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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  I Love This Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Shen Ron - December 3 - 2:00 am

  What can I say; Mitsubishi has a winner on its hands. I love the front end styling and the roomy interior.

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  eclipse wow - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bakmaneta - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a new eclipse this Jan. I love the GT and went from a 2002 malibu to this. Almost bought a 2004 malibu and glad I got this instead. I blew a mustang off the road the other day! Not even close to winning!

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  IF YOU LIKE DRIVE - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By PENSACOLA - December 3 - 2:00 am

  IF YOU LIKE TO DRIVE YOU WILL LOVE THIS CAR ITS FAST EASY TO HANDLE AND JUST A PURE PLEASURE TO OWN.I HAVE HAD MANY NEW CARS AND MOST COST A LOT MORE THEN THIS ONE BUT NONE OF THEM EVEN COME CLOSE TO THIS CAR AS FAR JUST BEING EASY TO KEEP UP AND A LOT OF FUN TO DRIVE

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  Love my Bishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By blkwdw187 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  So far, I love my truck. I was seraching for the best truck for about 6 months and found this one. I like it the best. Good size for me and my two kids.

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  Love my lancer 2 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tim - November 30 - 3:10 am

  After 25,000 miles I had to update my review of my 2006 Lancer SE. Still love it! After reading reviews of Honda Fit and Kia Rio5 (by the way my first choices), reviews cite poor mileage (well below EPA estimates), and some quality issues with the Kia. My Lancer is still running strong, Ive done nothing but regular maintenance, and even though I was originally disappointed with the mileage, after further research it looks good (above average). My Mitsubishi has been very reliable

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  Like riding on air-Truly Unbelievable! - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Sheee - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought it,Picked up my loving partner and drove it out on the highway.... We love the Smoooothness of the ride... Sterio smooth and clear and loud! The Memory adjustable seats are to die for, you need it; its convenient.Classy,Classy and Sporty all in ONE... Thank you, I have been blessed and Large Moonroof, when I am coming from Convertibles...3 in total, LeBaron,Chrysl.Sebring, and 2002 S.Edit. Firebird. LOve it!in Black.

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  2001 Montero LTD - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Frankfurter - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Next to my old 1969 Porsche 911, and for obviously different reasons, the Montero LTD is maybe the nicest car Ive owned. That comparison includes 3 Toyota 4-Runners - great cars but lacking the creature comforts of the Montero. Apart from a few factory recalls and a failed O2 sensor in the emissions system (ouch) this has run flawlessly for 39,000 miles and carried me comfortably all over south and central Texas where I drive in connection with my job. I have no complaints, a great car. Mitsubishis Diamond Advantage program is the best, my quasi-lease runs out in February 05 and I am keeping this vehicle, just love it.

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  RalliArt VS. Cavalier Z24 - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By KeNova - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I just got out of my 2002 Cavalier Z24 and switched to my 2004 Lancer RalliArt. Man, what a switch! My Cavalier gave me nothing but problems, because of how cheap its made. Lancer, beats it in every catagory hands down. Believe me, Ill never go Chevy compact again!

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  Worth the wait - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ldk - November 26 - 8:43 am

  Scared off by CRV oil fire. Then almost went for a Vibe for the mpg, but my husband thought it felt like a toy car. We all love our black Outlander. Kids think it is roomy and hip. I have loved driving it - sporty and classy. Got 26 mpg on first tank. This is more fun than a CRV and cheaper. Nice to be a bit unique on the road.

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  Mitsubishi Outlander 2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By carminelis - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Pleasent to drive and comfortable.