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:

• 

  Most fun I ever had - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BBusnardo - May 2 - 2:00 am

  When I was buying my car it was between the RSX and my GT that I got. Im so glad I got the Eclipse GT. I have a 5-speed manual and I love opening that door every morning and sitting in the drivers seat. The ride is a thrill and the engine roars as you take off.

• 

  love this ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tonym1963 - May 1 - 12:13 am

  I have owned my Endeavor for almost 2 years I love it. I would like a little more variety in option packages but it came nicely equiped. I think the site lines inside are 2nd to none and the ride is like a car.

• 

  Love My Montero - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By desertwitch - April 30 - 2:03 pm

  I love this SUV. Ive taken it on 500 mile plus trips and its been very comfortable. I tow a small boat with it and experience no loss of power. The Infinity stereo system is really good for a factory install. Security is great with a chip in the key. It couldnt be more reliable. Ive had it for six years now and its never had any problems. I found it handles much better with slightly wider, taller tires. Prior to that, it didnt handle well on wet roads. For an SUV, I cant complain about the mileage. It seems very well made which is good as parts are on the expensive side.

• 

  Oz Test - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Paul T - April 27 - 10:00 am

  A very comfortable car, easy to drive, very quite after my last 4x4. Costs less to insure and run.

• 

  ??? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By terry24 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  95k in 3yrs. Fun car with hot design qualities. However alot of rattleing noises.Questionable about how solid this car is built. Replaced a motor mount. All other components ok. Still have yet to prove itself in the long haul as the miles rack up.

• 

  Good SUV for the price - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By marcthepark - April 18 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased my Endevor about 8 months ago, and have had no issue with it. The exceleration is very good, and I live Colroado, and have many enterence ramps that are on hills. The SUV is confortable. It is simple (I have an LS), but the price was very good. Best value for size, year, power, and millage.

• 

  Must Test Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By GregL - April 18 - 6:33 pm

  I did a lot of research prior to purchase and I think I found a fine SUV. The owners know it is not perfect but when matched with the other SUVs in its class it is a decent match.

• 

  Great Car, Bad Dealer - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Quality Engineer - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Put 1000 miles on car and it drives like a dream. Get 29 MPG overall driving. Thats 75 MPH thru the mts. Who said this car cant climb? It sure can, and no problem either. This car is very satisfying so far. I love it. To bad Mark Mitsubishi is giving Mitsubishi such a black eye thru underhanded delings and false advertising. Oh well, there must be some good dealers out there.

• 

  GAlant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dfs - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive!

• 

  I love it!!!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sherellem - April 12 - 9:43 am

  I love the car. I am a small person so it fits me well. I get compliments everywhere I go syaing how nice the car it and how its perfect for me. Itys has great speed on the highway which I love, but the pick-up is a little slow. Its excellent on gas (which is a plus at these prices). Its warms up fast in cold weather, but fishtails a little in the snow (which I do not like). Overall, for the price, its worth it. I love it a great deal. A few little adjustments and it would be perfect!!!!! I recommend it.