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 SUV, Really. - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By La Driver - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I replaced my 1998 ML320 with a 2001 Montero Limited and I am very pleased with this car. It has been over 30,000 miles and it is still completely trouble-free. This SUV has a very nicely finished and roomy interior. The V6 is adequate for getting to and from the office but a little more low-end torque would be welcome here. The transmission is very smooth, the breaks are very precise and the steering feels just perfect. I love this car!

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  Love the car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durachal - September 5 - 2:00 am

  As a whole the car is great, needs a little more power...

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  Great Sporty SUV - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Nikki - September 2 - 6:13 pm

  Purchased a XLS V6 Outlander, had it now for 500 miles. Cant wait for the break in period to finish. Technology wise this car is packed with it. Rain Sensing Wipers, Keyless entry/starting, subscription- free traffic service, the list goes on. my family wanted something different instead of a typical Rav4 or Cr-v so we decided on this great Outlander. It has great in your face styling and has the power to back up its look.

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  1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dsmbasshead - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, as a replacement for my 2002 Mercury Cougar C2, and I think the eclipse was, by my standards, definitely an upgrade! First of, the exterior styling. The "2G" eclipse is definitely, the best looking generation IMO. I love the body lines, even the uneven hood. The interior is some what bland, but the curves of the dash and panels keep you entertained, although the interior pattern is ugly. Performance on this, for a 2.0l DOHC L4, is awesome! It beats hondas all day and Ive even run agains a Dodge Ram Hemi and won! Its has its flaws, such as questionable build quality on less important components, but over all its a great car with good fuel economy, thats really fun to drive!

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  Mint 1999 Montero To Replace My 1991 - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Mr. Montero - September 1 - 4:00 pm

  I put 235,000 miles on my 91 Montero. Sold it in 2009 due to rust but it still ran good with excellent Michelins on it. It went to a good home and the guy who bought it drives it daily. The 99 Montero is a definite step up from the 91. Had to put Bilstein shocks and John Baker Performance Products heavy duty springs on the back of the 91 to keep it tight. The 99 has hydraulic adjustable shocks. The 91 3L engine was underpowered. The 99 3.5 L 24 valve engine takes care of that. Larger wheels on the 99. Intended to have my 16-year-old drive the 99. But while driving it the 430 miles home from the dealership I had to keep it and find her something else.

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  Ergonomically Perfect - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Paul Stumpf - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My 1983 Lancer LS has all the most important features I was looking for. Very pretty interior with all controls at my fingertips; 15" alloy wheels; cruise control; power mirrors; remote entry with 4-door locking from drivers and front passengers controls; front and rear stabilizers and front disc brakes. The car is exceptionally tight and quiet. The engine compartment is well laid out and very tidy. The Lancer LS is an excellent long trip car for its size and has plenty of legroom for rear seat passengers.

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  Lancer Ralliart vs. Civic Si - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mitsu Sports - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi gets a perfect 10 for upgrading its econo/sport car. O-Z model didnt have enough adrenaline rush under its hood or suspension skills. The 04 Lancer Ralliart has enough guts to crush a puny v-tech civic. V-Tech or MIVEC? Well on paper and on the track it shows Mitsu has a better variable valve timing system.

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  03 OZ left over- loving it so far - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lowzone - August 30 - 2:00 am

  just got the car as an 03 Leftover, dealership was OK,salesman was great. Paid 13,425 for a 17k car (plus tax,title,reg). great incentives from Mitsu for leftovers. Great deal over the ES with added options,nicer seating,coloring of interior. Rides great, havent figured out the MPG yet, only 300 miles on the car so far.has enough torque to get onto highways and we havent revved it up past 3500 yet since its so new.

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  frejenendeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By frejen - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just a fun nice ride.

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  2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor LTD. is AWESOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By smason386 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Test drive it and you will buy one to.