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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  This Mitsu is excellent - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mazzo - August 17 - 10:30 am

  Had the car for almost one year, never a problem, I am fully satisfied with the car. Drives wonderfully. I love the engine sound, excellent handling, AWD on snowy roads, and using the paddle shifters when it is time to zip away. The design of the interior is nice, offers lots of storage, and seats are comfortable. The Rockford-Fosgate stereo is unbelievable.

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  I love my car - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ken - August 17 - 12:53 am

  Great car. Handles like a much more expensive sports car with sporty styling. Great acceleration for a 4 cylinder and truly a fun drive. It is a 2 door hatchback that makes you excited to go anywhere. I couldnt be happier with it.

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  Ralliart Supporter - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Tim - August 15 - 9:23 am

  Purchased in August 2004. Vechile has been excellent in -40 degrees to plus 40 degrees. Build quality is excellent. Service from dealer is very good. Only fault was squeeky rear bushings and fan door rotary switch. All replaced under warranty in a flash. Excellent winter and summer handling. Goodyear RSAs are poor versus Brigestones.

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  Nice Comfortable Car-Like SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Shadowtrax - August 15 - 2:13 am

  A great vehicle thats much more nimble than its size appears - rides well on smooth streets as well as rough ones. Very good visibility and large front windshield is great - a person doesnt feel boxed in. Nice dash and lighting. Good sound/stereo. Gets same mpg in town as similar AWD SUVs (15mpg) if youre light on the gas and stops/starts. Feels very roomy in front AND back seat. Has separate liftgate window (most other SUVs dont offer this). Huge sunroof is nice - allows better head room and feeling of openess. Comfortable leather seats. We live in a snowy area, and the AWD does GREAT in the snow - used it many times for ski trips! And of course, the 5yr/60K bumper-to-bumper warranty

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  pretty awesome! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jay215 - August 14 - 8:20 pm

  good and its really a Reliability car!

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gameface - August 11 - 8:56 am

  The Mitsubishi Outlander is fun, fast, roomy, and affordable! Ive owned numerous cars and SUVs. The Endeavor is the best riding and most ergonomic vehicle I have ever owned.

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  UNCOMFORTABLE!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By pilot - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Worst vehicle that I have ever owned!! Runs good, but VERY UNCOMFORTABLE to drive!! Arm rest too short, seat too low, window ledge for your left arm too narrow, A/C is undersized,takes forever to get cool, having electricial problems with the interior lights and the lights when you press the keyless entry system. No tape deck, fake roof rack, and no leg room in the back seats when the front seats are all the way back, which they have to be unless you were in the Wizard of Oz as a little person. Lousy resale also - I have 63000 mi. and they only want to give me $8500.00 for it and other than the miles there is nothing wrong with it.

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  Mitsubishi Montero Sport - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By LBK - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love the style, comfort, and performance of my Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I t meets all the needs of my family of 3 teenagers and two professionals. Good buy and great SUV!

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  Its Getting Long in the Tooth - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gsemike - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Maybe it was a sharp design in 98, but now it looks old and boring inside and out. Ive been looking for a 6 cyl sedan, and it only took a few minutes for me to know that the Galant wouldnt cut it. How did it get up to $23,800 and still have cloth seats? Im still shopping, but the Galant is definately behind the Chrysler Sebring and Mazda6. The Chrysler and Mazda dealers were far more willing to deal and both cars are new designs and feel more solid. Even though I asked twice, Wantaugh Mitsubishi never let me know what invoice was on the car.

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  Only Lancer better would be the EVO - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By cmcoggon - August 6 - 8:26 pm

  I didnt want to get another Lancer as my wife has an 03 OZ, but I was swayed once I test drove it. It powered into traffic without effort. I was pushed into my seat by unexpected torque. I was sold at that point. The frills (sunroof and Infinity sound system) were just the proverbial icing on the cake.