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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  Do your homework - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Lake Man - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I decided to trade my 2WD 4 yr. old 4Runner for the AWD/4WD Sport. I read the reviews and checked out re-sale values before I bought. The Sport rides better, is quieter, and has more power. My 4Runner had a much harser ride. I wish the Sport had tighter steering. I intend to drive my Sport over 100,000 miles. I think the re-sale at that point will be only a little less, and it cost $4,000 less, than than a 4Runner similarly equiped. I pull some boats and find the Sport a perfect compromise between comfort and utility. My Sport has had no problems to date. IF that continues (my 4Runner was "bulletproof"), Ill stay very happy with my choice.

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  Overall Solid Car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bob - March 24 - 1:23 pm

  Compared Ford Focus, Honda Fit, Chevy Cobalt, and Ford Fiesta. Although this car may lack the gizmos of some of these cars, Im still glad I chose it. Love the exterior styling and peppiness of the car (ES Five Speed). Bluetooth and Sirius radio make the highway driving more enjoyable. Handles well on the curves. Easy and fun shifting. Good mpg, exactly what I was looking for. And it was a bit lighter on the wallet too. Time will tell, but so far, so good.

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  4WD Gas saver lot of fun - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By georgechi - March 23 - 8:44 am

  Great gas saver, lot of gadgets (bluetooth, handsfree, satellite radio). 5 speed manual gearbox when I need it, nobody else has it. 4WD real not a "awd". Best car I have owned and the best warranty. great power for a 4 cylinder car. Looks great out and inside. third row when I need it. everything on this car is great. Had mitsubishi all my life( montero, montero sport, mirage and the old pickups).

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  Excellent Sedan - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By willycasanova007 - March 21 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car a week ago with less than 82,000 mileage on it for just $3600! Has been a pretty good deal so far, did all the inspections, no major flaw. The car drives great, the exterior design is superior to most Japanese cars that it is almost German like- similar to BMW, Benz. The interior is super comfortable and is equally great!

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  Never Never Buy Again - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By zhibing li - March 16 - 12:10 am

  Owned this vehicle less than 4 months, and had to spend $800 to repair the condenser. Dealership and manufacturer claimed it is not under warranty as the damanage might be caused by road hazard. Heard someone that had 400 miles had the same bad luck as I did. Just to remind buyers to be wary of this potential problem with the Eclipse as the condenser is poorly protected.

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  Love my Montero - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By hunterd - March 14 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our choice of the Montero. It handles great on the highway as well as on the dirt road (that includes mud holes). This car have taken us to the places not many other SUVs will be able to get to. This is a true Off-road capable vehicle. Just having a vehicle like this makes you want to take it into the wilderness. At the same time the styling and comfort are top of the line. Driving it in the city makes one feel like a million bucks :)

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Happy Consumer - March 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car almost 2 years now with no problems. Bought it brand new late 2001. All we’ve had to do is change the oil and put gas in it. Just hit 20,000 mi. This is a very good-looking reliable car. You should get a ‘manual’ GT with the Premium package. The leather adds a hint of sophistication to the interior and the V6/manual transmission gives you more than enough power to play. Highly recommended.

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  exellent card - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tony borjas - March 14 - 10:00 am

  its simple my car is the best

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  No Regrets - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By A Cheung - March 13 - 9:30 am

  I absolutly love my 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. Its price to performance ratio is the best. Its acceleration is smooth and quick.

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  Gutless - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dwyson - March 12 - 7:33 am

  The Mitsubishi Montero has no power for towing. Even small trailers are a project. Towing a single axle with 2 small ATVs we get 6 miles to the gallon on the freeway. Tthis truck is fun to drive and great off road, but if you try to tow anything you will be very dissappointed.