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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  Best SUV out there - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Love my Endeavor!! - January 19 - 1:16 pm

  When I traded in my 02 Galant, I purchased the 04 Endeavor in Sept 04 and it is great. My routine maintenance was covered for the first 3 years which saved me thousands because the 36,000 mile service was covered (a $500 service). The only problem I had is that the windshield washer fluid pump went out but it only cost $50 and took 20 minutes to fix. That has been my only "complaint" in almost 4 years and 55,000 miles. I have taken at least 15-20 road trips and never had a single problem!!! I think I made a wise investment in purchasing this vehicle new. I definitely recommend this vehicle. As having owned the Galant, they drive the same. Good job Mitsubishi.

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  nice - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By PittPA - January 17 - 1:36 am

  This is my first new car...ever. Its great. Fun to drive on the back roads and economical. The stock stereo is great too. Manual tranny is pretty good, sometimes sloppy. This is a worthwhile vehicle for someone starting out in life after college or a cheap, fun 2nd car.

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  Great care - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brownr1 - January 15 - 7:21 pm

  Overall I really love the car. Living in a snowy place, I like the AWD. Also, I have two good size dogs, so I wanted a SUV that has a spacious cargo area; this car does. The car has a lot of great feature (hands free blue tooth, heated leather seats, sunroof, rear vent control, comfortable seats, front windshield whippers clear a bigger area than most, and the blind spots arent that bad). Unfortunately, the GPS leaves a lot to be desired. Even if you dont put in a category or city, it still greys out letters so you cant choose them, and there is no where to search for general stores, only shopping centers. I still keep my Garmin in my car. Lastly, this car has a poor turn radius.

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  Nice Truck Among All Small Trucks - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By SJ Navy Recruiter - January 14 - 3:03 am

  I told myself that I would never buy a truck ever in my life. That was until I saw the Raider. I didnt even know Mitsubishi went back to the pickup business, til I saw the truck at the dealer. Its a nice truck and it rides nice. Everything in it is nice. Plus it comes with a good waranty. You wont pay a dime for the scheduled maintenance. I will enjoy driving this truck for a while.

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  secound Mitsubishi mirage in the family - 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Glenn Scramlin - January 13 - 6:19 pm

  I bought a 2014 Mirage and loved it so much my wife bought a 2015. these cars get great gas milage. they are great in the city and are comfortable on the highway. for the price you cant beat it. so dont jest read the reviews of those so called professional reviewers. take one for a test drive and remember its great value for the money and has a great warranty

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JCK972 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had the best experience with my Lancer! It is comfortable and stylish. I know when I head out of the garage everyone day, that I will be able to get where I am going, in my car!

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  outstanding - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Doogie53 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle. Mitsubishi has come along way. My family now owns 2 mitsubishis. The ride, acceleration, design and comfort were all well thought out before they threw this one together. I have owned a lot of vehicles in my day and this one rates way up as one of the best.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Harrisburg Driver - January 12 - 6:03 am

  I had a 2003 Gallant that ran beautifully for years, and this car is a significant upgrade from that one. If the reliability and durability is as good, I will be extremely happy with this purchase.

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  Awesome car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By liz85 - January 9 - 2:21 am

  This is my second car after my 02 chevy malibu. Wow! I love it! I average about 27 mpg. I recently took a 3,000 mile trip and this car was awesome! It handles corners amazingly, however, its not as comfortable as a sedan on long trips (I was expecting it) but it wasnt too terrible. Backseat is very small. The eclipse is a two seater car with backseats. I was hesitant to get the automatic, but the sportstronic transmission is actually a lot of fun. I cant say enough good things about this car and its certainly a head turner! I always get people trying to race me. The 4 cyl. certainly has more than enough power to get you off the starting line. I love it!

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  i love it - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Omais - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, i think my gtz is real nice, the handling is great, the 7 speaker infiniti system sounds better than any factory sound system i heard, the exterior style is awsome. Engine is real quite, and styling is awsome. 5- year 1.9 rate was the best deal around. I get so many compliments on this car, and the ladies love it. A maxima or accord with all these features would cost way more, and doesnt look nearly as nice.