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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  2006 Eclipse GT - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MK - May 19 - 8:43 am

  We have currently put 12,000 miles on our Eclipse GT. Its fun to drive, handles well (even on the icy roads), and accelerates nicely. The front seats in the GT are extremely comfortable for people of an average size, though can be restricting for larger people. The standard heated leather in the GT (front only) is wonderful for the cold weather. I wont even mention the rear seating - its a joke really, even with the front seats pushed far forward there is no leg room for anyone in the back. Dont consider this vehicle if you plan on having more than one passenger very often.

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  Why dont they fix the leak - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mikenbarb - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Our Montero Sport has been a money pit, it has had problems with oil leaks, my mechanic called Mitsubishi who said they have been making the 3.0 ltr. engine for 10 years and this has always been a problem. If they know this, why dont they fix it? The seats will kill you on a long trip, they are extremely uncomfortable. The turning radius is terrible, just to park in a spot at the mall you have to pull in, back up, pull in, back up. I will never own another Mitsubishi

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  fun! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By luckyjedi - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I just have fun driving this thing. Its a great SUV. It does everything I need it to do and it makes me feel like Im in a car. I went around looking for a SUV for 3 weeks doing major research. Looked at Murano, 4runner, Pilot, Explorer, Jeep, and a bunch more but settled on the Endeavor. The moment I saw it I had a great feel for it and did my research and found it was a solid vehicle and the rest is history. BTW try not to trust too much of the editors opinions. The most accurate information you can get it from consumers like me and everyone else posting here. You can get a great feel for what the vehicle is like by reading forums.

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  Mediocre car for a decent value. - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By pubmain - May 17 - 9:26 am

  The only thing my GTZ excelled in was handling. Superb handling for a FWD. Ive already avoided two serious accidents from idiots failing to yield to oncoming traffic. I literally pulled some McGuyver moves on the road with this car. However, the exterior and interior is plagued with cheap manufacturing and design. This car is an absolute embarrassment to be top dog in the American Galant lineup. Models overseas make this thing look like a POS. The premium fuel gets extremely annoying and I wish I would have purchased a Hyundai or Ford Mustang for the same price. My advise, get a used Chrysler Sebring v6 if you dont need to leg room

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  Lancer Sportback! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By polli - May 15 - 3:10 pm

  The sportback has been a great vehicle and tool that I can use day to day and have a little fun while Im at it. The engine is strong, and the lower gears pulls pretty hard and therefore really quick. I just wish the 4th and 5th gear ratios werent so close. Also it would have been nice if this was offered in a 6 gear manual transmission.

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  Excellent, but... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By 04endeav - May 15 - 4:16 am

  I just bought this used in Nov 2009. Its got good power, and handles well. Also, for 2WD, it seems to do just fine in the snow. Gas mileage isnt very good, but Im used to a compact. I have found 18mpg city, but Im not that aggressive of a driver. The EPA claims 14 or so, which isnt true. It will move if you put your foot down, and feels very settled even under hard acceleration. Fuel economy disappears with aggressive driving habits. The engine is noisy at high RPMS but not unpleasant. I would like to see a better lit display for clock/audio, and rattle from interior panels. I would recommend this model, and feel that Mitsubishi offers quality vehicles.

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  Good option at a good price - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Dave - May 14 - 12:20 pm

  Although my Raider (rebadged Dakota) may not compete with some of the more refined trucks in its class, the Raider is an excellent choice for the price. The V6 provides decent power, the interior is roomy, and the features are simple to use. For the price and what I get in return, this vehicle is a good option.

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  Outstanding - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By triswimcycle@aol.com - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. The handling and acceleration or a credit and the roomy interior is quite suprising.

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  Impressive - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kwame - May 13 - 1:46 am

  I am impressed with the performance, styling, and build of the new 2006 Endeavor. I was happy to consider another Mitsubishi after five years with a Montero and I was looking for better gas mileage, the Endeavor hits the sweet spot - its a great car/SUV, lots of fun to drive, extremely comfortable steady on the road, and has effortless acceleration. I highly recommend this vehicle to any mid-size SUV buyers and to anyone looking for great value for money - I know Ill enjoy this vehicle for years to come.

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  Excellent value for money - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By TomK - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great deal! You get a lot for your money although I would have liked rear discs and ABS standard. The build quality is excellent, lots of low end power for just 120hp, great stereo, rides nicely, handles well. Compared to the Golf/Jetta I also looked at, the interior is far roomier and the performance was better at least compared to the non-turbo versions. The clutch is very nice but the 5- speed is a little notchy and is gated too close together.