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 value for l;ong term ownership - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Larry72 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car about 28,000 miles from new. For a 4 Cylinder car it has very good pick-up and ability to maintain highway speeds. The cars appearance in my opinion is better than the Camry or Accord but public perception (for trade-ins or private party seller) does not value a Mitusbishi as much as the others. If you are buying the car for the long term, then by all means get one. If you trade in every 2-3 years then you will not notice any trade-in value except for another Mitsubishi.

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  nice car - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By bob14005 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, poor gas mileage though. dont use it to tow but have been out on slick roads and the all wheel drive is a great feature.

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  great - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By isa - July 14 - 2:00 am

  love it, gives you lots of room for the family. confortable to take trips in and very smooth. take up some gas but which suv doesnt. great height, not to low like some suvs. like i mentioned, would be nice if it came with fog lights...

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  Mitsubishi 98 - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By DRV - July 13 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this car 98 stock and ive never put a dime on it , only tires oil change and timing belt it has 160.000 miles and run like new . i take this little car everywhere and the gas is great 35 to 40 miles per gallons great car...

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  JayzMommas car - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JayzMomma - July 13 - 5:40 pm

  This has got to be my fav car to own so far! I have owned many, I also test drove many SUVs before buying this one. I love it, it is roomy, yet not to large. There is enough room in the back for the kids and there uncle. and they are comfortable. The kids dont complain that there is no room. There is also great leg room in the back for taller people. My brother is 6ft and he fits back there just fine. Never have a complaint.

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  You Have to Drive it to Believe it - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chandler Phillips - July 13 - 10:03 am

  I found the Galant by accident. A friend offered me a deal on a 96 Galant with 110,000 miles. When it came time to buy a much newer car, I looked at the 2000 Galant and liked the way it looked. I also drove the Altima and the Mazda 626 and the Galant is by far the best. I feel Mitsubishi is trying to make a move against Honda and Toyota, so they built a car of much higher quality than the price class. If you are shopping in this class you have to drive it to believe it.

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  Excellent Vehicle!!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Sandman308 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Mitsubishi Montero the very day Consumer Reports rated it as "unacceptable". Would I make the same purchase again? ABSOLUTELY!!! I love my Montero. It drives like a dream. The comfort is second to none. The best part of being a Montero owner though is its look...I have had more people come up and tell me what an awesome looking vehicle I have. I love, love, love my Montero!

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  B plus SUV - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By OOA - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Body is very stylish. I prefer the look from behind than from the front. Manufacturer should take a queue from early 90s Montero. Interior could use a bit more styling (too Plain). great engine. very reliable.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rg925 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The Mitsubishi Galant is one of the best cars I have ever owned. You get luxury and performance at an affordable price. I love the resemblance to the BMW body style. Very fun to drive and the power is unbelieveable. I would recomend this car to anyone who was looking at an affordable luxury automobile.

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  Great Car for Dough - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TW - July 12 - 9:50 am

  Bought from little old lady in 05 with 36000 miles for only $5500. After putting new brakes and tires on it drives like a dream and can avg 26 mpg if your careful with lots of spunk. Only downside is little knobs and lights tend to act up but overall has been great car for my daughter.