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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  Wonderful SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jhlilly - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have only had one problem with this vehicle in the last 3 years and that is my power antenna INOP. Other than that, she has worked out well for my family

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  Great SUV - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By craig Lemelle - August 5 - 11:16 am

  Great SUV, This SUV is based off the the award winning race truck of Dakar Rallye in the 1990s, a tried and true, race proven, durable SUV. The racing hertiage of Mitsubishi and vehicle make it a great truck. Mitsubishi really has a top notch SUV. Its styling is mean, beefy, and agressive. I love it. This is really the only SUV or truck mass produced from a race truck, Mitsubishi really did there homework. I cant say enough.

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  What a Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Dalvez - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first non-Ford car I have ever owned. I drive 182 miles every day to and from work. I was in an Accident 3 months after getting The Diamante. I T-Boned an 2002 Toyota Camry at 55 MPH. I came out of it without a scratch, and there was no frame damage to the vehicle. The Camry was totalled. I would say i am very pleased with the Diamante.

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  Not Very Powerful - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By KC4967 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My Montero runs pretty smoothly on the highway and when going high speeds. Problem is that it is hard to pick up speed, and it seems to struggle when I am acclerating. When my car is idle, the engine sounds like it is working very hard even though it is doing nothing.Good thing is that you cant hear it very welll from inside the car unless the windows are down. Overall it has a comfortable ride, but very useless 3rd row seats.

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  I LOVE MY SUV EVEN WITH HIGH GAS PRICES - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JANIE M KNIGHT - July 30 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT ALL AROUND VEHICLE THAT HAS BROUGHT ME MUCH JOY AND I REALLY AM LOVING IT. THIS VEHICLE HAS SUCH A GREAT DESIGN AND GREAT FEATURES THAT MAKE IT A JOY TO DRIVE. AND THE COMPLIMENTS THAT I HAVE RECEIVED FOR ON LOOKERS ARE JUST EXTREMELY EXTRODIONARY.

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  2004 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Endeavor Driver - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a very smooth driving SUV on and off road. Very comfortable on long trips.

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  Good car for my family and me - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Sam/seonae_bang - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought it 5 days ago. So far, I like it very much. My wife and I fist considered Toyota Highlander but we felt Highland is for female dirivers. Endeavor has enough power and handling is good. My 3 year twins easily ride in and out of the vehicle. Interior design is modern and nicely looking.

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  drive like a sedan - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By eliezel - July 30 - 10:00 am

  exelent suv. drive like a sedan on the wheel with a powerfull sportronic experience

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  awesome car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jayme - July 30 - 10:00 am

  ive had my car for about 3 months and it has not let me down yet. this is my dream car and i finally got it. i was so happy. its comphy,its nice inside and out, fun to drive + lots and lots more!

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  Great commuter, not bad comfort - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gattor - July 30 - 3:16 am

  This car is great for commuting and could be more comfortable... went on many long trips with it and its good... I would consider buying another newer model in future.