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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  2002 Montero sport-my 2nd one - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By polokid69 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  excellent feel,nice solid ride even better than my 1999.Nice turning radious. Very versitale for hauling people or cargo.

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  Judged by its cover - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jesse - February 21 - 5:40 am

  Its a shame that for an SUV with many good qualities, the first thing people see is the grotesque faded clearcoat on my Mitsubishi. Before the paint issue, friends even strangers would compliment the sleek unique look of my ride. I had 20in. chrome wheels. added subs, amps even fluorescent lights. Once the paint started to give, I took the chrome off. Im embarrassed to put nice wheels on an ashy looking car. Now the windows are up the radio is low and I park way I the back. The way i see it, the paint job is giving Mitsubishi a bad Reputation. They should step up and resolve/recall this issue. Im not the only one out here that loves his endeavor on the inside and not on the out side.

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  The Moby - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By lufting - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a replacement for my Jeep Cherokee Sport. Basic stuff. The Montero Sport ES is indeed pretty basic. No complaint, though. I got what I went after. Its unforunate it has no residual value for those of you expecting to trade on the short term.

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  GOOD PERFORMANCE - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By LAURA - February 15 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND MITSUBISHI - AND THE LAST ONE DUE TO THE SALESMEN AT POTAMKIN SOUTH, MIAMI FL

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  Very fine SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Tom1 Thom - February 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife hasnt found anything she didnt like about the car yet. I liked the body style better than the other SUVs except Toyota but wasnt going to give the 6000 dollars more for a Toyota with less warranty.

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  Fun CUV, best bang for the buck - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Noeffectx - February 13 - 1:46 am

  The day after I bought my GT, have to take it back to the dealer, because the air compressor got shot, but knowing Mitsubishis awesome warranty, I know I was covered. My local dealer Lasorsa Mitsubishi replaced my air compressor free of charge. I drove 700 miles on it now and I love it. I was considering the Subaru Forrester XTi Limited before the GT, but after I test drove the GTs 6cyl w/ Rockford/fosgate sound systems it was no contest. Best bang for the buck! Outlander GT is the best CUV for the price and performance.

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  Sad to let go - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By kitgbar - January 30 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 2000 because my 87 Nissan Sentra was dying on me. I have havent had any problems since owning it, even after getting into a fender bender in 2001. I did my best to maintain it with regular oil change and such. This is the most reliable car Ive owned and Im actually sad to let it go. I traded it in for a new 2007 Volvo S40 tonight and somehow Im ridden with guilt for replacing it since I really didnt need a new car.

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  Mitsu - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Eddie - January 30 - 6:30 pm

  Car runs great. Shouldve gotten the GTS since it has more power than the ES- Sport, but there is plenty of space between the engine and the firewall to add a few extra horses under the hood.

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  DOS AND DONTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dwayne Roberts - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first full size Montero, two others before were sports. This vehicle is all around a nicer vehicle with better quality materials used in it. I have the 2003 and I can see it is clear that many poeople reviewing this car as Mitsubishi sales people. I guess you cant weed them out. Nice car but not the right one for me. Mitsubishi was also horrible to deal with through the whole. Had no care that I already had two previous. Never again will I deal with them.

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  Not so good - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By KellyDee - January 17 - 2:23 am

  Not the best car ever. I only get about 23 mpg doing regular driving of city and highway combined. Stock 10 point rims were bent and found out everyone was having problems with these rims, causing accidents. I replaced them immediately. Paint is peeling from a cheap clear coat. Second gear doesnt always catch. A lot of people have these problems, not just me. Trunk pulls broke. The only good thing is its fun to drive, and looks good. Handles turns pretty well. And does not suck up much oil at all.