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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  Good for its class - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bmwadam - January 13 - 4:20 pm

  My wife bought this car back in December of 2005. We have over 30,000 miles on it now and have had any problems whatsoever. It has NEVER been to the dealer, I do all of the maintenance myself and the car is very easy to work on for the home mechanic. Good gas mileage for its class. All around a good deal for someone that is wanting a compact, SUV.

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  Mitsubishi ES Lancer Automatic - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dinh - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Best car for the monney. Better look than CIVIC , TOYOTA, NISSAN

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  Fun - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ghost - January 13 - 8:46 am

  This is the second Mitsubishi I have owned, not including my TV ... They are great cars and are very reliable. I test drove an Outlander a year ago, but was not quite ready to purchase one. Now I wish I had then. Even though this is a "base" model it has lots of perks like power locks, power windows, a decent stereo and rear defogger. This is stuff you would pay extra for on some of the other small SUVs. The 5-speed transmission is pretty responsive and, in reality, it has plenty of power for a SUV this size. It is also larger than it looks. I was suprised how much the size was comparable with my 2001 Jeep Cherokee. I really have enjoyed mine.

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  happy to review - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Endeavor - January 8 - 1:00 am

  Fun to drive and very solid. The added "stick shift" feature makes it even more exciting and is really great for control on ice and snow.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Seth Urbanoski - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I actually own a 2000 galant es v6 but have owned it fo six months. I am only seventeen and find it an excelent car for someone my age. It fits all needs reliable safe and fun. Most importantly not too fun. Although acceleration is strong and handling is secure its not so good that you can end up really hurting yourself. All and all i have no complaints with the car. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great four door sedan.

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  My favorite! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By AINEJ - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping for a Chevy Tahoe. I went to 5 different chevrolet dealers and was frustrated I could not find the color and options I wanted. I decided to go across the street to the Mitsubishi Dealer and look at the Montero and I saw my endeavour and fell in love with it! The interior is amazing. The 6 disc in dash is a great standard feature in the XLS. I have never been so pleased with a new car purchase. I would highly recommend this car!

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  Awesome!! - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Tammy - January 5 - 9:16 pm

  I bought my Mirage in 02 used, had 31k on it and have LOVED it. It now has 120k on it and will I drive it till it falls apart. It has beautiful gas usage and plenty of get up and go. The only problem I have had is the A/C compressor chirps.

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  92000 miles later - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By combattracker5 - January 4 - 12:56 am

  Outstanding 4WD! My 4th one, will keep this one until the wheels fall off. Unbelieveably reliable and extremely low maintenance costs to date. Has had much off road use and almost all rural highway miles. The newer SUVs are much more energy efficient and comfy, but this is one tough, reliable vehicle. Maybe that is why they are so popular at Ft. Bragg and Ft. Lewis army ranger bases. I have never had a wheel alignment as one has never been needed, even though I drive over logs and rough terrain on my property and on local BLM fishing holes. I am a stickler about doing maintenance ahead of schedule, such as fluids. Back seats fold flat for my 6 foot carcas to sleep when out with the bears.

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  Awesome "whip" - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jennifer - January 3 - 10:46 pm

  I have had my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse for about 6 months now. I have not had any problem with it and I love it. I get lots of compliments and looks, a lot of them from the police! I have always wanted an Eclipse and I am glad that I chose this one. I agree with everyone else in that it is a "drivers" car. There is not a lot of space in the backseat. It also became a little pricey when I went to tint the windows, because there were so many "little ones." I also think that the cost of repairs seems to be a bit expensive. I had my car for 3 months and hit a deer. it took almost 2 months to fix because of the new body style, but it isnt the cars fault.

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  Love It - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ebough - January 2 - 5:50 pm

  I just bought my 2006 Outlander after almost eight years driving a Ford SHO. I wanted a truck, but we picked the Outlander as a compromise. After years of driving a very powerful, low profile car, the Outlander took a lot of getting used to. However, once I was comfortable I love it. I hate super plush cars, so this is a great compromise between a car and a truck - and honestly, with Mitsubishis road rally experience, I expect to be able to get out of my driveway many mornings without snowblowing. Once I get my first scratch I might go down some dirt roads. If youre looking for something with quick acceleration, this is not the car. But it does cruise quite nicely.