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 Ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jmercado787 - September 16 - 8:26 pm

  I bought the outlander thinking I was going to buy another car later. Yea right, Im keeping this bad boy. I made some modifications but from 160 hp Im up to 190 hp. Im very happy. Also I put 18" chrome rims on it. And a cold air intake. Think about it. You can wonders with this vehicle. I love it.

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  Ralliart Rules - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralliart - September 15 - 2:36 am

  Ok, this car really is a bang for your buck. Sporty look, handling and low end power with out paying extra. The first time I drove one, I fell in love. Had it for little over 3 years and no complaints so far.

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  GREAT NEW LOOK - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Razo681 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the 04 galant I traded in my older 01 galant (which I loved) for this one and I am very pleased. the 2004 has more pickup more standard features, and is great fun to drive. On top of it all its more roomy and comfortable. My only gripe about the new Galant is the engine noise. Other than that Im very pleased with the car so far.

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  Love it! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ksampsel - September 13 - 1:16 am

  I purchased the GTS model with the 5 speed manual, with the sun and sound package, and the navi and tech options. Handles great, stereo system is awesome (Rockford), lots of features for your money. You do hear a lot of road noise and engine noise. I think they need a quieter engine. It sounds like its knocking. They took away from the quality of the interior for all of the electronic features. I love this car, though, its fun to drive. As far as power I thinks it performs well. I was doing 60 from traffic light to traffic light without realizing it.

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  I LOve My Montero Sport - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Down to earth - September 10 - 5:50 pm

  After almost 6 yrs of owning it, I cant get rid of it I LOVE my car! This car grows on you, very faithful and it just looks prettier and prettier when it gets old! Hmm ! Unfortunate that it is NOT build anymore, I think I would buy myself a 2nd one. The others Endeavour and Outlander are just not the same never will be, its another car.

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  My 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Douglas M. - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle, well built

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  Raidin - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By mike - September 4 - 3:50 pm

  I love this truck. I have never had any vehicle that gets so many second looks and stares. It rides great, drives great, looks great, its just an all around great truck. No other truck that I looked at could come close in price when equipped with just the basics my Raider came with.

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  AWESOME SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By adrian - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive this truck. I never had a truck that I look foward to driving everyday. Anyone who gets this truck will be happy. The accessories are awesome and affordable.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Julie - September 2 - 8:46 pm

  I bought mine used with 32000 miles on it. I have had NO problems with it at all. Have to replace brakes and oil thats it. I couldnt be happier with my Outlander. I have a few friends that have one too. From a 2003 to a 2007. Cant beat these vehicles. I drive 100 miles a day.

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  Should have bought one sooner - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cory izzo - September 2 - 8:10 pm

  I just bought my 04 Galant a week ago and i have just got to say how amazing it is. The ride is quiet and smooth. the engine is very powerful at 230 horses and makes everyday driving a joy. the exterior is a head turner. i really couldnt ask for more. I just got out of a 97 Cherokee with 203k on it and had nothing but problems. Though the interior could have used a few updates, i really cant complain, the overall ride is great.To anyone in the market for a new car, really consider a look at this car. drives awesome for not a lot of dough.