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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  Nice Ride to an extent! - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Bree - December 3 - 1:26 am

  This is a pleasant truck for the family to ride pretty comfortably in. The back seat is pretty roomy. Interior is black and shows up anything, which isnt good with a baby. But its design and styling are good. There is some suspicious engine noise that my husband says is not good. We are getting rid of this vehicle soon hopefully.

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  Montero - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Kloonce - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero is an exciting SUV both in style and performance. The interior componants are well placed and luxurious. They are comparable to the high end auto makers (Lexus, Infinity, Cadillac, etc.) I tend to disagree with the perception that the performance of the truck is limited by the size of the engine. It works for me. Good pick up and stays on the road.

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  I love my Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cymbidiumchic - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I was shopping for a new vehicle and test drove the Honda CR-V, and the Chevy TrailBlazer. The Outlander was more comfortable, stylish, and had a better ride and feel.

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  Great Car for the money! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Christy Love - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I came to this car from an Infinity and thought I would be stepping down. i was wrong! This car has everything great pick up, all the bells I need and use, great reliability, and best of all the fuel economy. The brakes are the only problem I have had. They may have fixed that since 1999. I am very happy with this car. I will keep it when I do get my next Infinity.

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  POOR MANS FERRARI - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By desertsoldier22 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car used w/18,900 mi Previous car was a Dodge Neon, so this was a bit of an upgrade. Gotta love Mitsubishi for all the features they pack in for the price($15998). A Honda Prelude pulled up to me last night thinking it was a badass and when all was said and done I was about 100 ft away from it before I reached 45mph. The tranny takes a little while to get used to because of the short throw but once you do you wont go back. This car hugs the road like slot car and winding country roads are a thrill.

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  My Lancer Experience - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Amber Welch - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Hi my name is Amber. I purchased my Lancer June of 2003. I have really enjoyed my car, it has been a load of fun. The car has been a complete joy to drive. I have only had one major problem. The car just wuit one day, so i called the dealership and they sent a toe truck and picked me up and took care of me. As it turns out it was the cam sensor. It had come loose but after that all was great. My overall experience has been good.

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  Keep Away - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Pjopie - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Pulls to right since day 1 and dealer says most of them are doing same Factory fix for the problem not working and now excuses that they test drove vehicle and its ok...but its not ok and it still goes to the right...keep away from this one.

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  fun suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JAY MA - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I really love this suv. has great pick up and handles great. It is an all around well built car.

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  Very happy Mitsubishi SUV Driver - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By luken - December 1 - 2:00 am

  great sub to drive. Great fun to drive economical in gas. Is very good looking, which sun roof came with the vehicle I picked. The engine is quiet, and vehicle is solid. When you shut the doors you can not hear the outside.

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  Best Family Performance 4x4 - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Hawaiian Time - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Montero Sport Limited 3.5 V6 is the best 4x4 we have owned. It is a great compromise between an all out heavy duty truck type 4x4 SUV (like the older 4Runners) and the newer Car based SUVs. It drives as good in the NW rain, snow, and ice as it does in the Hawaiian sun. The power of the 3.5 V6 is Outstanding as are the handling and ride. We consistently get 20 MPG. The reclining rear seats are nice (we didn’t realize they reclined until this year) as are the storage compartments under the rear floor. Never broken down.