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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  Love my SUV! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By aly - October 29 - 9:30 am

  I have had my Mitsubishi Montero Sport for 4 1/2 years and have had a great experience with it. I maintain my vehicle, which helps in keeping maintenance costs down. It is spacious, comfortable, and not boxy. Its a great SUV for the price.

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  perfect after the "Mom Van" is no longer needed! - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By dir6 - October 27 - 10:59 am

  Great for the budget minded who no longer need a van, but have teens at home, and kids in college to pay for. I have owned this for a year- looks & performs like I just drove it off the lot. Phenomenal handling in torrential southern rain. Ice cold air. Very comfortable for long distance college runs, even for my husband and college football player. Kids argue over who is going to drive it- all phones ( iphone & android) hook up & function well with the FUSE system. No one is taking this to school- its mine :)

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  2004 Endeavor AWD LS - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By endeavor owner - October 26 - 8:46 am

  I think it is probably the most comfortable and roomy mid-size SUV out there. Compared to other models, I think you really get a lot for the money. The engine really has a lot of pick up for the size of the vehicle, and my husband tows his 17 bass fishing boat with it - and there is virtually no effect on the ride. I have owned it over 3 years and love it.

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  Update - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By AJL - October 26 - 8:30 am

  I have stopped using the car for business (see previous reviews) and have started using it for commuting. The car is still holding up very well and has been one of the best cars Ive ever owned mechanically. Still no squeaks or rattles, engine uses no oil between changes. The storage space is excellent for a small wagon and the overall performance of the car My only big complaint is that fuel mileage is awful and has decreased big time since I began all-city driving. Im now lucky to average 18-19 mpg around town, which is absurd for a small, 4 cylinder wagon. Im fairly conservative driving it 90% of the time, although I do like to have fun now and then.

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  Sportcompact Segments Best Kept Secret - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JOE LANGLEY - October 25 - 1:00 am

  I did not know of the exsistance of this particular Lancer model, but I was forced to research this car due to rising insurance costs. I went to the dealership and was handed the keys to the Lancer ralliart W/5 speed manual transmission, the moment I slipped the transmission into first gear and rolled away, I knew deep in my heart that my search for a car was offically over. I took a left turn out of the dealership and headed straight for the interstate where I merged into traffic with authority. The smooth clutch and short throw transmission were a pure joy to operate. Torque is present in abundance with no need to downshift to pass. The handling is telepathic and this car has a great sounding exhaust.

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  A Wow Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Flatlandersteve - October 24 - 7:26 am

  The 2007 Eclipse is a dream car. It has the styling of a small speedster, the beauty of a classic sports hatchback, and the get up and go of a roadster. The 6-cyl. 14 valve, 260 HP engine, provide plenty of power to rock the road. Do not hestitate to take it for long drives. The car hugs the road. Its ride is very comfortable and there is plenty of room for luggage, the dog, the cooler and the golf clubs. Whether you go with the hard top with the sunroof, or the convertible Spyder, you cannot make a bad choice here. I was set on a two seat roadster so I drove the Solstice, the Sky, the RX-8, and the G6. The Eclipse won the day. There is no need to spend your life savings, you can have it all with the Eclipse.

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  04 Manual Ralliart - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Katy - October 22 - 5:50 am

  Ive had this car for nine months now and havnt had a problem yet. Its a fun car to drive, has great pickup, and gets you a lot of attention on the road. Awesome after 3500 RPM when the Mivec engine kicks in! I feel that I made a great choice on deciding to get the Ralliart.

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  Happy - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By LaBelle - October 20 - 10:00 am

  When looking for an suv...we looked at many models...and after trying out several different makes...we were most happy with the over-all appearance and performance. I would buy another one tomorrow!

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  My Galant - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kevzahchicago - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Summing it up....gorgeous to look at, stylish interior, good value for the bucks, do not like the 4 cylinder but other than that I love this car!

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  Thank you for bringing it to the states - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By souren - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The lancer is a great car! I think we should have had the car here in the states a long time ago. It out- preforms the civic, sunfire, cavelier, sentra, focus and many other cars in its class. There is a big aftermarket parts market for the lancer!