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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  Montero Forever - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By UTGKS - October 5 - 10:00 am

  We spent months looking for other SUVs and really only ended up at the Biggers Mitsubishi for the cool FREE demo CD. After driving the Outlander to seal the deal on the CD, we looked at the Montero Limited and two hours later ended up driving it home. We were sold on the room for the money!

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  I love my Mitusbishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By tre252000@yahoo.com - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Great family car. Very comfortable. I get lots of complimants from people when just driving by.

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  Mitsu Stands Out from the crowd - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By virtualyode - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research prior to purchasing my new Galant. I said that I would never buy a sedan until I saw the new Galant. The car is sporty, stylish and built like a tank. The 2.4 mivec purs like a kitten and feels like a 6 cylinder. This car is different than most grocery getter sedans. Mitsu is re- engineering their North American operations and their products are getting better and better. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Nice Car for First-time Buyers - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bhaskar - October 1 - 5:23 am

  This is the first brand new car I ever purchased and I absolutely love it. Even though Mitsubishi is not as popular as a Honda or a Toyota, it still knows how to build a nice car for economy drivers like me.

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  The car drives like a dream - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Victor - September 30 - 9:26 pm

  The car drives like a dream. I cant think of anything that I dont like about this car - very sporty looking starting with the grill to the tail lights they look like the Lexus tail lights. As far as the engine - lots more power than the previous 4cyl plenty of power. I cant think of anything out there that can compare. Overall a very nice car for your money...

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  2014 Mitsubishi Mirage - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By rob269 - September 30 - 6:19 am

  I bought this car as I finally decided to try a small car, coming out of an 2012 F150 and a 2011 Genesis, which are the types of vehicles I am used to driving. This is not a Cadillac, Lexus or Mercedes, and its not a BMW or Corvette. So dont expect the luxury and handling you would get in one of those vehicles. Having come out of some very nice vehicles, this one is pretty impressive considering the price and the gas mileage. I read all the bad reviews before I bought but decided to go test drive one and judge for myself, and was I surprised. I think the criticisms levied at this vehicle are greatly exaggerated, to the benefit of its competitors. But the MPG is for real, outstanding

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  Top notch on everything - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Calvin - September 30 - 5:53 am

  Ok, imagine, I purchase this Fantastic 2009 SUV not knowing that the 2010 version would be much improved...Lol! Doesnt matter because this 2009 is just awesome, top notch on everything, smoothness, superb handling, Power that will put to shame a Acura MDX (that costs 40% more) on the street. Style, AWD system that LOCKs and is head and shoulders above the competition (the 2010 version is even more efficient). Mitsubishi is out to prove THEY are the best engineered vehicle in the world...period! Toyota and Hondas watch out. The King is waking up!

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  Good value for the buck, but buy used. - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Jeff - September 28 - 11:36 am

  The 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante is excellent. I have kids and the interior, with a little vacuuming, looks as good as the day I bought it. The ride is Cadillac like, smooth and plush. My only complaint is the depreciation of the vehicle. I lost half the MSRP the first year. It has stayed steady since then though, at least according to www.Edmunds.com.

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  My Best Car Experience - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jeremy Keith Branch - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my brand new 03 Mitsubish Galant ES. Its fun to drive and very comfortable. It is very sporty and fuel efficient vehicle

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  Fun, But Needs A Little More - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Cat - September 27 - 6:40 pm

  I love my girl, but she just doesnt have as much "Giddy-Up And GO" (until about 45 mph)as I would prefer. I read some other reviews that said the rear spoiler and small back window make it impossible to back up. WRONG! The window is HUGE, and Ive never had a problem backing out in almost 2 years. She HUGS curves, and its easy to make the tires squeal if you pull the wheel a little to one way (XD), even in the automatic. Sportronic is a MUST! SO FUN! Gas mileage is decent. The car just like great stock, and really shines with a few simple tweaks (darker tinting makes a bigger difference than you think!!!)