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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  Excellant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bala - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Smooth driving, stunning style, quick pick up, more space, offordable price, unique ..mm what else you want?

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  really really good car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By guapo - July 6 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion I think this is the ebst car in its class, also for the price it is its very good.letterally the best car to go for.

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  GLAD I DID IT - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By novbec - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Lancer brand new. I really thought that I wouldnt like it. I LOVE that car. Granted, its not the fastest car on the block, but its pretty darn zippy, and I have no problems getting on the highway at a highway speed or faster. I havent had the opportunity to take it to the mountains to see how it does (in colorado).It gets great gas mileage 30-31 mpg combined. I really couldnt ask for anything more for the price except anti-lock brakes. The car comes loaded;powerwindows,locks,cruise,tilt. My car has a/m leather interior which matches the color or the car (yellow and black) and I get a lot of compliments and looks about my car.

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  mitsubishi endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mike159 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking vehicle, quality seems good, rides excellent. V6 should provide super mileage.

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  Not quite sure yet - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wpederson - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2003 Eclipse GT, it definitely is fun to drive and ZOOM ZOOM (wait, this isnt a Mazda) ANYWAY, it has been a fun car so far, nothing to complain about as of yet... EXCEPT, what car does not come with ABS these days? SHEESH! My last 4 cars have had ABS standard, and I assumed this one did too, but when I got it home from the dealership I noticed NO ABS!

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rusty - July 6 - 9:10 am

  Bought this car used four years ago with 21000 miles and have 103000 on it now. It has been an almost perfect car. Nothing but regular maintenance has been required and it is an easy and even fun car to drive. Some reviews talk about a lack of power, but I have found the acceleration to be sprightly and the only time wishing it had more umph! is when loaded to the gills and trying to pass on a hill. This is the first Mitsubishi I have owned, but if it is a representative sample I am very impressed and wouldnt hesitate to get another when I need to replace this one.

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  Quality SUV for the Price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ilikeit - July 5 - 8:36 am

  We looked at the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Sante Fe. The pluses for Outlander include its 5yr/60000 bumper to bumper, 10yr/100,000 pwr train and 5yr/unlimited roadside assistance. It also had the V6 engine and 4 wheel drive. The CR-V we looked at had a shorter warranty, no 4 wheel drive, less horsepower and a 4-cylinder engine, with a higher price tag. The safety features and interior were comparable. So far we are very pleased with our choice for the short time we have had it.

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  Not too happy - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By desi plains - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Galant for the last 4 years and all I can say is that its been satisfactory. The car has a reasonably powerful engine but the brakes are simply aweful. I have had to resurface the rotors and also replace the rotors and pads for the 48.000 miles on it. Also the audio system is pathetic. Ive also had some bearing and tire problems. The car came with Goodyear tires on which there was a manufacturing defect so there is a unique tire noise.

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  Dream Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By flagators - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my Montero Sport!!! I had decided that I would buy myself a M.S. when I graduated in May of 2003 as a college graduation present to myself but with the excellent deals they have had recently went ahead and purchased. I absolutely love it. There is virtually no outside noise, even on the highway, and the power is adequate for my needs. It definitely does not have a "truck feel" and I do quite a bit of driving. I really do enjoy driving now and am the first to volunteer to run errands for the family.

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  Back seats kill me - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Teresa - July 4 - 1:16 am

  We take lots of long road trips. The Mitsubishi Outlander is great on gas. I love driving it, but I absolutely hate riding in the back seat.