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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  Mitsubishi Eclipse Gt - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By joyfully - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my mitsubishi eclipse for 3 years and the only trouble was with the rims aluminum (soft)occasional flat tire from road irregularities

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  So yeah its a Sport - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By manchesterlad - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Ok I have had my Montero Sport 2 months and done 7200 already on it. Two oil changes and its a dream. Excellent cargo space....great 4WD that WORKS. Still because I do so much driving, I drive an SUV like an SUV is suppose to be driven..sensibly and speed limits are observed. This is a great Vehicle for the price my sport had 38,000 on it when bought. I rate this vehicle highly and if anybody is going for the "NEW" sports with all the finance goodies then save yourself $12,000 or so with a few $$$$

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  Vaue for money - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Afrikaner - January 29 - 10:00 am

  good vehicle, compared well to other mid size suvs. Interior best of all enoughd room Realy hapy owner

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  GREAT LOOK NOT GREAT RUNNING - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tthomas - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mitsubishi lancer for 1 year and it has been back to the shop 3 times since its purchase all major problem 1 the axle went 2 the radiator went 3 the material on the door panels is lifting and will need to be replaced I love this car for everything else but its mechanical problems

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  Outlander XLS AWD - Best buy for the $$$ - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gunther - January 28 - 3:00 am

  Have owned the vehicle for less than 3 months and already have 5000 trouble free miles on it. Love the ride and handling and also the paddle shifters come in handy in really bad weather. You can select your gears without taking your hands off the wheel. Had a vibration at highway speeds due to a defective Goodyear tire, which was replaced under warranty by the dealership.

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  very satisfied - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fillde - January 26 - 2:03 pm

  Car is easy to drive. The 4 cylinder has very good power. Plenty of space. Have driven it about 1000 miles and average 27 miles a gallon.

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By RLSDia - January 25 - 9:23 am

  I have had this car for six years and plan to keep for six more. It was a great purchase.

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  Still catches my eye - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By cjsmith - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking, great sounding, pretty fun to drive car. When I brought it home the first day, my brother asked me if it came with a speeding ticket. It just looks like you should be driving it hard. I mostly use it on weekends, but occasionally drive it to work on snowy days. It handles surprisingly well in the snow. My only doubt in buying this car is whether it would hold up over the long run. After almost five years, its still doing everything that I expect. Its nice to have a car that still catches my eye and makes me glad to own it two years after it was paid for!

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  I love my Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TIGGRNME - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I knew when I was able to get a new car exactly what I wanted...The Mitsubishi Galant. It has style, sophistication and sportiness along with comfort, roominess and reliability for the money. Sure I could have gotten an Accord, Camry or Altima, but for the same money I get extra features in my Galant. When I was finally able to go out to get a new car, I went right to my local Mitsubishi dealer, pointed out the 1 car I wanted to test drive and took it home that afternoon. I LOVE MY GALANT!!!!!

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  I picked a winner - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By cdimarzo12 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is not only pretty, it rides and handles better than my Buick LeSabre. Jusst try to do a little better with fuel consumption.