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:

• 

  Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By miran - March 23 - 1:33 pm

  I cant say enough about this vehicle. I like everything about it and the price is right, now I have two, I bought one for my daughter, I traded in a Fordd Focus Wagon. There is no comparison, I wish they were continuing to make the Sportback but I guess they didnt go over and they discontinued the model. Get one while you can, they are getting hard to find.

• 

  Me and My SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Phillygator - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck. The style of the vehicle inside and out is very handsome. I got the SUV at a great price used, and I havent had any troubles since (knock on wood). I traded in my 2002 Nissan Altima for the Montero Sport and I am extremely happy that I did so. Most people think that Nissan makes a superior product to Mitsu, but in the 5 months I owned my Altima, it was non-stop trouble. The Montero Sport has been a pleasure to own.

• 

  Great SUV - 2nd one - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Darren T - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Montero Sport LS, had great luck with it. I towed a 17ft fishing boat with no problem. Reliablity was great - not one problem for 3 1/2 years (45000 miles). Decided to opt for the 2003 XLS this time around. The 3.5L motor is a nice improvement and the ride is a little nicer. The dash is the only thing I would change, its a little outdated but functional. All and all a great vehicle.

• 

  Best Crossover Suv Every - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Justin Dover - March 22 - 7:10 am

  You will not find a better riding crossover SUV. It has more features than any vehicle of its type on the road. It has the best navigation system built, the Lexus and the top end vehicles dont stand a chance.

• 

  04 endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lucas - March 21 - 1:43 am

  Like everyone else, I have big problems w/ the paint. I also have big problems w/ the quality of the interior. Very poor plastic throughout. Lots of fading. Very noisy ride on the freeway. Definitely need to improve the quietness for the interior. Needs air vents for the rear seats in the hot Arizona desert.

• 

  Mirage is a winner! - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Texas Gary - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this vehicle for about four years now, nearly 65,000 miles, without any problems whatsoever. Only work needed so far has been for routine maintenance. Good fuel economy at ~30mpg average city/hwy mix. Our mechanic even loves it, says its very easy to work on.

• 

  Great car overall - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By bondtime - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Leather seats are really soft and comfortable. The car is roomy, even for a big guy like me, very spacious. Its not as fast as Id like it to be but the looks cover that. The car looks great. I like the light-up dash speedometer thing. Back passenger windows go down all the way. I also like the mirrors attached to doors, something different from other cars. Another thing I like about this car is it does have window frames, it may be a bad thing after a while but I love it. Thing I dont like about it, its kinda slow at 200hp and back seat doesnt go down. Overall, this is a great car.

• 

  Diamante from California - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Paris and Kimberly - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Wow ... we lost our shirts buying it new even with the huge rebate and great financing. Looking to trade with only 50,000 miles and its worth nothing close to what we would have expected. Paid close to 30k and now its worth 9k??? Not a winner in my book. I like the car but money is money. We wont buy another Mitsubishi for sure.

• 

  like it but - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bob bove - March 17 - 10:00 am

  the interior could be a little more cushiony seat is a little hard but overall a pleasure to drive

• 

  Traction questions on 08 Eclipse - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By carnut - March 15 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned my Eclipse gs for about four months now with about 4,000 miles on it and found it to be fun to drive, good acceleration and a great sound system but I am noticing that in wet weather the car loses traction around curves and slides and wonder what it will be like in winter driving with snow and ice other than that the car is pretty nice.