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! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By elrayoex - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a peppy, fun to drive SUV. The power moon roof is innovative and has never even offered to leak. For the money I dont hink there is a better mid-size SUV on the market! Perfect for college student or professional alike, you cant go wrong with the Oulander.

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  Applause - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pamela - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Driving this vehicle on trips is a dream. Comfort and ease of handling make traffic easier to survive and range is awesome. The lack of blind spots make driving less stressful. The special touches (extra small front windows next to windshield, extra hip and shoulder room, comfortable back seats) make one feel vert luxurious at a reasonable price.

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  Very surprising car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brad - March 28 - 7:26 am

  Ive had this car for about three years now, and no problems. It is very comfortable, though road noise is a bit high. Performance in city driving is great, but needs a bit more ability passing on the highway. Very nimble, takes turns quickly and easily, the most fun part of the car! Had a Cavalier, immediately impressed by the handling of this car which, for a lower price, replaces that trailing rear axle with a great multi-link suspension that hugs the road and handles the bumps. Note: my car was originally sold in Guam, and instead of the 2.0L SOHC 4- valve has a 1.6L 16V SOHC. This changes the torque a bit, for some reason I get peak torque of 130ft/lbs but at 3000 rpm not 4250. Kinda nice!

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  Smooth ride but wont buy again - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By ollymaggi - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Annoying transmission problems (noticeable jerk at certain speed) every now and then. Driver door wasnt a tight fit, but had it fixed under warranty. No other problems worth mentioning. Still love the car. However, as I mentioned earlier I will not buy this car again.

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  Take another look - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By sofla24 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  2 words - Great Car! I turned in my Montero Sport lease not intending to get another Mitsubishi until I sat in and drove the 2003 Montero. It is a solid, luxury ride with a beautiful interior, ample pick-up, easy handling, and a nicely updated exterior. Everyone who gets in my car cant stop raving, and I love driving it. There is plenty of interior room for my family and my work samples and the seats adjust easily to make more space. Try one out - youll love it!

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  A Short Review of XLT w/touring package - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By emejia - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a Toyota T-100. Excellent build quality. V6 3.5 is more than adequate for all reasonable driving, and is extremly quiet and smooth. Handling if fine for a SUV. Very comfortable for 2 adults, 4 children on long road trips.

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  MITSUBISHI ABSOLUTELY RULES THE ROAD - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PET - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 2003 eclipse GTS and it is truly the best car Ive ever purchased. PERIOD!!

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  Great and reliable SUV - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jose Segnini - March 26 - 1:16 pm

  Great SUV

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  05 Eclipse Remix Edition - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By John Burch - March 24 - 3:16 am

  Bought my Eclipse 3 months ago and love it. Looks like a Ferarri, but more affordable, and easy on the gas. Couldve used a bigger engine for more torque, but is a lot of fun to drive with the 4 cyl. I love this car, best one Ive ever owned and has a great warranty and service agreement. Handles great, and comes flying out of corners like a bat outta hell!

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  Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By miran - March 23 - 1:33 pm

  I cant say enough about this vehicle. I like everything about it and the price is right, now I have two, I bought one for my daughter, I traded in a Fordd Focus Wagon. There is no comparison, I wish they were continuing to make the Sportback but I guess they didnt go over and they discontinued the model. Get one while you can, they are getting hard to find.