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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  Not Bad But not Great - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By car guy - December 8 - 1:40 am

  Not a bad little college student car for my wife and me. If youre willing to give up some of the comforts of Honda and Toyota. I think the Galant is just as reliable. Replaced the engine mounts at 90k cost about 800.00 Not bad But not great. Poor resale value.

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  Dependable, Solid - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By hkisner - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The Montero Sport is not exciting, exotic or remarkable in any way. But it is reliable, flexible transportation. Check used first because the value plummets, but youll love not going in for service. Has exceeded expectation.

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  The Best! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Smarttttt - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car because it is sleek and CUTE!

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RBENSON - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I WENT FROM DRIVING A SPORTS CAR TO A SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE AND I LOVE IT. I CHOSE THE ENDEAVOR OVER MANY OTHER IN ITS CLASS DUE TO PRICE, LOOK, AND RATINGS. IT HAS LOTS OF ROOM AND VERY SMOOTH DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.

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  190,000 Miles and Still Going Strong - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By guitar_guy - December 5 - 5:34 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004. It was February, and the salesman was discouraged as he walked me to the lot, and the car was under a pile of snow. He said all he had was a 4 cylinder with standard transmission... I didnt let on, but thats EXACTLY what I wanted. The car has been a dream to own. I have performed regular maintenance with my own mechanics. I never went back to the dealer, and never needed to. Oil changes every 3000, and regular timing belt changes were the bulk of maintenance. Also plugs every 60k. I replaced two tie rods, and recently an axle (after 189,000). Two sets of brake pads. Thats about it. I love this car, and I dont want to part with it.

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  COULD BE BETTER - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rome - December 5 - 10:00 am

  FUN SUV TO DRIVE, A LOT OF PEOPLE LOVE THE WAY THE TRUCK LOOKS. VERY NICE RIDE, HOWEVER, ALSO THE SUV HAD A KICK WHEN GOING FROM A LOW TO A HIGH GEAR. TRANSMISSION IS ALSO ACTING FUNNY, MAY WANT TO CHECK THAT OUT.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Motherof two - December 4 - 8:03 pm

  I looked at the Galant on a whim, while passing a dealer. I test drove the car and it felt very comfortable. I liked the style and the size (I did not want something too small) So far I am happy with it. I think it far exceeds the handling of the Honda Accord I test drove and is much more comfortable. I have not had any "glare" from the metal plate near the radio! I dont know what all the hype is about that. The only thing it needs is a lighted shift console. Other than that I have no complaints yet!

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  Disappointing - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By steve - December 3 - 10:06 pm

  The vehicle itself is not a bad vehicle to own, low in perchance cost, easy to maneuver, and sporty looks tribute to its appeal. After owning this vehicle for a little while I find myself disappointed, the ride is quite bouncy, the engine is underpowered, and the fuel economy is nothing to write home about, I would say just below par for its class. The front is nice and grippy when you do get up to speed, sadly cornering fun is reduced by moderate body lean. If one is looking for a lancer oz rally my suggestion would be to find one with a manual transmission. As an automatic, a very good first car, looks good, is cheap to own and maintain, yet for the parents its not crazy fast.

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  My Best Sedan Ever - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By FAX68 - December 3 - 5:33 am

  I love my 2008 Mitsubishi Sedan ES Manual with 41,225 miles. It never gave me any problems except for getting use on those computer gadget on the dash. I live in the northeast and drive on Interstate 95 all the time 7 days a week sunny or noreaster. Who said its bad on snow? I realized it is not the car its the tires. I almost hit the railing on 95 but the car tremendously responded on my driving and avoided a total wreck. No power? Just use 4th gear all the time to pass cars. it can pass 2 to 3 cars in a second especially with a manual. The secret is learn to drive this car. "You control the Lancer Dont let the Lancer control you." The Lancer is fast just be aggressive.

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  One Fine SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Herbertt - December 3 - 3:30 am

  The Endeavor is my 1st SUV and a fluke, since we were looking to purchase a Galant LS! My wife fell in love with the Endeavor. So I test drove one, did hours of research, came back the next day and bought one! I am extremely pleased and happy with this SUV 16 months later. Very comfortable leather heated seats, a blasting 6-CD changer stereo system, excellent trim and interior fit and finish with no squeaks or rattles, cool blue gauge lights, a rather torquey (although a bit raspy) V-6 engine, which moves the vehicle quickly from a dead stop and at highway speeds without much downshifting. The vehicle always feels solid and nimble, but not plodding. A very comfortable road trip vehicle!