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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  I love Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By grayva - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Mitsubishi, my first brand new one. We own a 1997 Mirage, 2001 Galant GTZ and 2004 Endeavor. All are terrific, reliable, no problems. I love the Endeavor. I have almost 3,000 miles on it now with not a single problem. This is the first brand new car I ever purchased with no problems from day one. Im not sure why more people dont buy Mitsubishi. They cost alot less than other Japanese cars and the quality is just as good without the high sticker price. My salesman told me that it is hard to get people to buy a Mitsu for the first time, but when they do they are almost always hooked on Mitsu. Thats me, hooked on Mitsu!

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  Wow, What a Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By William OBannion - April 9 - 12:33 am

  The Raider handles well, is easy to drive and I get the best comments on its styling. The dealership I bought it from is always there for me and I never have had a problem with the truck at all.

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  my first new car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By myself - April 7 - 2:23 pm

  Well I went to the dealership to buy a Kia Sportage. Then I found out that it was too small, and that I wanted something more sporty. I found the Mitsubishi lancer. And I loved driving for the first 5 miles, then before I got back to the dealership I new that it was my own car already. Its a fast one, with a lot of nice stuff. I got the sport package and the sun & sound package with the bluetooth, for only 19,300! I was looking at a Honda Civic coupe but the lancer is so much more worth it. And its a perfect size for a girl too!

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  Nice Performance SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Austin - April 6 - 3:23 pm

  Relax and enjoy the drive. Great drive, great power. A tremendous high performance vehicle.

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  Very comfortable yet rugged vehicle - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By rs_rogers - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Had this truck for 16 months and can say that I really have no big complaint. I am very pleased with it. Extremely comfortable and capable for city and highway driving - as well as the roughest backcountry you can find. Seems like a very solid, safe vehicle. Very tight turning radius and easy to park.

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  Very Nice True Off-Road Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By BigRed1 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  No problem at all with stability or power issues. As nice as it looks, this is a real off-road vehicle, not an enlarged autobahn sportscar like the X5. The steering and braking systems are a true pleasure to use, along with the Sportronic gear shifter. The field- of-view is outstanding. Unbelievably roomy for passengers in back(forget that 3rd row seat, use the space for lots of gear). Fog lights and big windows work great in low visiblity conditions.

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  My fun car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By kay juneau - April 4 - 8:26 pm

  I loved my car. IT has been excellent but one thing I dont like is the whole dash cracked on it other than that I would not give nothing for my car ever. I like my eclipse so much I kept it and bought myself another one, a 2007. I hope that I will enjoy it as much as my 2003 I still have.

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  Gotta love it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jim - April 4 - 3:13 am

  Weve had our GT now for about 600 miles and love it! We thought about other SUVs but our last one , a 2003 Outlander, was flawless so we thought why beat ourselves up? We love the looks, and driving its a blast. We owned a Subaru WRX before, so we know fun driving! Gas mileage can be fairly decent if you can drive like an old lady. I tried it once and got 27.2 on the cars computer! It just hurt to drive that slow though. Road noise is a minor complaint but the Rockford Fosgate stereo takes care of that.The third row seat is a joke but we dont need it so who cares? Like the drop tailgate too. Theres too many good things to talk about so Ill just say we give it a 9.5-10!

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  A Little Work - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By natrenslandss - April 2 - 4:50 pm

  I would say after installing the a turbo oversized exhaust and a cold air intake it was fast light weight, mine has 160 hp now but still working on it. Great car all over I have love it.

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  Mitsubishis rebirth - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Burg82 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Galant is an exceptional value and a great car to drive. Pick-up on the LS Galant is terrific w/ no lag time. Handling is more like a sports car rather than a 4dr sdn. Styling is sporty yet practical. Roominess is great for a family of four. This vehicle is the best vehicle I have owned to date.