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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  The BEST truck in the snow!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By PHISH - June 5 - 11:10 am

  I bought a 2001 Montero in 2005 w/42,000 miles on it. We just traded it in with 84000 miles because we just needed a change. It was the best truck I have ever had. Lots of room, comfortable ride, amazing in the snow, great ground clearance, great on the highway and the 01 seems like its faster than an 05 I recently drove.The only major expensive was the timing belt at 70,000 miles but my ex. warranty picked it up. I would recommend this truck to anyone and would buy it again. If youre in the market for one... Dont let the miles on this truck fool you. I would buy one with 100,000 miles on it in a heartbeat.

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  The "End"eavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dori - June 4 - 9:53 pm

  I like my Endeavor, however I dont like the fact that the front window heats up when it is "hot" outside, even with the air on. I can also hear the wind through the sun roof when it is closed. Other then these simple issues I like to drive it often.

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  If you want more power, get the 3.5L - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Cappy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The Montero Sport is absolutely the best SUV Ive owned. Ill admit the financing got me to bite at first, but this vehicle turned out to be one of the best auto-buying decisions Ive ever made. Great ride (for a truck), excellent storage, plenty of power, stylish looks, fantastic stereo system, well-equipped options, easy to shift into 4WD, and fun to drive. The rear view mirrors are large and offer clear vision; the blind spot zone on this vehicle is minimal. Compared to other SUVs, the Montero Sport is one of the best unknown values in the SUV world. Lets face it, Mits is not the marketing powerhouse of the industry.

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  Features/great looks for not much $$ - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mike - May 30 - 11:00 am

  My wife and I recently picked out this car as we wanted to go from a two vehicle household down to one to save some money. We sold her 07 Honda Fit and traded in my Nissan Armada towards the Lancer GTS w/ nav and tech package and sun and sound package. Have not looked back since. This car looks beautiful and turns lots of heads on the roadway. For all the features you get (safety and tech-wise) you really cant beat it at all, not for the money anyway. Far too many Accords and Altimas out there, do yourself a favor and at least test drive the 08 Lancer GTS!

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  Love my Galant - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jerry - May 27 - 10:30 am

  Looked at the competition and felt the quality and pricing on this beauty was fair. I bought a nice base model and had leather seats installed. Still feel great tooling around in my Mitsubishi. Its a sporty, yet sensible commuter family sedan. Getting about 27 mpg avg. AC good, roomy interior, quiet ride. Have had a couple of trim retainers pop loose but not an issue.

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  Great Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By JW675 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money!!!

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  Bang for the buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ABS - May 27 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Montero my choice was clear, and I was spotted that day! My trade was dying and I needed an SUV fast. When the salesman showed me the fold into a bed seats it blew my mind! If Mitsubishi would advertise it more I know it would be a top seller.

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  excellent - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By L. J. Moll - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Galant. I love them!

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  super fun! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mdt - May 27 - 2:00 am

  We havent owned our Outlander for long, but we sure are enjoying it. Its peppy off the line, despite its 4cl. engine. But the extras we got, and the way cool looking body, make up for that. If you are looking at a CR-V (like I was), take the time to test out an Outlander.

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  If you buy anything else, youre stupid - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tkgrim - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it! no complaints at all!