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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  Great alternative! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RacerFX - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Only have the LTD 2WD for a week, however I am impressed with driving performance, handling, room, and comfort. For the price compared to the usual suspects (4runner, pathfinder, QX4, etc..)you get a lot of vehicle at lower pricing. (Would prefer RWD though and more horsepower-but a very fun crossover to drive). Compare it to the others when shopping. You will be glad you did!

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TW - September 18 - 4:16 pm

  Yes I was one of "those" who bought this car brand new. Of course after two Fords and a Chevy, Id wanted to give the foreign market a try. Honda and Toyota were too expensive and the Galant turned out to be a great commuter car. 146K miles later and I must say its been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. No major work outside of schedule maintenance. Changed the oil every 5K. Id rate this car just as high as any Honda or Toyota from the same year. Are there things that could be better? Yeah usually there are, but Im very pleased with the Galant.

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  Its no evo - 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
  By colby_butler - September 14 - 11:59 pm

  This Mitsubishi isnt special or have bells and whistles yet its a comfortable ride and spacious. My model was a base, however Im sure there are better options available.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rob - September 14 - 8:40 pm

  I used to have a 98 Eclipse GS, lasted 11 years so I decided to trade it in for a 08. I have never been happier with my car, its stylish enough for me and affordable, gets good gas mileage in my opinion, and is a smooth ride and yes Ill admit Ive had it at its max 155 on a interstate, it rides very smooth even at that speed. If only it didnt have so much weight in it. 3550 lbs is a lot for a sports car and makes cornering devastating on your tires unless you take them extremely slow. Corning can use some work but even my last Eclipse turned like a Semi-truck so Im used to it. All in all, I love my car and it attracts attention.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cbk2000 - September 13 - 5:00 pm

  Just bought a base XLS less than a week ago. So far, I really like it. Very roomy, drives and shifts very smoothly. Very good handling. Love the paddle shifters. Good storage up front, too. Waiting to see how gas mileage really is and whether I need to protect doors and rear fenders from front tire splashes.

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  This car surprised me - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cboth - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Now we own it. We were going to wait for the x-3 or get a Murano but decided that this was a great deal.

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  2004 Lancer Ralliart is the best - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Sartuche24 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I never did car for the Lancer before but once I saw the Ralliart I was like I want this car. It handles nice, pulls hard all the way to redline and I can spin the tires in 1st and 2nd which I like. The seats are straight from the Evolution GT-A and are really comfortable to sit in plus they hold your body while taking turns really hard. This is what the OZ edition should have been, also I like how they re-did the front end so it looks a little like the EVO. So if you see this car take it for a drive and I bet you will love driving it.

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  Good solid vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Melissa in CT - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We test drove the Nissan Murano, the Honda Pilot, and the Saturn Vue, of all of these, we enjoyed the Endeavor the most. Looking out of the windows to check your blind spots is hard especially if you are short. However, the extra large mirrors make up for it.

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  Montero Sport has been great! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Darin - September 12 - 5:33 am

  I picked a Mitsubishi Montero Sport because of the reliability and looks. It has a look that many SUVs lack nowadays...smooth, simple lines, while remaining tough and rugged looking. Many manufacturers are starting to add strange lines and countours that dont appeal to the eye as much...the best SUVs (style-wise) were built in the late 1980s to early 90s, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Montero, the old Ford Bronco, and the Toyota 4Runner. I am not sure if anyone agrees with me, but I will miss seeing new Montero Sports on the road.

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  good - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By angelina rodriguez - September 11 - 10:00 am

  i love the car .but .why the dont put more horsepower .at least 160 horses