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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  Nearly 200K miles and I still love it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By lepercan - July 9 - 5:55 pm

  This car is a nice size, easy to drive, comfortable, and extremely reliable. Ive owned it for 12 years now and have had no problems. Brakes, belts, tires, oil changes.... just normal maintenance. At 187,000 I had a small crack in the radiator so had that replaced. The clearcoat is beginning to peal but other than that, still looks good, runs well, and I love it!

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  Satisfied Eclipse GT owner - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mcj eclipse driver - July 6 - 2:00 am

  First time buyer and owner of an Eclipse. It fits my lifestyle. I wanted a sporty-look and the interior space available for 3 passengers as I do have a family.

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  Stylish, Fun and still very practical. - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jim E. Luv - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the classiest looking cars on the road. I love its look. Its very comfortable, fun and easy to drive.

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  montero sport - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By sara sujey - June 30 - 2:00 am

  very good suv,very reliable and very comfortable, get one!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tiger - June 28 - 5:34 pm

  It wont be the fast car at the traffic light. But it is a good family SUV (or CUV),

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  Love it - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Gary - June 27 - 6:40 am

  I find my Endeavor to be cavernous inside, mid sized outside and a good looking reliable vehicle in between.

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  So far really good - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By geneo - June 26 - 8:56 pm

  Bought our endeavor used last spring and it has turned out to be a really nice SUV for us. Havent run it in the snow yet but it has a nice ride, good performance, decent mileage, and is overall a good car.

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  2005 Mitsubishi Galant - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mrtestcell - June 26 - 3:53 pm

  This is a fun and smooth car to drive. I had a 2003 Galant that I traded in for this one and there is no comparison. A full size person can now fit in the back seat comfortably. The 3.8 V6 rocks the house too, in comparison to the 2.4L 4 cylinder. Overall Mitsubishi did a great job redesigning this vehicle but it is oddly similar to the new Honda Accord, which I also have. Looks like a little industrial espionage by somebody.

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  this is a car not a suv! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Terry Pritchard - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Wife had to have this one.She loved its unique style. I must say this has been a great car. What a joy to drive- excellent styling inside with superb comfort. If Consumers says it is so unstable why does it win so many off road races?

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  2005 mitsubishi galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By courtney richter - June 26 - 10:00 am

  it is great it is nice for family and friends safe and neat