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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  2002 Mitsubishi Mirage LS - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By chad kassinger - March 16 - 12:40 am

  The Mitsubishi Mirage is a great car to drive around and just have fun with especially for a teeager or a younger person. It looks sporty and has pretty good power for a 4-cylinder vehicle. Im thinking about fixing mine up, they make excellent import tuner cars.

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  A Hi-Tech Delight - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Joe Guo - March 12 - 5:53 am

  I was in the market for a fun-to-drive compact car with A/T. I liked the GTIs power and paddle shifters, the Civic EX-L with its stylish exterior, and the Zoom-zoom feedback from the 2010 Mazda3 hatchback GT. However, Ive found that the perfect combination of these features exists on a Lancer GTS, with all three available packages (sun & sound, technology and touring). Sure, it hasnt got the power of a GTI, but who redlines their cars on a daily basis? It handles just like a Mazda3 with lots of excitement, and it looks much better than all of the above mentioned models. At a price tag of a mere 22500 (w/rebates&tax), I can see myself smiling and enjoying this sweet ride for years to come.

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  As happy as could be - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By darsek - March 11 - 1:06 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a couple years now, I purchased through Hertz rental sales (great experience). I really, really love this car! It is great in snow, rain, shine, fog, city, on freeways or on backroads. I understand some are not happy with the horsepower, but what do you expect? This car is a 4-cyl. and costs under $20,000 used. Nothing has broken and it has not broken down, unlike my friend who has to take her VW Golf in once a month because every little thing breaks on her car. I would absolutely buy this again, although I dont have much need for AWD...it is nice to have but I think it is bad for the gas mileage. You may want a car with better gas mileage if you commute a long way.

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  Love my XS! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Macadamia2 - March 10 - 2:53 am

  I have had my 2001 Montero Sport 3.5XS for almost four years now and I love it! I have had absolutely ZERO problems with this SUV and it is still just as fun to drive and sharp to look at as the day I bought it.

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  Excellent for the starters - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Anand - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I tried 10-15 used cars of different make before buying Mitsubishi. But the Galant gave me the smoothest ride, and even one full year after purchasing, it is as smooth as ever before.

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  Love The Diamante LS - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Old 27 Lancer - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven the Diamante LS over 33,000 miles in 10 months. The only negative feature has been the junk Goodyear GA tires now through the second set. Cruise at 80-90 with no problems. Speeds over 110 are dangerous with air lift under the cars fully enclosed chasis plate creating a wobble. Comfort is good; panic stopping has been a life saver. Id buy another one. The plan is to accumulate 200,000 miles on this car for business; I think it can do it with no problem.

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  Good All Around - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Patty - March 9 - 4:50 am

  Ive have had the Endeavor for two months now and love it. Its solid built, comfortable to drive and feel very secure driving my toddler around town. Which to me was important in selecting my new car, something that I feel safe with my child in. Handles curves and turns with ease. Roomy in the back even with the car seat.

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  Sportback Soccer Mom - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Sprotback R Mom - March 7 - 1:36 am

  I bought my silver 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart on Nov. 8, 2005, with 800 miles on the odometer. I love the room in it and the way it looks...sporty and practical. It has quite a bit of interior space...I am 510" and my husband is 6 and there is ample room for our two children. There is more room in the rear seating than a full size SUV that we were testing. The cost was $14,500 out the door. This is one of the best buys remaining out there. My husband sold a roadster some time ago...but now he says that it has been recreated in this Lancer Sportback Ralliart. The sound of the muffler takes some getting use to...I am getting used to it and beginning to enjoy the sound. I think Im now starting to understand my hubbys love for sport cars.

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  Nice Sporty Car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By nick93mac - March 6 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my Lancer new as a leftover model. I got a great deal, and it has almost all the bells and whistles. This is my first brand new car i have bought, and overall, I am pleased. It has been reliable and the Mitsubishi dealer has great service specials. I had to have the AC blower motor replaced shortly after purchasing, and they were great and hooked me up with a free rental car while it was in the shop. I recommend this car to anyone in the market for a fairly fuel efficient car, that doesnt look like a Prius. One word of advice, get the manual transmission. I wish I did.

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  Very reliable - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sondra - March 5 - 9:50 am

  I bought my Galant brand new in 2001. Other than routine maintenance, my Galant has never required repair. I still love the look and still enjoy driving it. I have no plans to upgrade my car as there is no need!