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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  Not Honda, more like 4 Dr Eclipse - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By arthurhu - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Very responive to drive, no comparison with Sebring / Stratus with V6. Hugs corners like tiger paws, Huge wing, nice bmw-like styling. Makes a great rental car. V6 same price as Honda 4

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  Sharp SUV! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By LD810 - February 24 - 1:10 pm

  I just leased an Outlander XLS five days ago, and so far Im very impressed! I got it with the Luxury Package and the Sun-and-Sound Package. The ride is excellent and so are its cornering and handling in general. The V6 engine is smooth and provides plenty of power. The exterior and interior have great fit and finish, and interior materials look nice and of good quality. It has plenty of storage space and its full of great features. It is very roomy and comfortable. It has great bucket seats! The 3rd-row seats are tiny, but I have no need for them, so its not an issue. Overall, theres not much competition out there for the quality and price. I think its the leader in its class.

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  Mitsubishi Montero Endevor - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 2000 Mitsubishi - February 24 - 10:43 am

  The Montero Endevor was the top of the line for the full sized Montero. It came loaded. It has a full frame and is a true off road vehicle. Although we never drove it off road, it can handle the worst of snow storms any snow belt can offer. Even though a full off road vehicle, its ride is very comfortable, and doesnt beat up the passengers. It has pleanty of room for seven yet is not so large, making parking easy. After 77,000 miles the Montero Endevor looks like the day it was bought, and has had no problems - not even minor problems except one. Some or the original trim screws have had to be replaced with stainless steel screws because of rust developing on them.

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  Full Monty - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By bhall - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Recently bought a 2003 Monty, dark blue, with 4300 miles after shopping around with Honda, Volvo, etc. Its weird to me how the "expert" reviews pan this truck, while most owners seem to really love it. Havent had mine for long, but so far I like everything about it. Its comfortable, roomy, great sunroof, killer A/C, nice appointments, but its also rugged. This is one where the "experts" criteria just doesnt necessarily jive with the experience of owning this truck. You get a lot for your money with the Monty.

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  Back to Back Monteros. - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Bob Bonville - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle overall. Its my second Mitsubishi that I have purchased new back to back. The first one was a 1998 Montero Sport. Had a good experiance with it so I bought another one.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Warrens Diamante - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I cant imagine a better car for the price and financing. Ive been a Honda driver for 15 years, and will not go back. Mitsu needs to up their advertising to get the market share it deserves. Best selling car in Japan, and we know they know the best deal. Great car.

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  What a Find! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dina Marie - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I love the control i have of the seat. Im not used to the elevated position for parellel parking, thats when i raise the seat up so i can see all corners. Im a city girl, so parellel parking is my only way to park. What i thought would be difficult is really a cinch. i love the privacy windows. i love the nice smooth ride and the confidence of the pick up the Outlander has to its horsepower. The aero-dynamics of the front end are marvelous compared to the other competitors. This is quite exciting having come from driving a Dodge Neon with faulty engineering.

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  ES V6 is Excellent - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Greg02 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car! The V6 is smooth and powerful. The seven speaker sound system sounds great. The transmission works incredibly well with little hesitation. The car looks great, too. The only thing that I dislike is that it does not have a 60/40 folding rear seat. This car is definitely a great alternative to the boring Camry and the generic Accord. I always enjoy being in the drivers seat of this car.

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  My Lighting Yellow Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Anez2 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Im not interested in what the reviews say, because they are other cars out there like a so called "Focus" that keeps having recalls. Anyhow, I love driving my Lancer! Its like driving a family car with a little attitude, because of the yellow coloring. Of course i dont have any kids of my own, but there is more roomy seating for three car seats. Also it was affordable, I always had to look to compact cars, not anymore! My car the lighting can catch up to speed quick, I know because Ive stayed close to side of a Subaru WRX. You can either make it look like a family car or a car for show. Either way its better than the Mirage.

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  Best car ever (under 30k) - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Subotai - February 14 - 3:40 pm

  I love my car like no other. It is fast, comfortable, fast, looks awesome and is really fast. I love this car and always will.