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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  opinion - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ahm - August 5 - 5:43 am

  The side molding on my 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor came off first week. The A/C went out twice. Had squeak & grind noise in steering wheel. Replaced steering column at about 15,000 miles. Seats squeak. Radio (am/fm) & CD makes awful noise. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem, but does every time I drive car. Working on that now! Needs another set of mud guards. Stays dirty but do not make for 2004 model. Front dashboard scratches real easy and cannot be cleaned or buffed out. Side mirrors have good visibility, but are a pain when trying to reach a drive thru window. Cloth seats are already wearing out threads with only 21,000 miles.

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  Cant justify getting rid of it. - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By kirk - August 4 - 3:30 am

  Have had my 98 for about 8 yrs. Averaged 34 mpg, and have seen 45 mpg on straight highway driving. Put on a cold air intake and now it sounds more throaty. Very reliable. Never been in the shop. Lots of room to work on engine. (its smaller than some motorcycles engines). I always talk about the mileage. Why get a hybrid, is what I Wonder.

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  Very disapointed - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By warnecj - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car strait off of the truck. This was my first mistake. When I got in I noticed the tweeter on the driver door was missing from the Premium sound system. It took 3 months to get fixed. I then spent 2 months trying to get the airbag fixed. After having the car for about 1.5 years the stereo went. The dealer replaced it, but not long after the warrenty expiered, it would not read cds again. It cost me 300 to get a new stereo. I have spent more time at the shop than I have on the road. When I called Mitsu about the problems, they did not even seen to care. I will not buy a Mitsu. ever agian.

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  Enjoying my Endeavor..... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Greg Dabor - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my new Endeavor, the handling is superb. I cannot believe the fit and finish, it is perfect. I would strongly recomend this vehicle to anyone interested in a SUV.

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  Dangerous at all speeds - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By CPTKILLER - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The car is basically similar to all Mitsubishis in that they copy everyone else (I worked for Mitsubishi Forklift). Design is weak. Emergency handling is extremely dangerous. I was in a near head on wreck. I got passed that OK but the subsequent poor handling caused a roll over. My daughter also sold hers recently because of other problems.

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  Still as fun as day one - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mrmd - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Funny how there are a couple of reviews that complain about the interior workmanship. I have put over 20k per year on this can and it is as tight inside and out as the day I bought it...........not to mention as fun too. Its not a Porsche or a Ferrari but damn its still fun. Plus it tops its price range in getting looks.

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  Good but not perfect! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Piper - August 2 - 5:16 am

  Now that I have 5 month of driving on my Outlander, its time to put a good review. First, the inside insulation is not at the top, your ear a lot of road noise and the exhaust system is a bit noisy. I get an average fuel economy of 18-16 in the city and 22-24 in the highway driving. Its a great suv during the winter season, you feel secure driving around. The seat are comfortable but a lite high. The warranty is great but after driving it for a couple month, if I had to choose for my new SUV now I would not choose this one. Before buying test drive it for a day or two, you will see what I am talking about.

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  Seattle Driver - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Bean - July 31 - 10:36 pm

  Montero Sport is a reliable SUV, It s a little sluggish on the get go accelation but other than that pretty smooth.

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  Good Car - Dealer Needs Work - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By KStov - July 31 - 10:00 am

  My new Montero is a very well refined vehicle. Watch out if you buy at Skyline Mitsubishi, they play games with numbers in a big way. Too bad there isnt a John Elway Mitsubishi in North Metro Denver.

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  I Love My Eclipse - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By uprights - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth car with a Mitsubishi engine. The first was a Dodge Shadow, then came a Plymouth Laser, then my first Eclipse (a turbo), and finally my current 6 cylinder Eclipse. These cars are so reliable - and the Eclipses are fun to drive. The only thing that is marginal is the stereo system.