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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  John Doe Corp - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bosanac - February 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars i own, in fact it is the best car i own.

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  firstimer - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brucein - February 9 - 2:00 am

  so far i love this vehicle. plenty of room,smooth ride,great looks.Alittle disapointed in gas mileage,thought it would be better.Overall very happy with my endeavor,for the price.

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  Perfection - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cubster - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This SUV was everything I was looking for and more. Great safety, performance, and outstanding handling. I recommend this for anyone looking for a Cheap,Safe, contemporary SUV.

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  I love my suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By omahabutterfly - February 9 - 2:00 am

  like the looks. had a bad winter 10 to 14 inches of snow, drove like a dream.wish I would have brought one sooner.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By BIGK - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This an SUV you will really enjoy. Rides like a car but with AWD its great in the snow.

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  Silky driving with stylish machine - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By june - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I really like my 2001 Galant ES. The smooth, quite but powerful engine makes me drive in comfort. The transmission also reacts quickly and follows a drivers intention to hit the road. If you are music maniac, but not heavy rocking sound guy, you will find that it has a quite nice system of car audio. The 7 speakers of Infinity brand can saturate your thirst of music. With these internal merits, Galants modern style evokes real fun to drive. I think this is the most stylish car in a mid size sedan catagory. Just drive Galant! Its fun and happy!

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  Most bang for the buck - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gopher - February 7 - 3:00 pm

  Most bang for the buck. Title says it all. I never thought Id find an SUV with great towing power for such a budget price. Handling is very sharp, as can be expected from Mitsubishi (12 time Dakar champion). And great warranty too.

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  Hell On Wheels - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Joy - February 7 - 2:43 pm

  Ive had this car for 3 1/2 years now. At first the car was great. I took good care of it. Then the trouble begin. I had a major oil leak, had to replace the transmission, had to replace the timing belt, and the regulator on the driver door went out. This car is never ending trouble. Never buy a Galant. The back seat is very cramped. The repairs are very expensive.

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  Outstanding Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Russ - February 6 - 10:43 am

  One year of ownership. Love the car, not perfect, but love it nontheless. Very responsive, comfortable, and fun to drive. Lots of room and storage space. Torque steer can be pronounced, but have learned to deal with it. Have averaged just what the EPA says on fuel mileage. Would buy again.

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  I love it - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Julie Reynolds - February 4 - 10:00 am

  It is a very reliable vehicle, also the vehilce is very good driving through the snow.