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:

• 

  The SUV you can rely on, FOREVER! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Eric Jin - February 16 - 2:00 am

  The exterior appearance of this SUV was the primory reason I bought. It really looks and drives tough. With all options loaded, this SUV can really perform. It has the largest sunroof amount all SUVs. The manul and automatic transmission combination makes driving more fun. Spare wheel attached on the back is the right way for a real SUV supposed to look like!

• 

  2002 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jim&Kim - February 16 - 2:00 am

  So far very reliable. Broke in at roughly 25,000 miles, and gas mileage and performance improved. Runs out smoothly to 5000 RPM. No maintenance problems, however there was a "toe-in" front and back from the factory, causing premature wear on the tires outer edges.

• 

  The Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Terry Mongeon - February 12 - 6:40 pm

  With the loss of the Montero Sport I wanted somthing that was different and bought the truck. Its been a great ride, lots of power and with Bluetooth and satellite radio ready, I am good to go.

• 

  montero - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By greg wis - February 9 - 2:00 am

  pulls my 22 boat very nice, a/c super cold,

• 

  John Doe Corp - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bosanac - February 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars i own, in fact it is the best car i own.

• 

  Perfection - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cubster - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This SUV was everything I was looking for and more. Great safety, performance, and outstanding handling. I recommend this for anyone looking for a Cheap,Safe, contemporary SUV.

• 

  I love my suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By omahabutterfly - February 9 - 2:00 am

  like the looks. had a bad winter 10 to 14 inches of snow, drove like a dream.wish I would have brought one sooner.

• 

  Silky driving with stylish machine - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By june - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I really like my 2001 Galant ES. The smooth, quite but powerful engine makes me drive in comfort. The transmission also reacts quickly and follows a drivers intention to hit the road. If you are music maniac, but not heavy rocking sound guy, you will find that it has a quite nice system of car audio. The 7 speakers of Infinity brand can saturate your thirst of music. With these internal merits, Galants modern style evokes real fun to drive. I think this is the most stylish car in a mid size sedan catagory. Just drive Galant! Its fun and happy!

• 

  Most bang for the buck - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gopher - February 7 - 3:00 pm

  Most bang for the buck. Title says it all. I never thought Id find an SUV with great towing power for such a budget price. Handling is very sharp, as can be expected from Mitsubishi (12 time Dakar champion). And great warranty too.

• 

  Outstanding Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Russ - February 6 - 10:43 am

  One year of ownership. Love the car, not perfect, but love it nontheless. Very responsive, comfortable, and fun to drive. Lots of room and storage space. Torque steer can be pronounced, but have learned to deal with it. Have averaged just what the EPA says on fuel mileage. Would buy again.