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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  One Of The Most Reliable Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Talbot Lilley - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi is one of the most reliable vehicle this is my second mitsubishi my first is the Gallant

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  great - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Herve - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but very easy to scratch it

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  good in winter - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Alison - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I didnt set out to buy this car, was sort of conned into it by a boyfriend, then stuck with it when he didnt buy it off of me like he said he would. When I moved to Vermont I thought no way this car would last one winter. Now Im on my third winter. I put on studded snow tires and this car handles better than a 4x4. People are surprised when I tell them. Sure it still cant handle deep snow, but roads are usually plowed, so its not a problem. Its amazing how much you can fit in the hatch.

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  My wifes car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By troy williamson - September 22 - 2:00 am

  For the money this is the best car I ever owned. For small car it has great on long trips for comfort and gas. Best of all this car is great with style.

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  Good Car, Great Price - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rich Lucido - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the LS FWD for just under $21k and there is simply no other midsize SUV comparable in that price range. Drives incredibly well and has more than enough power for daily driving. The lack of ABS is a serious drawback, as is the automatic locking doors. Day time headlights would have been nice too. The build quality on it is much better than our 03 Trailblazer LT and it has more low end punch,a much nicer ride and despite being a smaller automobile it feels bigger. An extremely nice car, at a very reasonable price.

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  2003 Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Spider - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car

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  Nice Ride - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jackson Murphy - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for close to two years now and Ive got nothing but praise to say. Ive never had to take it into the shop for anything but an oil change, and it still drives smooth as the day I purchased it. If youre after a sporty car with some punch then I highly reccomend it.

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  I wasnt looking for a new Lancer - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tgriffaton - September 20 - 1:26 pm

  I wasnt looking for a new car, but a deer convinced me to look for a new one! So I headed over to the dealer... wow!! Love the styling of the inside and outside. Car shifts great, the handling and feel are much better than my 2004. This car is a head turner!

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  Initial feelings - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By gparkjr - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased thus far. All the amenities I ever wanted. Went through 3 dealers for the Limited and none would come close to the invoice price posted at Edmunds. Do not know how feasable it is to get invoice price. Power leaves something to be desired, but love everything else on the vehicle. Comparing to other like models, I feel this is the best deal.

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  Good buy - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By leopard - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in 2000 with sunroof and rear spoiler, and ahd a low interest loan on it. I drove 100 miles a day for the first a year and half, it never gave me any problem, just regular maintenance. It made my 2 hour commute a fun instead of a boring long driving. Now I have 50K on this car and still runs like new.