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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  Love the car hate the salesman! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By womewhere - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I went in with a trade and had 2 salesmen with me at all times, took my original car keys never delt with issue of price reduction on their car only dickering with price on my trade in. Told me the cars on the lot were certified and they had the extended 10/100,000 warranty. Very disappointed with the dealership; felt they misled me;paid too much for the vehicle however not unhappy with it. i have 30 days/1500 miles whichever comes first which is normal on used vehicle. Salesperson is miserable never folllows up on his phone calls or followups. poor salesmanship. Would I go back ..NO!

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  Elegance without the cost - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TXDigger - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I was astounded when I saw the new design of the 04 Galant GTS. Black exterior with black interior, so many "options" are standard, its a deal waiting to happen. The ride is smooth and quiet. The Infinity sound system with 6-CD changer and EIGHT speakers...its like a concert hall on the road. It beats Lincoln LS from bumper to bumper. The same is true with the "little" Cadillac (cant remember the letters). Dont go lower than GTS. For less than $25K after a bit of dickering, youll love it.

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  Good looks and power to boot - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Zoomie - October 19 - 10:00 am

  More than enough power for a V-6. Rides over the road in a very smooth and controlling ride. Tons of leg room and ample space in the back for a long trip.

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  Love this car! - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Rev Dee - October 17 - 6:53 pm

  I have had my 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante for four years and have had very few problems. I love the torque and the ride. I also love the look and the feel.

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  A year old - great buy! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Vikas - October 15 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this car a year old off of a dealership. I got the car about 40% cheaper than what it would have been brand new. I like the exterior styling of the car, the front looks aggressive and the back looks a bit like the older BMWs. I have had this car for about 16 months now and have been very happy with it. Only a couple of compaints: 1) as mileage in the city stinks. 2) when I try accelerating aggressively it does this weird thing where it gets caught when the engine is revving at around 4,000 rpm. The Galant depreciates pretty quick for the quality of the car. I would rate it just behind the camry and the accord, but for the money you save, I would rather get this car. Great Buy!

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  Great Car - Everything I Want in a Sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Galantboy - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The ES with the upgraded sun and sound package is a blast....open the sun roof and crank up the stereo. Handles extremely well, and at high speeds, around 110mph, the car holds the road like a racer. Try that in a Taurus or Camry and youll end up in a ditch.

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  Great car,can be better - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rosemarycars - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car,only thing you need to use hi- test gas.Can never feel very comfortable in the drivers seat.Overall, a great car.

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  Simply superlative - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By geralt - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I have this car for three monts, and absolutly love it. Have driven numerous small cars and none compare to this one. Room, ride, handling are outstanding. Fun car with plenty of speed for your average driver. Reliability is flawless, proven by German TUV. Lancer beats even a Mercedes and BMW. Have not had any problems at all with this car and would buy another in a second. Maybe even EVO VII.

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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Speedyvonquick - October 15 - 2:00 am

  A well rounded performer thats great looking, put together well, and fun to drive. Just purchased this weekend & got a great deal. Check out www.carsdirect.com before you buy ANY car and save big money! Their quote was $2,000 under what the dealership was quoting. I got the sun & sound package with leather. Leather is a must in this car as the fabric seats are very spongy and soft. Ill write another review after Ive put some miles on it.

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  Montero Limited Review - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By spintotenor - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have is that the tranmision slips a bit every once and a while.