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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  Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By JakeinPa - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle! Much better than the vehicle it replaced in my household.

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  The 1999 Mitsubishi Galant - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Matt - April 7 - 6:30 pm

  I bought my 1999 Galant in August of 2005 and have loved it ever since. It is fun to drive and handles very well. The exterior styling of the car looks great. The interior is nice and clean. The car is reliable and I have had no problems with it.

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  Love My Lancer SE - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tim - April 5 - 10:13 am

  Being a former Kia owner I was shopping for a new Kia, but found a great deal on a Lancer SE. It was a great decision! It rides great, has all the options I wanted, and gets good gas mileage. Although the Edmunds.com review cites poor acceleration as a drawback, they must have tested an automatic, I think my five speed is pretty peppy.

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  03 Diamante VRX - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By ShawnCarter - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is a nice for an entry luxuary car but it still falls far behind other competitors. ThE BASE PRICE OF THE CAR SHOULD BE EXTREMELY LOWER BECAUSE THE RESALE VALUE IS EXTREMELY POOR!

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  Best car we have ever purchased - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By C&M - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV we have ever purchase. The gas mileage is better than most, it drives so smoothly, and it is so fun to drive! We have owed other SUVs with varing success, and the Outlander has been the best.

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  New Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rroze - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Mitsubishi...I loved my full size Montero, looking for better gas mileage we decided to try the Endeavor limited. It drives great, and has all the options. The one problem I have is the interior plastic dash which has a tendency to rattle.. the r2d2 looking design, trying to replicate a silver metal, but indeed is still very plastic...all in all it is a very comfortable drive, the options are great, but then again they are not cheap. If had to do over again I would stay with my full size Montero

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  Mitsubishi Endeavor, WOW - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rob - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Incredible ride, great looks, comfortable $ affordable

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  First Enveavor, second Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ficuss - April 4 - 12:46 pm

  Versatility of a mid size SUV and comfort of a large car, that is what I wanted and what I got. The 2005 Endeavor rides and turns like a tight sports car. Fit and finish are perfect. The motor/exhaust combo gives off enough "growl" to make you feel you are going fast even when you arent. The gearing is such that you always feel like there is plenty of power waiting to be used if needed. It has just enough gadgets to satisfy all but the uber gadgeteers. The first month of ownership have been a pleasure especially comming off of 4 years of a troublesome experience with a G.M. SUV.

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  Good So Far - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RJB - April 4 - 9:00 am

  This maybe one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. I have had two Mercedes and they were not as much fun as my Ralliart. It is a very nice car!

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  Love my Lancer 3 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tim - April 3 - 10:00 am

  As of October 2010 with over 55,000 miles still loving my 2006 Lancer SE. I had to get new tires at 50,000 miles and the brakes are about due for service (at 58,000 miles!!). I used to tell people my 1993 Honda Civic was the best car I ever owned, but I think my Lancer has beat it. Nothing but regular maintenance after 55,000 miles and 4 years, incredible!