.

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  Best power for the price - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mark V - September 17 - 2:56 am

  This car is a very fun car to drive. For $ 20000, you get more than 200 HP with an unmatched exterior styling which looks like a concept sports car. Also, the standard acessories are numerous. With the added leather and sunroof options you can get anything you have ever wanted in a sports car. Two thumbs up!!!

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  Safety - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ken Bynion - September 16 - 5:50 pm

  Overall excellent vehicle. Seats were uncomfortable on longer rides. Safety. Labor day weekend I had a rollover accident, going approximately 50 mph. We wound up on the roof. All 4 of us (ages 72, 69, 65, 59) walked away! Only the windshield broke. 3 of the doors and the tailgate opened so we could get out. The insurance company totaled it. The outlander is safe! We bought a 2008 outlander a few weeks later.

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  mitsubishi montero sport xls awd 4X4 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By susanlauryn - September 15 - 10:00 am

  this car has held up well. it is very comfortable and handles great. it has plenty get up and go, and it runs and handles smoothly. it is very comfortable, rides well, and has a lot of great features. i would buy another one.it has not had any major problems. it is easy to maintain.

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  Cool Comfortable Ride!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Wineman22 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I rented the Endeavor for my two week 1,800 mile journey visiting friends and family with my wife and new 4 month old son. (I choose it over the Ford Explorer & Toyota Highlander). WE WERE COMFORTABLE the entire time riding in the vehicle, not once did we have back pain or other aches from driving long distances. Went off road in light snow to favorite fishing holes, the AWD worked just fine!! Our 4 month old Loved the Smooth ride as well!! Looking into buying one now... *Accelleration/Comfort/Style=A *Wind Noised=D-

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  Mitsubishi Endevor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Karie Gray - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vechicle because I loved the performance. I owned a high performance luxury vechicle in the past and wanted an SUV for all of our travel needs. The drive is absolutely great. It doesnt drive like a truck like one of my SUVs I owned back in the 80s.

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  Hear ye - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Aarlewis3 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my car