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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  03 Galant V6 is best! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By goldnugget99 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Galant V6 Sedan is powerful, roomy, & comfy. Your body molds the seats & everything is within perfect reach. Its so quiet while driving, you can actually enjoy the excellent sound system. Safety is a 10 along with the get-up n go. Easy steering, brakes, & gas. 4 cupholders! 2 outlets, and #1 cruise system! No wind noise. 24-27 mpg. Great car.

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  So far...so fabulous! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Macman617 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car to replace our Windstar! Yaahooo! No More Vans! We looked at everything in its class...Highlander (boring,overpriced and not nearly as fun to drive) Pilot (too truck like...looks like a Jimmy!) Isuzu Axiom (did not like the way it handled) Saturn VUE (way too small) and the Endeavor. Wow this SUV drive great. Handles well in Boston traffic (and you people from Boston can appreciate that!). It was a great value, priced perfect. Wish I bought the XLS! Miss a sunroof!

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  where are all the outlanders? - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mayda1 - July 22 - 6:06 am

  My car is 1 month old and performed flawlessly on a 6100 x-cty trip (mostly on I-70). I was a bit skeptical purchasing my first suv, and had to purchase the smaller engine thanks to cash for clunkers, but this model is the perfect fit for my lifestyle. I love the "sun and sound" option, the rear door opening and "tailgate" and overall space for the "stuff" I cart around. I love that I can fit my bike inside, although I do have a usable rack if needed. Other storage room and cup holders are more than adequate. For the money, this is a great performing vehicle. Down the road some of the interiors "plastics" may pose a problem, but I can easily accept that. The 168 hp is adequate. Would rec.

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  excllent car for the money - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By gla - July 21 - 10:00 am

  the mitsubishi diamante vr-x is fun to drive. it has great acceleration and it handles well. great interior and the stereo is good quality. very smooth on the road.

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  Like the Montero Sport Lmtd AWD - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Margot - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Had mine since June. Its done great and worked for every need weve had so far--big trips, urban commutes, hauling kayaks, plants, groceries, pets. Only wish is for better gas mileage, which holds for any midsize or larger SUV.

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  2003 GTS has potential - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By CabindaJoe - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This new form of eclipse is rather impresive. Just dont try and race redlight to redlight with the A.C. on. The 6 cyl. engine does have some pep and if you dont mind sweating when it is hot outside it is very fun to drive. There is a severe blind spot. Aftermarket parts are hard to find right now, but I am sure they will come soon. Gas mileage is good for a sportscar. Insurance is relatively low. It is not considered a sports car. Same mitsubishi low rent interior condiments, but they look good. Overall this is a very nice car.

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  Terrific Crossover SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Brian Burgeson - July 19 - 10:36 am

  Ive had my 2005 Endeavor LS AWD for several months now and Im very happy with it. It drives like a car - both its general driving and the use of its AWD are smoother than my fathers Grand Cherokee. It has been very good in the limited off-roading Ive done so far. The towing capacity is a little low, but adequate for my uses. If youre looking for an all-around midsize SUV, this is tough to beat. V6 is a great blend of power and fuel economy compared to others in this class.

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  VERY Impressed - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By travisfieldcop - July 18 - 1:10 pm

  This is my first Mitsubishi and my first sports coupe. I was attracted to the new Eclipse as soon as I saw it. Its incredibly fun to drive and turns many heads. I enjoy driving and watching people turn to look and admire the car. I have received several compliments on the exterior styling. All and all I am VERY pleased and excited to own this car. I selected the GS model because of the price and do not regret it at all. Its a blast to drive!

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  its great - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By galixygirl - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have o say I wasnt very happy with my dealer ship afterwords but the car is great!Ive had it almost two years and other than rutione mantance its been awsome!My friends love to drive it too wich must mean its fun. I take little road trips here and there and Ive never had more problems than a flat tire.

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  Best of all test driven - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Big Andy - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I test drove about a dozen SUVs and the only one that surpassed the Endeavor was the Lexus RX330 at 15K more. The ride, acceleration and handling are superlative. I was thoroughly impressed with the value received for money spent. This vehicle is Mitsubishis hidden gem.