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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  Exnlt choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By twinn - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I read reviews that the Montero lacked power. Well, I am a senior citizen who no longer has to drive every vehicle like it is a Porsche. This vehicle has enough power for me. However, during mountain driving, the 5 speed auto will down shift to lower gears and it is a bit sluggish. Gas mileage is not that great, but it is an SUV and none of them get good gas mileage. The third row seat is not intended for adults to get in and out; it is for children or very flexible adults.

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  Love my little car! - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By goreandglitter - April 29 - 12:20 am

  After much debate and research I decided on the mirage as my new car .. My top reasons being gas mileage, cuteness and color. Ive had it for 6 months it has driven over large branches in the road, huge puddles and handles snow like a pro. Ive tried making it slide without luck. 2 large adults fit comfortably in the front seats .. There is a substantial amount of cargo room in back .. And I have zero issue whipping past other vehicles.. The fact that it doesnt make the loud Vrrroom noise of other cars is misleading .. It goes .. Just quietly. Absolutely love my car and cant wait to take it on more road trips!! I got hit hard 2 days after purchase..Kept all occupants safe and fought back

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  Montero miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Fairlane500_1957 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  With less then 1,000 miles on my new Montero I feel I have a few things to point out. I like the way this vehicle handles tight turning radius, firm ride, good power. Im anxious to see how it does pulling my camper. Its rated for 5,000 pounds towing and my camper only weighs 2,200 so it should pull it with ease. But well see when we hit the mountains. Thats the only concern that I had was the V-6 having the power I needed.

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  Couldve been designed better - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By esa0819 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall I would say the Galant is a "Pretty" car.. However, it lacks in interior design. The back seat is entirely too cramped, they should have cut back on trunk size to accomodate anyone over 3 feet sitting in the back. You couldnt find a penny using the dome lights centered in the front of the car..Also, the bumpers are dented too easily. A crash impact of 1 mile an hour causes thousands of $s worth of damage..Mitsu needs to listen to consumers and go back to the drawing board.

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  Will Buy Another Mitsubishi - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By grlawson - April 27 - 2:00 am

  When we first got the MS there was a oily substance leaking from it. I took it back to the dealership and I havent had a problem since. It was something that had jarred loose during shipment and hey it came from Japan so maybe a few bumps. I love the ride and the kids love being up high. You can be stylish or sporty all in one vehicle. The four wheel drive is great. I lease it and am thinking of buying a new one and keeping it when the lease is up on this one if it continues to be just as great. I have never repeated a make of vehicle and I have had 5 vehicles in 13 years but Mitsubishi is a definite repeat.

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  2003 galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By loraine - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great!!!! I absolutely love the exterior of the car. I own the 2003 mitsu galant LS v6 fully equiped with sun, sound and leather package, which has drawn many compliments from other drivers. I stongly recommend buying this vehicle, over camry, altima, and accord.

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  Utility Proven - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By jy - April 26 - 5:16 pm

  The Mitsubishi Montero is a get the job done vehicle. It has a reliable engine, transmission, and transfer case. It has a time proven engineering design that handles abuse. Its ride quality is that of a load bearing design. The interior is comfortble enough for about 18 hour rides with no aches on the legs and back. Its electrical system is reliable and strong. It is fairly easy to work on like plugs and such with enough room to get around.

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  2004.5 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By suvlights - April 25 - 10:00 am

  1,000 miles so far, some minor things

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  This SUV Rocks! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Endeavor - April 25 - 8:00 am

  The 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor is easy to handle and turns and parks more easily than I ever imagined. Its gas mileage is not as bad as some fellow SUV owners get. The Endeavor gets 23 mpg compared to a friends Explorer Eddie Bauer at 16 mpg. It has classy lines and design. I can now haul vertical blinds and bigger items.

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  An underestimated beauty - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By gt_turbo - April 24 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car when I graduated high school, and have loved every minute of it! The aggressive stance and throaty exhaust note were two of the first things that attracted me to it. That, and all the looks I got from people when I would pull up to a store. Now while I have added to it (custom cold air intake, short throw shift kit, lowering kit, custom cat- back exhaust, and after market wheels and tires) the car has needed little work to make it a blast to drive.