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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  Great small SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jam - August 23 - 3:03 pm

  The fastest SUV on the market for less than $40,000. The triptonic gear box works great, even better than my 2001 Audi A4. This truck is smooth and fast, with young and sporty looks. I love that is not very common. In fact is hard to find.

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  MY BABY! - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Rachel - August 23 - 11:13 am

  This is my first car, Ive had it for almost 5 years, no headaches yet!

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  A Hidden Gem of a CUV! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Not a Zero - August 23 - 9:30 am

  Just bought a 2010 Outlander XLS V6 AWD. Its handling is sharp and the ride is firm but not harsh. Good feedback from the road and drives like a car with a low center of gravity. Acceleration is brisk and the 6 speed transmission is fun to shift with the paddle shifter. Body roll is minimal and I find myself taking corners faster and more confidently than I would normally be with a SUV. A/C is very cold and much appreciated in 100+ degree Texas heat. Very satisfied with the purchase on 0%, 60 months financing and a longer than typical warranty. The Outlander is a hidden gem of a CUV that driving enthusiasts will love.

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  Lancer OZ - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ron - August 21 - 10:00 am

  great all around economy car.

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  about eclipse quality - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Elvir - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car its sports car but "COPS" dosn`t stop me anymore because most of this type of vihicle drive female and they dont stop them

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  Talented Underdog - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By 4-G-rim Autoworks - August 17 - 7:43 am

  This marks my 5th Mitsubishi I have owned. I bought this for my fiance because he fell in love with it after seeing it at an auto show. I did my research and read plenty of reviews and all have reflected my opinion on our Endeavor. I have driven and sat in many other SUVs and our Endeavor by far tops my best experience. The Endeavor is light years better than same class SUVs and better than the Highlander and even 4Runner. Its solid in all aspects and well balanced in ride, steering, power, comfort, braking, appearance and quality. Mitsubishi continues to improve and impress me and will continue to buy a Mitsubishi product!

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  My 2004 Galant GTS is one fine car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Joe Supplee - August 16 - 2:03 pm

  Great car (silver finish) - love the way it looks and drives. Especially love the infinity sound system and cobalt blue dash lighting. Rear seating is a big improvement over my 99 Galant. Pickup is great with the V6. I think Mitsubishi really improved this car greaty over prior models. Glad I bought it. I hope the reliability is a good as my 99 (no problems at 102K when I sold it)

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  Fun to drive but has serious problems - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Pete from NY - August 14 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this car brand new in Jan. ’01. It was great for the first 4-5 years. Fun to drive, great pickup and sound system. Traction control works great in the snow. I did all required maintenance at the dealership. First, the horn stopped working (sensor in the steering wheel had to be replaced in ’04). Then the hood started rusting from the inside out together with several seams in the engine compartment. The hood was replaced by Mitsubishi but I had to pay for paining and installation ($400). The struts had to be replaced at 105,000 miles together with wheel bearings and other parts of the front suspension (total cost with new tires $2,200). The car is only worth $3,500.

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  my montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By KateyDan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  this suv is well built rides good nice to drive the fuel milage is around 20 miles to the gallon with a/c running the only thing this truck should come with is cruise control and tilt.It does have adj. steering but not the same.

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  My Eclipse - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By massivetidalwave - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my car! Its cute, comfortable and reliable. Theres nothing I dont love about it!