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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  I love this ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Vic Diddy - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. It has pretty good pickup on the streets, handles well and looks pretty spiffy. its definately NOT a soccer mom car as so many say.

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  Love my SUV its the best - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By La Verne Martin - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love it..its the best of the best but under rated.

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  My Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tawny - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Handles well, nice interior and looks sharp.

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  Montero XLS - 4WD - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jarule - January 19 - 10:00 am

  I have experienced some issues with wind noise and the transmission is sort of acting funny. The transmission sort of gives a "kick" when going into high gear. Otherwise, cool SUV.

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  Montero XLS - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jarule - January 19 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I left the dealership, Ive noticed some issues with my SUV. Terrible wind noise. After several complaints and trips to the dealership, Mitsubishi sent out a rep to inspect my ride. He adjusted the racks but no major improvement. Final verdict - poor vehicle design. Oh, something else, the transmission is sort of whack. It jumps before reaching 75 MPH

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  Pleasantly surprised in Hawaii - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tballer1976 - January 17 - 2:50 pm

  This car was not first choice but it has been dependable for 5+ years! When on the mainland, its been to New Mexico, Las Vegas, & throughout California with no problems. Driven through rain, fog, & desert too. Its great to have for long drives & the MPG is comparable to other SUVs of its type/year. The interior is well spaced, especially for back seat passengers, & the stock sound system is surprisingly good. A/C is still running great too. Only complaint is the front seat headrests. I feel like my head is jutted out too forward. Had to just turn my headrest the other way. Also, maintenance at Mitsubishi dealers can get quite pricey, but it is the dealer after all. Great car!

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  Smoother than expected - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dan p - January 17 - 2:40 am

  My Montero rides great and has performed excellent in all types of weather. On short trips and long, I have had zero problems with this vehicle. I have not done anything except routine maintanence tires oil changes wipers. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. The Montero is rock solid. I wish I would have purchased it years sooner

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  I love my new GTS! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AbbyB - January 16 - 4:43 am

  I bought this car on Saturday and I absolutely love it!

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  Great SUV for the long term - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Sunil Thomas - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I had a 98 Montero, now it has over 180000 miles on it and still going strong, never any major trouble just routine maintenance. I put a lot of miles on my vehicle every year, averaging 30000 miles. I am so impressed with the durability and reliability of my Mitsubishi, I bought another Montero (2003 4WD XLS) last month. I highly recommedend the Montero to anyone.

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  Fun and dependable - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By gmeeper - January 15 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car it was only because it looked good and I didnt care about anything else. Ive had the car for 4+ years now and am still amazed at how well built and dependable this car has been. Ive never had any problems with the car and for a sportscar is surprisingly spacious. I once even crammed 7 people into the car. I make many trips to Lowes and Home Depot and am still amazed at how much can fit into this car. Even after all this years, my car can still beat most off the line and gets great gas milage. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who needs a versitle car that looks damn good!