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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  A great all round car - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Grant stockdale - May 14 - 6:56 pm

  This is my Third Diamante just love them Ive had this one lowered 50 mm [2 inches] the standard rims replaced with 18 inch mags and low profile tires. WOW she looks so smart makes her just that little bit different than other Diamantes The car is a wee bit heavy on gas around town but I get great highway miles in absolute comfort good dash features and a good quality CD player stereo etc the one fault would be a little too much road noise above 50 mph the car has awesome mid range acceleration and is confident and sure on the road a good car for the family or put it in the "sport mode" and become 18 again WOOF WOOF

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  Great Car!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By RRR - May 12 - 9:00 pm

  Excellent car for the price. Handles well in snow and all has all the goodies for the price.

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  Best For Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By m bloom - May 10 - 10:00 am

  The looks of this car first got my attention. After a test drive I was hooked. You cant touch the performance or amenities in another car unless you want to shell out another 10 gs. This car truly is Americas best kept automotive secret. I just hope it stays that way so prices will stay as reasonable as they are.

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  Sleeper SUV of the year - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DD - May 10 - 6:26 am

  After gas hit $4+ we decided a big SUV was no longer an option for us and traded our Mitsubishi Montero Limited. After driving an Outlander demo for the weekend, we picked an XLS (need 3rd row seats) and had them add dealer installed leather. This allowed us to forgo the forced combo pkgs and pick the primary features we wanted. Having driven large SUVs for many years and having a Honda Accord for our "other" car the Outlander is a pleasant complement to our familys fleet. We enjoy the overall stability, quality feel, and overall look of the car. Before you buy an SUV you owe it to yourself to drive one of these.

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  Good vehicle - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tom Picciani - May 9 - 3:26 pm

  Overall this is a great SUV. Its snappy. Its manuverable. It handles 75 cu ft. of cargo and it has good visiblity our all windows. Overall I love this vehicle! Ill get another when I tire of this one.

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  Test to BEAT UP as HELL! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mitsubishi Galant 03 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! ive Been beat up everyday to use it and road trip calf to NY then return. run great and fine nothing wrong with it, I have been go off the road often and still fine. go high speed still fine, high rpm still fine a least I use oil is amsoil! dont forget that if you dont use amsoil your engine will be died with high rpm. mostly I trust Chevy & Ford but I realized keep broke down whenever going to but mitsh galant never died on me since I driving TOO MUCH still great run

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  Like Mitsubishi But - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Larry Rushton - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi builds solid vehicles. No exception here. Design, comfort, convenience, reliabilty all super. Sound system best Ive ever had. Handles and rides in a very smooth manner.

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  EXCELLENT CAR!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By sa311420 - May 2 - 7:56 am

  Anyone on the market for a new SUV, you have to check out this car!! It is the smoothest ride, This is the 6th car i have owned and by far the best! Once you drive the car you will wonder why you didnt buy one sooner. Consider the endeavor you will be quite surprised

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  Wake up and drive one!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By MS2002 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this this SUV. I feel good and never get bored whenever Im driving it. The first brand new car I ever purchased, never regret my decision Awesome control and stability on all road condition. Always confident on driving it on the snowy or wet pavement. Can take the most cohesive road condition with ease thanks for the AWD capability. Steering is great, smooth and effortless. Satisfying acceleration power for an SUV. Great choice.

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  Positive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mcbri - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love the new Endeavor. It has more than enough room for my 2 year old, two dogs, and all our "gear." It looks great and the gas mileage is much improved over the Jeep I had before. I would suggest to anyone looking for an SUV to check out the Endeavor. I test drove the Highlander also and for me there was no question. SUV to check out the Endeavor.