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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  Buy One - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By geminite - July 19 - 10:00 am

  One early problem that was instantly rectified by the dealer. Problem with power steering. Otherwise, great car, roomy, perfect for taking the kids and animals on trips to the mountains.

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  Good Choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MS Franks - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Great comfort for an SUV. No stepping up. Great sound system. 6 CD changer. Things I like the best, sun roof has sliding roof panel, so you can see the sky without opening the entire sun roof. Second the controls on the steering wheel. Real easy to turn up or change the tunes without ever taking my hands of the wheel. Exellent safety rating. Dual air bags. Would recommend getting the cargo liner. Looks really sharp in the back with the liner.

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  Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dubb28 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were initially loking at Tahoe, Expedition, Denali, Navigator. Tested the Limited fell in love. Mitsu sales/service outstanding. Got a fabolous deal on new 02. Features match the top of line SUV with a better price. Plenty of room, handles great, and can be taken everywhere from shopping, to the park, to off roading and camping to a night on town.

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  Great car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By joey - July 16 - 3:03 pm

  I own several cars and this was my latest buy. This is a very impressive car. Has a lot of toys and gadgets that make the car very fun to drive

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  253.000 Miles - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jennifer - July 16 - 6:23 am

  I bought my baby back in May of 2000, she had 13 thousand miles on her. Today 01/22/2010 she has 243,000 miles on her. The only maintenance Ive ever done on her was regular schedule oil changes. The most expensive repair shes had done, I had to replace the alternator in May of 2009. I live in Ga. Ive driven her as far West as Texas, Orlando Florida, and numerous times to Philadelphia Pa. All 3 of my adult children at one point had to drive her when they needed transportation. I am pleased with her. Should she quit tomorrow. I can honestly say I got my monies worth and then some. I wonder if Mitsubishi will make me their spokes person. :)

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  Great!! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By joeye - July 15 - 4:40 am

  I was looking at a compact car...Found Lancer. Wow its great...ride is good and steering feel is great as well. It has everything I want from leather to heated seats. Honestly... I can say that Mitsub has very good reliability. Please dont hesitate and buy this. It is a true under dog in its class.

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  Diamante LS - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By BRANDEN - July 14 - 1:23 pm

  This car has been a blessing for me! Cold A/C and very comfortable to sit in! Just have a few complaints. Fuel economy is terrible, especially in the city, and showing signs of rust and paint is starting to peel on the hood! All and all this cars performance is awesome. Transmission doesnt seem to shift at the right time especially when you punch it right off the line! Using Full Synthetic Motor Oil has increased horsepower greatly and be sure to run only premium fuel in these cars to help get the most out of your gas tank!

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  Fun and Reliable Commuter - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MitsuMufti - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I drove just about every other car in its class (including the far more powerful sports sedans) and was not planning on buying the Lancer. After test-driving the O-Z Rally, however, I was sold. The power was decent, but the ride was incredible. Great handling, comfortable seats and a feel for the road trumped all the reviews I read. I didnt count on the reliability, though. 10 months and 20,000 miles later Ive had no problems. Definitely consider the O-Z.

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  Great Vehicle for Small Families - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mlbrink - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new over two years ago. My wife is the principle driver and she loves it. Her only complaint is that it isnt big enough for our family of 5. The kids need more separation. (I told here she should have got a mini van, but she loves the way this looks.)

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  Trouble free car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Smith - June 30 - 10:43 pm

  I ve never felt safer in a car. My Galant is easy to drive, reliable, and trouble free. With regular maintenance, youll keep driving it forever. It has 105,000 miles on it now and it still drives like new. The only major "investment" was a timing belt changed at 85k (typical I was told). Besides the ususal: brake pads, tires and that s about it. The day I sell it I will buy a new one.