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 lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jamie m - November 5 - 2:00 am

  i absolutely love this car! i have been driving for 10 years and never been so comfortable in a vehicle. and i got a great deal on this one enterprise got me in the car in 2 days with no hassle for 8,000 dollars. you cannot beat that.

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  Its Great!!!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Harry90 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Cool!!!!!!!!! Gud acceleration Extravagant Interior Roars like a LION :)

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  Best Choice Under 20K - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By driveboston - November 4 - 10:25 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 years and 4 months, and have put 40k miles on it, so I feel its kind of safe to say I made a wise choice that picked this car from this price range and bought it. Driving experience is very sporty. I espacially like the steering wheel which is tight enough and very accurate (hard to find on other cars I tried under 20k). Reliability is excellent, zero problem since I bought it and all I need is oil change every 3 months. Interior is no fancy leather seat or luxury things, but you can clearly feel Mitsubishi put the money saved here into things you dont see under engine hood. Overall this car is not comparable to bmw or infiniti, but best choice under 20k IMO.

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  I just love this car - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By guts - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has a spectaculor look from the outside. The one I bought has every features you can think of for much less price than a 4-Runner. Leather seats, power seat, sunroof, Infiniti sound system with a 10-CD changer, power mirror, 4x4, switchable shock level, hydraulic jack, portable light, a full set of tools inside the back door. Just remember this SUV is full size with three rows of seats, a total of 7 seats. It is so roomy inside. Much bigger than Pathfinder or 4-Runner. Driving it is just so much fun.

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  This Ones Tricky - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By AlmostGood - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I got a nice deal on a this car and walked out of the dealership without putting a dime down plus 2.9 percent for 6 years (thats like free money). The 0 down is misleading, b/c its a 36 month term and the payment can be really high (unless you put a significant down payment on it).

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  Im Impressed - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By J. Haupt - November 4 - 8:53 am

  Sought a car for my daughter and looked high and low on the internet and at dealers. Bought the Galant at a great price and have been astonished by the features they have packed in this vehicle. For a 4 cyl. it has amazing power and at speed it is so quite. No vibration at all from the engine and the body is so tight and the fit is perfect. The interior is large and comfortable and the style looks high tech. The materials appear to be high end and the dash is very modern and efficient. I didnt want all the bells and whistles, but this car gave me so many. The radio/CD are first class. All controls are well designed and easy to reach. Wife drives a Lincoln LS and she loves the Galant.

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  Value value value - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By leftysrule22 - November 4 - 1:58 am

  Ive owned my Ralliart since January of 2005. I am about to cross the 90k mile marker, and I can honestly say every single mile has been a blast. You wont find a comparable 2005 of any make that can touch the value of this car. Other comparable cars have higher peak hp numbers (only slightly higher too), but cant match the ralliart torque. What other 2005 under $20k can do a standing burnout without bouncing off the rev limiter? What other car comes from the FACTORY with an upper suspension brace?

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  Great SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Satisfied customer - November 1 - 7:36 am

  This is an awesome mid sized SUV with a great warranty. This is a top notch SUV. I would recommend this SUV to anyone looking for value, reliablilty, smooth ride, great warranty and outstanding comfort.

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  Great Car - Lousy Dealer Service - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Car man NE - October 31 - 10:00 am

  V6 engine is VERY powerful, though it likes to eat GAS. Dealer could not program the Keyless door entries, Headlights and brake lights cant be replaced by owners. At 62000 the only replacement item was the alternator. At 20000 there was a problem with a noise as the car was in motion coming from the brake area, the dealer fixed this. The only thing lacking with this car is the DEALER SUPPORT network like HONDA or TOYOTA offer. Still I would rate above average.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By DJSTENGER1024 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE JANUARY 2003 AND DRIVE IT TO WORK EVERYDAY. IT GETS AROUND 32MPG. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED BIG CARS WITH POWER, AND DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SMALLER CAR, BUT SO FAR IM NOT DISAPPOINTED. MECHANICALLY, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT AUTOMOBILE. I CURRENTLY HAVE 51,000 MILES ON THE ODOMMETER. I HAVE CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES AND HAVE SCHEDULED MY FIRST TUNE-UP NEXT WEEK.