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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  My Experience - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By miss as - May 11 - 5:26 pm

  I love my Outlander. Its a 5 speed and its easy to handle. I will stay in the Mitsubishi family as long as Im buying cars or trucks.

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  Big style, little substance. - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MBowen574 - May 11 - 9:00 am

  I bought my 1996 Mitsubishi Galant as a college car. It had 83,400 miles on it when bought, now it is at 90,850 miles. I love the styling, inside and out. I love that its easy to work on. I just love this car. Ive done a great deal of work on it, and have mostly gotten it all working again. The engine is really smooth for a 4-cyl. with the A/C off, the interior has held up really well, all the problems the car had when I got it have been relatively easy to fix. Its a shame the parts are so expensive and the major components (engine, transmission) are so finicky about care and proper maintainence. I can provide great care to this car, and have. The previous owners didnt. Its a shame really. I plan to keep it for a long time! This is an awesome car!

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  Excellent car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By vildal - May 10 - 12:03 pm

  When purchased it was extremely zippy and quick. At 100,000 miles it got sluggish until the ALTERNATOR belt was replaced. The 2 spark plug wires that go into the engine made more spark too. This performance of the Lancer depends highly on spark. Great car - clutch goes out at 100,000 only. No other repairs.

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  Hank awaits the EVO VII - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Hizzank - May 10 - 11:26 am

  So far, Ive had zero problems with the car, its great.

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  Fun to Drive Monty - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Nick - May 9 - 2:53 pm

  I used to own a Honda Mini Van but wanted to upgrade to an SUV. With lots of research work, I kept coming back to Montero Limited. The Price/Feature combo sold me a 5k mile driven SUV for a huge discount. Its a dark midnight blue with black leather interior. It currently has 85k miles. Besides regular oil/filter changes, I performed a major scheduled maintenance at 60K. Flushed fluids thru dealer, changed front/rear axle oil and spark plugs (DIY). Changed front brake pads at 40k interval and rear brakes once so far. A very reliable truck/SUV with no problems at all as long as you use genuine parts and keep up with maintenance. Planning on driving it up to 300k miles.

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  Wow, its so much FUN - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Goran - May 8 - 1:10 pm

  Ive been driving my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS for two weeks now and wow, what can I say...I love it. Everybody loves it. Heads turn wherever I go. It has excellent looks, power, and I love the stereo (I got the upgraded 650W). Its a joyride. I do recommend getting a small mirror to extend your view. It does have a few blind spots...but sho cares. ENJOY!

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  Bad buy - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Erica - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Its a pretty SUV, but thats about it. I had problems with the disc brakes and the computer went out within the first 12,000 miles. It lags between second and third gear. Resale value depreciates faster than I can make the payments. Ill never buy another Mitshubishi automobile.

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  GOOD BUY FOR YOUR MONEY - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By amy meade - May 6 - 10:00 am

  easy to drive ,peepy for a 4cyl,good stero sysyem,comfortable seats,lots of leg room and this suv will be easy to maintain,you can almost work on it yourself.

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  Mitsubishi 2004 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Paul Filliman - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration. Like the transmission. Handles very well. Fun to drive. Do not like chezzy plasic pices below rear door. Front bumber is very delecate and expensive to repair.

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  Super Performance - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dave Adams - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The ride is smooth and the gas mileage, comfort and performance is outstanding. Althought, it do not come with leather interior, it can easy be added via the dealer.This vehicle has excellent space for storage of varied internal features to support the needs of those that would like to step away from the crowd. Can easily be dressed for style because its well above the other sport utility vehicles. Ride like a car , look like a sporty utility vehicle.