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:

• 

  A Great Car For The $$$$ - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Marley - February 17 - 10:00 am

  After being married "forever" to a man who took care of all the car purchases, this was my first " buy on my own" car adventure. I researched, I test drove, I checked financing, and landed in the seat of my Galant. I love it ! The ride is great, fuel mileage is better than expected, it looks good and provided more car for the $$ than the comparable cars I looked it.

• 

  galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By countrybo - February 17 - 10:00 am

  first foreign car and im sold on them now

• 

  Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By NDobbins - February 16 - 11:43 am

  I bought this car when it had 23K miles on it. It had been a rental car prior to me owning it. It now has 175K miles on it. Its been a great car. I did have some problems w/ the brakes early on. Seems like it went thru a lot of them. But I have not have that problem now in over 5 years. At the 10 yr. of ownership mark little things are staring to show their age. Airbag light stays on now and the cruise stopped working about 8 months ago. The electric locks needs a new motor as of about a year ago, as its making a buzz noise when you unlock it with the key. Horn also stopped working about 8 months ago.

• 

  "good wittle twack twack" - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Lukas - February 16 - 6:26 am

  I bought this SUV used w/ 70,000 miles, I sold it last week at 117,000. I replaced tires, breaks and parts of muffler, but living in Buffalo NY in harsh winters and ocean of salt, that is expected. No problems whatsoever w/ this truck, its unique exterior distinguish Montero among other mass build SUVs, great for family of 3, maybe 4 w/ little pet, as we grew, my wife and I have 3 kids and 1 St Bernard, and suddenly as my 3 yr old described "good whittle twack twack" became too little... we had it for 3 yrs and I was sad to see it go...

• 

  Lovin my Mitzu! - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By schaefer - February 13 - 3:56 pm

  I absolutely love the way my SUV looks. I drive around town, carting my 3 girls here and there. There is plenty of room, and I get tons of compliments from males and females. My husband added some sporty wheels which really finished the look. The only complaint I would have is that the side step rail is too thin. It is harder to use than to just hop out on your own. My favorite thing about it would have to be the HUGE sunroof! I just love it, and so do the kids! We cant wait to drive it to Florida this summer.

• 

  After 30K, Still Luvn it... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Starfather - February 13 - 2:03 am

  Broke 30K today on the 04 Endeavor, my favorite car still. I have averaged 19 mpg, mostly at 65 on hwy, have had only two problems, both under warranty and fixed right away. First was odd whistle, sounded like belt but was actually something in drive shaft. Second was fuel injector sensor, they replaced injector. I installed K&N air filter, rear mud guards,and a standard black steel mesh screen for lower air intake, to keep rocks out of radiator, Great car!

• 

  I love my Montero!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Mary - February 12 - 10:40 am

  Gas mileage is bound to be an issue with a vehicle this size, so I accept that. I was shopping for yet another minivan when I spotted this beauty at the dealership. I told the salesman,"If this comes with a third seat, Ill take it." Magically a third seat was produced from out of the floor! I piled all my kids inside and drove around town. I was instantly hooked. Ive never had a vehicle that I loved like this: reliable, trouble-free, beautiful, rugged, and accommodating. You cant go wrong!

• 

  Great Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Fred Wittmer - February 12 - 9:26 am

  Our 05 Montero Limited is a great vehicle. It rides like a car. It has plenty of room with great amenities. It gets pretty good gas mileage on the highway, but it is no so good around town. I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Great, Fun, and Safe - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy in Ohio - February 12 - 3:53 am

  Bought this car on the spot after a test drive, I am very pleased with the car, I have just turned 50,000 miles on it and it still drives like the day I drove it off the lot. It has great acceleration, I have had it in the Smoky Mountains and love the handling. Needless to say I recommend this car for anyone who wants to enjoy their daily drive.

• 

  Lancer GTS CVT, neck breaker - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ElectroBuff - February 9 - 12:03 am

  Let me just start by saying, I never was a Mitsubishi fan. Most of their cars were small and dull. I actually went to the dealership to test drive a 2007 Mazda CX9. The price wasnt right so I found myself walking off the car lot, but I had to go through the Mitsubishi side of the dealership to get to my car. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a Graphite Gray Pearl Lancer 4dr CVT with paddle shifters and the Sun & Sound Package with Navigation and a 30GB hard drive calling my name. Needless to say I went home that night with the car. And it has been breaking necks every since. This car is pound for pound untouchable by Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, ScionTC, Chevy Colbalt, Acura NSX.