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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  solid alternative to standard SUVs - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By elenagracia - July 16 - 1:10 am

  I did quite a bit of research before I decided to purchase my first SUV, and after test driving a few, I was afraid I would have to make the jump to the luxury SUVs when I decided to try the Mitsubishi Endeavor. This is a beautiful SUV with distinctive exterior and interior styling, and an excellent carlike ride and drive. It feels really solid -- being a bit longer and wider than the Honda Pilot - - and takes me everywhere (with its AWD) safely and securely. This trim level feels lush and spacious, and carries five adults and plenty of cargo comfortably. The Endeavor is a stylish, powerful alternative to the standard SUV box -- its definitely worth a look.

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  Dont mess with a good thing - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Michael Albert - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just simply want to invite anyone to drive the Galant GTZ. Though I have driven this car for only 8 months I would recomend it highly, especially for the money that could be saved buying a competitors automobile.The ride and features are exceptional. Although the competition within its class are of higher horsepower dont let the GTZs engine fool you. I close with the confidence in telling you that even if I made a million dollars I would still consider this car.

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  One of the best cars Ive owned - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By casetractor - July 10 - 1:49 pm

  Having owned at least 20 cars in my time, the Montero Sport is hands down one of my favorites. It has it all in terms of reliability, versatility, dependability, and value, and it looks pretty decent to boot. Having just turned 140,000 miles, I can honestly say nothing has gone wrong with the car, it still gets around 19 MPG combined, and Ive only done the recommended maintenance. The interior is simple yet durable, and stands up to the daily abuse my two young kids submit to it. If I could find another Montero with fewer miles, I would purchase another one without hesitation and own two.

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  Galant Lover - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Joe & Nayra - July 10 - 9:00 am

  This is the second Galant weve owned. The first one was a 2003 model. We bought it used with 140,000 miles on it and it drove very good for three years. With that type of dependability we decided to go for another one. The 2006 model we just bought has 60,000 miles on it but drives great and it looks like new inside out!

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  Suprised by an eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rjmorgan - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This was not the first car I drove. I used to be an Acura man but the GTS won me over. Most of the downfalls of the Gt have been addressed in the GTS. Better interior materials, slightly more horsepower at 210, A cold air intake and geared to be more of a sports car and an exahst that turns heads with its mean sound.

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  Beautiful Vehicle - What a Looker! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Paul - July 7 - 11:36 am

  This is the second Eclipse that I have owned. This one is a true looker! Performance is a big plus. Fair gas mileage. Fun to drive, corners well, 4 cylinder is plenty fast. Excellent sound system, leather seating is a bit stiff but overall comfort is fine. Very quiet interior, which reminds me of a cockpit of a race car! Must know how to drive this vehicle as there are plenty of blind spots. Pricing is modest, the warranty is one of the best out there, period! Not to mention the safety features are incredible, what with 6 air bags and steel- reinforced doors. Overall, what a beautiful vehicle at a very affordable price! Mitsubishi and Toyota are one in the same as far as value vehicles.

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  Very Fun CUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By biscuit_xls - July 6 - 6:56 pm

  Ive had my Outlander XLS V6 4WD for almost a year and 11,000 miles. So far its been a really good vehicle. Fun to drive, handles good, decent fuel economy (20mpg+), and lots of great features. I cross-shopped all CUVs, it came down to the Outlander vs. RAV4 V6. The Outlander won because of better styling and a lot of useful features. I think I like the Outlander even more after driving it for a year!

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  this is the best Eclipse ever - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By scott - July 6 - 4:00 am

  The new engine puts out about 270 horsepower about the same torque. The Eclipse handles excellently for a car that weighs more than the pervious versions. The exhaust is sweet to hear growl when I start it up. The interior is great as well, with everything within reach

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  Best Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By S. Dot - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent had no bad problems with the car, just a flat tire and a shield rattlen.

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  Love it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Eddie - July 3 - 10:10 am

  Great SUV and a lot of bang for the buck. Performance and gas mileage are great, stereo system rocks! Clean lines and styling. Only knock I give it is relatively high cabin noise at freeway speeds.