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:

• 

  MONTERO SPORT - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By WILDERBEAST - August 30 - 2:00 am

  THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY "SKIPPY" AND THE ACCELERATION IS LETHARGIC, BUT WHEN UP TO 4TH AND AT CRUISIUNG SPEED IT IS A SMOOTH RIDE.

• 

  Looks good...Drives well. - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Herculesman - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car. Turns out its one of the best decisions ive made. The car handles really well. I was suprised by how well the handling felt when i put it in 4WD in the snow. Plus, it look great on the outside. At times, i feel the pick up could be better (especially when merging onto the highway) but then again, you cant expect any SUV to have the pick up of a sports car. Overall, great car. Would recommend to all my friends.

• 

  Ergonomically Perfect - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Paul Stumpf - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My 1983 Lancer LS has all the most important features I was looking for. Very pretty interior with all controls at my fingertips; 15" alloy wheels; cruise control; power mirrors; remote entry with 4-door locking from drivers and front passengers controls; front and rear stabilizers and front disc brakes. The car is exceptionally tight and quiet. The engine compartment is well laid out and very tidy. The Lancer LS is an excellent long trip car for its size and has plenty of legroom for rear seat passengers.

• 

  Lancer Ralliart vs. Civic Si - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mitsu Sports - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi gets a perfect 10 for upgrading its econo/sport car. O-Z model didnt have enough adrenaline rush under its hood or suspension skills. The 04 Lancer Ralliart has enough guts to crush a puny v-tech civic. V-Tech or MIVEC? Well on paper and on the track it shows Mitsu has a better variable valve timing system.

• 

  03 OZ left over- loving it so far - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lowzone - August 30 - 2:00 am

  just got the car as an 03 Leftover, dealership was OK,salesman was great. Paid 13,425 for a 17k car (plus tax,title,reg). great incentives from Mitsu for leftovers. Great deal over the ES with added options,nicer seating,coloring of interior. Rides great, havent figured out the MPG yet, only 300 miles on the car so far.has enough torque to get onto highways and we havent revved it up past 3500 yet since its so new.

• 

  frejenendeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By frejen - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just a fun nice ride.

• 

  2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor LTD. is AWESOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By smason386 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Test drive it and you will buy one to.

• 

  WOW! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Adam - August 28 - 6:10 am

  For the price, the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is the best car out there. It has an awesome warranty, looks at least $10,000 expensive more than it is. A dude at the gas station looked shocked when he asked about the price and I said that I got it for around $20,000. This car is nice and fast. It is one of the best looking cars out on the road. It provides great comfort for front passengers, but the rear seats are just for show (thats why its not a 10). It has a good sized trunk for lugging around my hockey equipment. Mine is the awesome new color of pearlescent orange (think metallic orange that looks red at night and bright orange in sunlight)

• 

  Heater Core went out!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By whatanabe - August 27 - 5:06 am

  Granted I bought my 03 Galant used with approx. 32,000 miles. No major problems until a few weeks ago. Heater core went out along with the drivers side window motor. Dealership said the cost would be over $900. I said no way! Never been happy with the design... a huge lackluster.

• 

  2007 Mitsubishi Galant - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By milos - August 26 - 1:00 pm

  I just bought this car and I love it. Easy to drive, feels sporty, stable on the road, easy on gas. Mitsubishi is big in Europe and underappreciated in USA. Excellent warranty and real eye pleaser. Looks like a BMW, drives like an Accord, costs like a Chevy!!