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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  The Sport in Sport Utlity - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Johnnie - March 2 - 9:40 pm

  The vehicle is very nice. I wish I had purchased the AWD version. The motor is so "torquie" that often I spin tires when trying to get going quickly. The seats are nice and the added comfort of driving a limited with side frame re-inforcements makes the vehicle seem more truck-like. This is a nice one indded but the usual inconveniences from a manufacturer like Mitsubishi are there too. Molding, Molding, Molding.....Stuff does have a way of popping off of this thing for seemingly no reason at all. Sunroof privacy cover handle, radio/ ac knobs...Screw covers in the luggage rack.. Still I have to say that I love mine and would buy another without a doubt!

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  Love it - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EclipseD - March 1 - 11:10 pm

  Had my Mitsubishi Eclipse GT since beginning of November and I absolutely love it. It gets a lot of stares. It has great power. I love everything about it. I cant really complain about anything. Its a definite "must drive."

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  Cooool Car. - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Buboy - March 1 - 9:40 am

  If you want a high tech car with superb sound system at a reasonable price, this car is for you. However, if you want racing cars - buy the Ralliart or Evo.

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  A Great Sportswagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By craig24 - February 28 - 1:19 pm

  This sports wagon is perfect for me. It has everything I want and none of what I dont. I wanted; a used, fun-to-drive, reasonably priced, reliable, roomy, comfy, fuel efficient, wagon with great visibility, low insurance and a compromise between sporty handling and good ride quality. I didnt want; expensive repairs & maintenance, electric leather seats, a sunroof, climate control (A/C button & dials are best), paying extra for a badge, a boring vehicle, an SUV. The Lancer Ralliart wagon has all of this and more. Its a great car for; commuting, driving spiritedly (its not fast but sporty and rewarding), highway cruising, moving furniture, grocery shopping, carrying sports equipment.

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  2002 Mitsubishi Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By lfp - February 28 - 3:26 am

  This vehicle is much bigger and alot nicer than the 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited that I traded in. It has a unibody frame, just like the Jeep,but the interior is roomier and I like the rear seats that are fold-away. I just cant say enough about this vehicle, its fun to drive, luxurious and the exterior body is an eye catcher. It just needs a beefier V6 engine or a V8. But overall I am very satisfied with my purchase and the 0% interest rate is an added bonus.

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  Wish I had two of them! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By endeavorlover - February 28 - 3:01 am

  This vehicle has been the best I have ever owned. We bought used with 21,000 on it now here it is 2015 with 109,000. We have had up keep that is normal for a car this age, brakes, belts, hoses, shocks, etc. we also have had to replace the water pump, and all bearings on the axles. I would drive it across the U.S. Today without hesitation. It still doesnt use oil. Have always run synthetic oil since we owned it. It still runs like a sewing machine. We will keep it until we have it towed off hopefully many years from now. If you find one well maintained, BUY IT! Is very safe and dependable. The AWD is invaluable for rain, snow, and ice.

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  Mirage The Best - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Lankaputhra - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I use the car for long distance travelling (around 140 Miles a day). Excellent handelling on highways plus really good on gas. It gives me around 33/gal. Fun to drive. But little too light. Good turning circle. Most liked feature is the gears can be used as a manual transmisstion to some extent. All 4 levels can be manually controlled.

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  Great Car With a few Minor design flaws - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Biggaligga - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Extremely fun car to drive. Plenty of power for those short straightaway passes on secondary roads. I have found that the gas economy is excellent. I average about 25 mpg on the highway. The seats are extremely comfortable and long term driving is virtually effortless.

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  My Fourth Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By markatz - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had 4 Monteros, the last one is a 2003 Limited. I have never had any work done except oil and filters. Two warranty recalls done while I waited. We drive on the road 6,000 miles yearly and leave our Cadillac CTS at home. A great road car.

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  Bimmer and Benz Buyers missed out big - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Prince - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I waited on this vehicle and it was worth it. My brother-in-law has a Discovery and my brother has a Navigator, both wish they had gotten to the Montero before I did. This is a smooth, capable SUV. I would like to dispute the critics that say it doesnt handle well. If you want to whip around curves and do slalom testing, get a Porsche, leave the Montero to those of us who were looking for a luxury SUV, with distinct styling and superior appointments. And relative to the useless third row. I use it often. True, I have smaller children. But if I wanted a bus I would have bought an Econline.