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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  Close to perfect (for me) - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Payback_56 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The car iteself is great, has a great feel to it, good handling, tight on turns. Able to handle speed well Came with side of steering column busted, but they were fast to fix it, excellent service.

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  I was driven now Im awake and driving - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jerry Haynes - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I had planned to buy another Nissan Pathfinder when a friend of mine bought his 2001 Mit. Montero. After riding in it I started my internet reseach and I liked what I read and the design. Ive had my Montero since Jan 2002 and I am quite glad I choice it. The room in my opinon exceeds the Pathfinder, and where the Pathfinder removed the rugged look of the tire rack, Montero made it more appealing. I am very happy with my new SUV.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 3gGTSilver - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a little over 6 months now and I absolutely love this car. I have a 2001 GT with PP and the power of this car is amazing! I know it could be a little bit better for the engine size and HP its pushing with some more fine tuning, but even so, I love the thrill of riding in 2nd gear at a good 2500-3000RPM and then just flooring it! ABSOLUTELY the best feeling in the world!

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  2002 Mitsu OZ Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By OZ Lancer Fan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new. Eight years later, I have had no major problems with the car. I am currently at 145,000 miles and the car still retains the original timing belt! Other than the timing belt, Ive kept to the suggested maintenance schedule and have had no problems. With a regular waxing, twice a year, the car also has no rust. I would recommend for higher mileage cars "Mobile Synthetic Oil- High Mileage". I noticed that you get more power than other oils. This is a low maintenance car, and I plan on having this as my daily driver for a good 200k-400k more miles. I believe this is doable with the lack of problems I have had with this car. I highly recommend Mitsu Lancers.

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  Awesome - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ruben - May 21 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased my 03 Eclipse used with 35,000 miles in 2005. It currently has 115,000 miles. This car has been a blast to drive. It hasnt given me problems other than routine maintenance (brakes, tires, battery, belts). The sportronic transmission is awesome, although I dont use it as much. I am selling it now because I need a bigger vehicle. Will miss it for sure. Would buy a new eclipse again if the body style on newer eclipses are similar to the 00-05 models.

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  Love - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By chris - May 20 - 12:13 pm

  No one can quite explain the love someone has for their vehicle, but the love with my 2005 Mitsubishi Montero is unconditional. The way it handes is wonderful. It has sophisticated looks great torque. This truck is great for all roads, with its different 4WD modes and shiftomatic options. I ablolutly love this truck it is the best and I would recomend it to anyone. My friends say that it is very good looking for a sixteen year old vehicle. Everyone tells me my truck is the hottest one in the parking lot. It gets great gas mileage. I say this proudly, it is not just an SUV it is a Mitsubishi Montero.

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  fun! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By luckyjedi - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I just have fun driving this thing. Its a great SUV. It does everything I need it to do and it makes me feel like Im in a car. I went around looking for a SUV for 3 weeks doing major research. Looked at Murano, 4runner, Pilot, Explorer, Jeep, and a bunch more but settled on the Endeavor. The moment I saw it I had a great feel for it and did my research and found it was a solid vehicle and the rest is history. BTW try not to trust too much of the editors opinions. The most accurate information you can get it from consumers like me and everyone else posting here. You can get a great feel for what the vehicle is like by reading forums.

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  Outstanding - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By triswimcycle@aol.com - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. The handling and acceleration or a credit and the roomy interior is quite suprising.

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  Impressive - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kwame - May 13 - 1:46 am

  I am impressed with the performance, styling, and build of the new 2006 Endeavor. I was happy to consider another Mitsubishi after five years with a Montero and I was looking for better gas mileage, the Endeavor hits the sweet spot - its a great car/SUV, lots of fun to drive, extremely comfortable steady on the road, and has effortless acceleration. I highly recommend this vehicle to any mid-size SUV buyers and to anyone looking for great value for money - I know Ill enjoy this vehicle for years to come.

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  Terrific Little SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By LadyFaire - May 11 - 8:03 am

  If you are looking for a smaller, more fuel efficient SUV, you could not find a better one than the Outlander, whatever the year. I have the 2003, in 2 wheel drive, and both my husband and I liked it so much that he bought a new Outlander (AWD) last year when his Subaru (his 7th) quit. I never thought he would abandon his Subarus, but he actually defected to my Outlanders side. The Outlander handles like a dream, has a really nice sound system (once you fiddle with the balance, etc), the intelligent wipers are great, the seats are comfortable, and the gas mileage is respectable once you break in the engine (after about 30,000 miles).