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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  A muscle car - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Big Guns - May 24 - 10:00 am

  A sharp looking vehicle and a enjoyable driving machine. Has a tough look about it which is a eye catcher while driving through town.

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  montero sport - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Billy Atmur - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I thought that this car was very well built i liked it but i would have appreciated a better transmission and ho bout a little more speed?

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  My 2004 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By beachgoer - May 22 - 5:05 pm

  So far, I have 215,000 miles on this SUV. The only non-maintenance item that I had to change are the 2 rear power window motors, which actually a small plastic piece broke off which held the cable assembly. When I purchased this SUV, I was really worried about the quality, but so far its been fantastic. Im crossing my fingers it will last through the end of 2014 without any major problems.

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  The best car I have ever owned. - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chuck B. - May 21 - 6:10 pm

  This is my 4th eclipse, Mitsubishi knows what they are doing. They make the vast improvements with the vehicle years. This model pretty much takes the best of every body style and puts it into a powerful, reliable, well controlled, tank. This car is for the price the best buy for the buck.

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  Best Galant ever! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Big Buse - May 21 - 4:06 pm

  The whole experience of the 2009 V6 sport is extraordinary! Extremely smooth ride, and when take off power is needed, it is definitely there! Very classy and luxurious look with its leather interior and sun/moon roof. Definitely puts my old 2007 to shame. Look out US and Euro competitors... you have a big problem on your hands.

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  Galant GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Carl - May 21 - 10:10 am

  Handles extemely well and has good acceleration. Very smooth at high speeds on the interstate. The stereo is awesome. Have had some problems with the sunroof but these were resolved by the dealership. As of this time at 23000 miles it has been flawless.

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  Freshest crossover on the road - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By zx_knight - May 20 - 12:44 am

  Power- Its lacking in this area in comparison to the others in its class but the CVT tranny really makes good use of the 148hp. It gets a little fun when using the paddle shifter (The paddle shifter sold me on the car). Only issue I have is that you cant tow anything, I dont know how that compars to the rest but its a forgivable issue. Suspension- This little truck could out handle alot of cars. Definitely shines above the rest, especially in 4wd mode :). Seating- Im 6"1 and have 2 children in car seats and we fit with little issue. Im a lil cramped in the leg department but I could still do long distance trip in it easy. I even talked my sister in to buying one. There fresh

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  OK Overall - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bit - May 19 - 11:03 pm

  When I first drove my 2000 Eclipse GT off the lot I loved it. I loved the power of the torque pushing me back in the seat and the looks of the car. I even like the sound of the exaust note. A couple of years later, I still drive it and like the power. The engine is as reliable as when I drove it off the lot. The rest of the car has had minor wear and tear issues. But, the car has been the best new car I have owned. I have not had major issues. I like the storage space in the back which shrinks away with the newer models. I can fit my whole mountain bike in the back without disassembling it and just go. I do think the car could be lighter and be tighter on cornering.

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  Great car for its class - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rhannah - May 19 - 6:46 am

  I love the car so far, it handles well, its spunkier than the reviews give it, it has a fantastic roomy & classy interior too. I dont feel like I own a compact "economy" car at all. I also have yet to see one in my city, which makes it feel even more unique, instead of the dozens of Hyundias running around.

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  04 Lancer RA - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By darkprojex - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on Aug. 2008 at 74,000 mi, now 86,000 mi at Ultimate Rides in Appleton, WI. 1 owner vehicle. Worst service ever. A salesman tells me to get out after testing two cars, had a argument with him and their manager and will never buy another car from there again, period. I love the power in this car but after a while the car starts squeaking. Replaced front sway links and tie end rods then later, rear sway links, struts, and bushings. Parts that were used to replace were practically junk. Just recently replaced brake pads and now the car starts rattling by wheels. Brakes were bled and installed correctly though.