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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  Zoom zoom? Please! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tprice - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Torque. Even the Acura RSX R-type is under-torqued, but in this price range the Eclipse has THE most torque (215f-p in the GT). Now, if youre a novice, youre saying "whats the big deal about torque, what about horsepower?" Well, its the torque that peels you off the pavement, grips those nice 17 inchers in to the tarmac, and pushes you back into the seat with some Gs to make taking off from a stoplight a fun experience. And leaving the sportronic tranny in 1st for the takeoff, upshifting in the high 5000s and hearing that exhaust race up...

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  Love my Black-GT - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bdoura - April 16 - 4:53 pm

  I owned a 2000 Montero Sport prior to purchasing the 2010 Outlander GT, in February, 2010. Mitsubishi makes excellent product at competitive pricing. My Black GT looks great, performs very well, and not bad on MPG (About 20-21 average). My only suggestions to Mitsubishi are regarding the tires and doors. The Good-Year Eagle LS2 radials are not the best choice for rain or snow. I bought a new set of wheels and tires for winder driving (NOKIAN - Hakkapeliitta R SUV) they are the best tires at a great price. The doors on my GT feel light and must be slammed to close. They dealer said there was nothing that could be adjusted. Overall, I love my Black-GT

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  Good midsize SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Nicholas - April 15 - 9:13 pm

  The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a solid SUV for $10,000 less than the Mercedes and a better truck besides. It burns regular gas. Tows a boat easily with the 3.5L engine in the Limited. Gas mileage decent at 17-21, a little less in winter. One problem with leaking fluid from the front transaxle due to a bad seal, but no other problems at all. None. I have tied huge things to the top luggage rack and drove home no problems. If you want a car, buy the Lexus for 35% more money, but for more of a truck look and feel, this is hard to beat. This is even more comfortable than the Toyota 4Runner I thought about purchasing.

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  Docs Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Doc - April 15 - 12:50 pm

  I traded a Lexus for this vehicle and it is one of the smoothest riding SUV that I have ever owned. Gas mileage is outstanding and it has so much leg room and head clearance that it is the perfect SUV that a person can and will ever drive.

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  Mitsubish Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tarken - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, great quality.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By taxdude10804 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I am not disappointed at all by this purchase. Rides like a car, and I can sit up high. Lots of room for storage. Dealership is the best.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By GTZ for Me - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for cars between $20k and $25K, and the Galant by far gives the most bang for the buck compared to others like the Camary and Accord. The GTZ is a great looking car with everything included...V6, sunroof, leather, cd stereo, alloy wheels, power seat, window, mirror, etc. Great acceleration with a very smooth, tight drive and handles great on highways. I only have 10,00 miles, but no problems so far.

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  One exellent Ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MC - April 6 - 7:33 am

  I bought my Eclipse GT @ 74k miles. Now 2 3/4 years later its up to 121,645 and not one major problem has occurred. I have done all scheduled maintenance as per the service manual, and I always use 91 octane fuel and synthetic oils. My car is a blast to drive especially with windows and sunroof open and the 600 watt sound system blasting my favorite rock music. My car obtains between 24/28 mpg and have recorded an astounding 32 mpg on one tank for a 1k mile trip one way on a 3.0L V6 automatic! For those who complain about bad mpg just remember what Jeremy Clarkson said "its not what you drive but how you drive it" case in point Prius vs. M3 mpg test, Top Gear.

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  Happy so far - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rob - April 5 - 8:13 pm

  I have a 4-cylinder Mitsubishi Galant ES. It has plenty of power. This car is much bigger than you think. I was considering the Chevrolet Malibu, but the Galant is longer and wider. it is fun to drive and is very cool looking. I knew the gas mileage wasnt the best but it is a big 4-cylinder engine (2.4L). I have 1,000 miles on mine so far. It handles the bumps in the road very well. At 70 mph you think you are in a much bigger car. It is very smooth.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Scott B - April 4 - 2:00 am

  After looking at serveral cars including the Nissan Maxima and Chrysler 300m i finally bought the Mitsubishi Diamante. The Nissan and the Chrysler handled well and were nicely styled but the ride in each was too harsh. The diamante did not handle quite as good but it seemed to stike a better balance between performanc and ride than either of the other two cars. The stereo was better and the car seemed to have a more simple yet classy interior. Overall i love this car and clould not be happier about my choice.