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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  Love technology? Youll love this car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By egiardie - December 18 - 4:06 pm

  Absolutely the best bang for the buck out there! I purchased a 2007 XLS, with the three upgrade packages (luxury, sun/sound, and nav packages) during Christmas week (got a great end of year deal - payed only $28k!) and I couldnt be happier with this car. The engineering, attention to detail, and high tech appeal is just unbeatable for the price - not to mention the 5 year/60k mile warranty! Beats the competition hands down! Do the research, take a test drive, and youll probably end up buying this car - I did!

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  Great Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Rob - December 18 - 11:00 am

  Just bought it about a month ago, I got it with the mud flaps and hood deflector. The hood deflector looks sexy (adds a touch of design at the front while it protects). No stone chips at all from me driving but it did have 2 or 3 at the front from the previous owner who did not put a hood protector or mud flaps on. It is the CVT auto and I dont know why people say it doesnt have enough power, its plenty and when I switch to the manual sports mode, it goes well enough. Unless you want to race with this car, its gonna cut it, plenty. It has more power than my old 96 civic which still had a lot of HP left. The paint job, might be a little fragile but it should technically hold out.

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  ...A great bargain overall - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By California - December 18 - 12:33 am

  I had a choice: pay a 16k balloon payment to keep my beloved 4-runner (with 96k miles) after its lease was up, or pay another $1500 and get a brand new montero with no miles. To most it would be a no-brainer, but the day I turned in my 4-rnr, my eyes got a little watery. 6 years and 110k mi. Later, I still think fondly of the Toyota, but if you have to "settle" for another Japanese brand, I have to recommend the montero. With the exception of replacing the steering column at 60k (right when the warranty ran out) I have not had any Major problems with this vehicle. Yes, the gas mileage sucks, but this truck is now a valued family member, & Ill miss it when I find a diesel car that suits me.

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  What a blast - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By val - December 16 - 2:50 pm

  We checked out all the SUVs on the market. We were tired of seeing the same ones on the road, so we checked out the Mitsubushi Montero. At first we didnt like the full size, but fell in love with it after we drove it. My husband is long waisted. The Montero has tons of headroom and legroom in the front and back. The back door opens and closes like a car door - well never hassle with a hatch opening again. Our friends & family are sold on it as well. The back seats fold down for lots of storage. The 3rd row seat is handy for kids. Its gas mileage is decent. It is not cavernous like the Chevrolet Trailblazer though. It has good visibility. It is better looking than the "dog" Durango, but not as expensive as the Toyota Land Cruiser. One bad thing about this truck is that we have spent thousands of dollars on regular maintenance. Well consider that next time.

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  3 Years Gone By - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By upshombre - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The Montero Sport is a very heavy SUV for its size, which made the larger 3.5L engine very important for light towing. This is the only vehicle Ive ever owned that my wife and I are able to use the same seat adjustments, however, in the lowest seat setting, my head is almost to the headliner, a drawback to having a moonroof. After 3 years, the only repair work has been the replacement of the power- antenna, twice. The overall quality of workmanship is outstanding, inside and out.

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  The Logical Choice - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Maxabishi - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Checked the rest, bought the best overall bang for the buck. Unbelievable price, 14,000 with Convenience Pkg, WOW

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  A Smaller and car like Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Seymour - December 15 - 10:00 am

  A decent car with montero like off road ability, lacks the montero s 3rd row seats but looks more sporty.

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  The Lancer Rocks! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kid Lancer 7 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a fan of the mitsubishi Lancer / evolution series for a long while. I felt i just had to own one. VERY roomy for its size. Lots of space in the trunk. Very comfortable to drive and loads of fun. I Thought it could be just a tad bit faster than what it is. BUt with some basic Modifications, this thing will tear up the road! Great car if u dont like Honda Civics (like myself!). Id recommend this to anyone 18-29 yrs old, Anyone that wants to customize an import car, or any one that wants an excellent car, with out spending a a fortune!

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  THE THRILL OF DRIVING - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By IVAN PRUETT - December 15 - 10:00 am

  CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT ON A ROAD TRIP. LOOKING FORWARD TO SHOWING IT OFF. I THINK IT IS BEST VEHICLE MITS HAS PUT OUT SINCE ITS GOT INTO THE AMERICAN MARKET

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  Mitsubishi 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dumplnbut - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Before buying a 2003 GS, I had a 2000 RS model. Although I traded up in features, both cars drive exceptionally well, especially on ice. I love the Eclipse and would recommend it to anyone. The only downfall of the car is that it is not made for backseat passengers, small kids fit comfortable, but not adults. Overall, I would rate the car an A+.