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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  Great Little Dependable Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By edawg - February 22 - 1:46 am

  I purchased this car new in 2002. I have been both surprised and pleased. I have only put 28,000 miles on it, and the car has surpassed my expectations. The gas mileage both in town and on the highway is great, but the best thing about the car is that the only maintenance it has required has been regular oil changes and new tires. Considering the engine it has, the car has decent pickup upon acceleration, and is fun to drive. I expect my Lancer to last me for years to come. I highly recommend this car.

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  Solid car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By PCengineer - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I personal like the car very much. Prior to buying this car I spent a few months driving around in a 99 altima, and I must say that the Mitsubishi Galant is a much better car. The Galant feels tighter, quitter, and much smother than its competitors. Although my Galant has a 4 cylinder it still feels strong and has ample power for quick acceleration. Excellent sound insulation eliminates road noise making you feel like you are in a high-end car. I personally think the gallant gives you the best bang for your buck.

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  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mgouldsr - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Runs great, build quality is excellent.

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  Lovely Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Meggan - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchasing my 2003 Mitsu Lancer was a smart move. Mitsubishis ability to produce a powerful 4-cylinder is amazing! With Adaptive Shift Control, in the automatic models, my 4-cylinder, 2.0 can keep up pretty well with my 5- speed brothers and sisters. Hows my fuel economy, you ask? AWESOME! Getting anywhere form 22 to 27 miles per gallon! Mitsubishi has done it again!!

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Aseelah - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my car for a couple of days but I love it! It is so quite and handles the road like no other.

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  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By blontsikh - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Super car. Iam so happy. App 21 m/gal in hightway and 19 m/gal in side city.

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  One Solid SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By goldenboy - February 18 - 12:56 am

  I got the car late ma 2007 and I must say Im very satisfied with the cars performance. The cabin & cargo area is very spacious. The interior geometry & functionality is superb, youll have no problems finding extra space to store stuff. Despite its high stance, it rides and drives like a car w/very good handling and a comparably comfortable ride. Put it on 4WD lock & youll be surprised how well it handles twisty roads at moderately high speeds. Power-wise, you may not take off like a rocket but theres a lot of it to pass and climb steep terrain. Overall, this is a great car. It certainly deserves more credit than what most other reviews give it.

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  New and Improved Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By _hatchet_ - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Roomy and fun to drive, handles well and looks good. This is our second Mitsubishi, first one is a 1994 Mirage and still running good, decided to stick with Mitsubishi because of its reliabilty, and warranty coverages

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  awesome ride for an X-OVER-V !!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By m_k_e - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Handles well on zigzaging thru traffic for an SUV. Acceleration is responsive (sportronic or automatic). A V6 215 hp is just about right for the size of this monster. Braking with ABS never felt so smooth. These four discs controls your gravity inside the cabin when needed. The 235 x 65 x 17 tires hugs corners like a real sportscar. Not to mention the n-gin sits lower in the hood.

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  Honest Reality - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By DrieOlo - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had to replace the transmission and the passenger side window. The sunroof also has occassional difficulties opening but will eventually open if you play with it long enough. But its an overall good car/ powerful car.