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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  Galant - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tyron - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car is good. The value really drops after you drive off the showroom floor. (nothing like the Nissian or Toyota). Two break jobs and I only have 36K miles on it. (The dealers has a license to steal)

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  Not a Bad SUV for even the Truck Lover - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By CDA - February 15 - 11:20 pm

  I was pushed into purchasing an SUV after an auto accident that made it so that I could not get in and out of a truck on a daily basis. This vehicle has great cargo space and ground clearance with the bonus of great fuel mileage. The seats could be a little more comfy but overall I love my Endeavor.

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  Love my 2007 Outlander! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By I. Macias, jr. - February 15 - 9:56 pm

  My 2007 XLS Outlander w/Sun and Sound Package, and the Luxury Package is still awesome and still very sexy looking. Recently put on 2,975 highway miles on trip to Las Vegas and San Diego, CA and my Outlanders V6 engine and 6-speed auto tranny handled it easily and very comfortably. Has many pluses and only a couple or real minuses... GREAT VEHICLE!!!

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  Amazing car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LancerCO - February 14 - 1:36 pm

  I bought my Lancer OZ Rally in April of 07 with 93000 miles on it and since then i have put on 30000 miles on it. I love driving this car in the summer and winter (as long as there is no snow). The Lancer struggles on snow and ice because it is so light. Overall though I love this car and plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. You wont be sorry you bought this car.

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  Excellent Car!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Goatboy - February 14 - 8:06 am

  I traded in a Dodge Dakota because I wanted a sportier vehicle. I did my research and after comparing the Mustang, RX-8, Civic-Si, and Eclipse, it was my favorite. I have had it about a month now and it is the best car I have ever owned. Its flashy, fast, hauls my golf clubs, and makes mundane trips to work a lot more exciting. It is an excellent medium between a full on performance car and a livable, daily commuting or touring car. The stereo is ridiculous. I didnt know you could get a stereo that sounds that good from the factory!

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  Excellent Value, Very Reliable - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EclipseOwnerJPB - February 11 - 11:26 am

  I bought a used, year-old Eclipse GS and have been extremely pleased with it. The interior is very comfortable and gives you that sports-car feel. It is great in the snow, handles very well and has been very reliable. For a sports car it gets good mileage.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dan - February 11 - 4:26 am

  I looked at every single small SUV on the market in the $18,000 to $28,000 range. I purchased the Outlander XLS FWD, Phoenix Red and the more I drive it the more I really like it. It has more than enough power, especially when using the sportronic. I think the steering is quite good, the brakes are excellent and the fit and finish both inside are quite good. I would recommend it to anybody who needs a small space vehicle.

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  Best SUV per$ - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Roadiee - February 9 - 2:00 am

  New for $17999!!!!!! Great! Never a problem!

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  Fun like my Z3 - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By x-beemerDrvr - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Used to have a BMW Z3. Had to sell it because of my companys downsizing. Had to settle for the OZ but never regreted the change. Even having the automatic, the acceleration is fantastic even uphill. Its been 4 months now, and I am still hooked. Also bought my wife one but the ES version.

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  just picked it up wow - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gjr723 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have just had the Outlander 3 days 560 miles so far wonderful. I was up in the mountains and out on the desert. Dirt roads and no roads this thing can handel it. Steep dirt pitted roads and lose sand no trouble. I like it!!!!