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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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By eugenio - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Powerfull, beatifull, Big and solid, I am a Mitsubishi user but that is not a mitsubishi car but look very weld.

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  An Awsome Ride - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Noman - June 10 - 7:36 pm

  I was driving Corolla 2007. Also have driven civic. When I came here and saw the shape it was like love at first sight. However I must say it was the test drive and exterior shape due to which I bought this car. Fun to drive and very comfortable to sit in.

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  3rd Montero - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Vicvizual - June 5 - 4:16 pm

  Why is this my third Montero ?? Ive been around many vehicles and cannot find a better bang for my bucks, and great quality and reliability are by far its greatest features. I have never had to worry about being stranded or inconvenienced with a breakdown. Too many people have never had the experience to own a "worry-free" vehicle like this one. Many have come to believe that changing an alternator, starter, or similar unit is a common maintenance procedure (Most domestic designed vehicles). This is not so with a well-engineered such as Mitsubishis Montero. Even with delayed maintenance, the Monteros I have owned performed like new until the day I traded them in.

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  One Fine Sedan - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Gary T. - June 5 - 4:03 pm

  A week ago I purchased a 2006 Galant GTS V6 and I am loving every minute Im in it. I have only tallied 400 miles in it so far, but I am highly impressed. It has fast acceleration, quick turning, holds the road through curves, and turns like shes on rails. There is plently of room inside to give four adults plenty of room. A few improvents that I would suggest would be to heat the exterior mirrors and upgrade the interior rear mirror with the autodimming feature that it available on Mitsubishis higher end SUVs. Also, the passager side seat needs to be upgraded to a high-end power seat. Overall this is a very reliable and enjoyable car to drive.

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  Go Mitsubishi! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Scottysnow - June 5 - 2:00 am

  After happily owning a 2002 Gallant (first Mitshubishi) that died in a car accident I Decided to try out the Outlander. After Driving the offerings from Honda and Toyota I found the overall feel, comfort and styling to be supioror to the other small SUVs. I must admit that there was some appeal to having something that is a little more "unique". I drive 35,000+ miles a year for work and I have already been on two long road trips and I have found that this is a great road trip vehicle from its powerful stereo to having a little extra space for a bicycle and such.

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  perfect small suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rbc - June 5 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, comfortable, great performance, good looking.

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  2003 Eclipse GTS with Automatic Trans - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason2 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  oh yes! It is what i want. I uesd to have Honda Prelude. but it is better than Prelude. and goes very well.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ChrisF - June 4 - 4:03 am

  Plain and simple, cant get more for your money with any other car. Options match that of a Acura or Lexus. Fast key is awesome, navigation is easy to use, 650 watt sound system is the best stock system I have ever heard and the sunroof is, well a sunroof. Bluetooth is cool and music server is sweet. Interior is comfortable, exterior is slick with 18 in wheels to top it off. 6sp CVT has some giddy up and the paddle shifters makes it an overall fun car to drive. Its not an EVO so dont expect it to drive like one.

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  My Montero - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Kory - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The Montero is the perfect vehicle for any situation. It has provided me with all the requirements needed for driving an SUV. It has great off road capabilities and adapts to any environment very well. The interior is top quality and the special features are incredable.

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  Great options for "econobox" - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Clayton - June 1 - 1:10 am

  This car is miles above others in the compact segment. The power is adequate but leaves something to be desired. Other than that, no complaints. Looks at every stoplight.