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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  Montero rocks - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dave Ratliff - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The best midsize suv on the planet. Kicks @$$!!!!!!!!

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  We like it - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Patricia Ansell - January 13 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun, sporty car to drive. Very comfortable with lots of luggage space. The only thing I dont like is that the back seat is not easy to put flat. It has alot of little storage places, and shopping bags have a holder so that they dont dump all over the back of the car. Interior is very nice. In fact, it is so nice that we havent allowed the dogs in yet, and they are the reason we bought an SUV.

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  I love my Montero !!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By RJC - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Just sold my 1995 Montero with 150000 miles... not one repair of significance. Traded in for a new one because I could not resist the beautiful design and the price / value realtionship!

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  A fun car to Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jenks46 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive, I truly love it in fact its been one of my best cars ever. I had a dodge Caravan that I loved and now I dont know what I was thinking I have found my true love in cars, its just great.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Michael Farmer - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is not a Famliy car or a first time car for teens. Its quick and fast and for most People that drive to and from work its just fun. A great car for two that likes to take long drives on the week ends.

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  Great overall for the money!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ladeebug25 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Galant a couple of weeks ago. So far its fun to drive and its very roomy. The interior (not the seats butthe dashboard, steering wheel, etc.)material is rather cheap looking and hard to keep clean. Overall I am impressed with the car and the way it handles.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mcwilcut - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my Endeavor. It is easy to drive, has lots of power, and is very spacious. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a superior SUV.

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  Satisfied - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ycakos - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, Comfortable and powerfull.

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  Monty Number 3 - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Winston - January 11 - 6:13 pm

  It is funny how Montero owners tend to be fanatics about their trucks. It is also strange when reading complaints from "experts." Anyway, I love this truck. Not too big, not too small, Beautifull Interior, awesome stereo. Enough power for me. True truck but still has a great ride because of unibody construction and 4 wheel independant construction. Overpriced when new, unless you get a big discount. Funny thing, like the other reviewer I have 95 which has been incredibley reliable and is a big reason why I purchased a new one.

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  GeeTZ - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By catseyeweb - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I own cars...LOTS of cars. My wife picked this one on an impulse because of the styling and the gorgeous interior, and she IS NOT an impulse buyer!! I currently drive a BMW and have a bias toward them, but this car is exceptional in most every category - smooth, quiet, responsive and very sexy.