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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  ES V6 Good Car for the Buck - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jerroranda - March 3 - 9:03 am

  Good Financing considering other Japanese Cars.

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  My First Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By HE - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been happy with this car.

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  Update - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By pwernich - February 19 - 4:20 am

  I have now put another 5,000 miles on my Mirage (see earlier review) and still enjoying it but discovering some new flaws. For a car with a sticker price of $18,000 I feel it is lacking many basics including an armrest, sliding sunvisors with mirrors, and lighted door controls (windows, locks, and side mirror controls on dash). I dont like fumbling around at night trying to find the buttons.Gas mileage in town is not impressive and on the highway I average about 37 (driving 70+). Now if I drive like a grandpa I have actually hit 51 mpgs before, but that is very rare.Other cars with bigger engines and more horsepower get about the same mileage. The dash has started vibrating/rattling too.

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  Our 5th Mitsubishi (2nd SUV) - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jerry - February 14 - 7:10 am

  Our last SUV was the 2002 Mitsu Montero Sport XLS. Our daughter now owns this and it is still going strong. We decided to "trade down" to the 2008 Outlander and love the car. Just like the Montero, 100% made in Japan to last. The 4 cylinder engine will not win drag races, but is peppy enough and CVT is smooth. The engine is a little on the loud side though.

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  Fun Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By buflordr - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, good acceleration and handling in curves. Seats are comfortable on trips and memory is nice. No significant problems since purchased used. A little noisy due to wind noise, good sound system.

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  Excellent family hauler! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rrf - February 10 - 9:20 am

  Those who have kids know that newborns need plenty of cargo room. This vehicle has plenty! My wife and I purchased this vehicle anticipating the birth of our first son. We made an excellent choice. The Montero Sport is the perfect family hauler for the following reasons: -Plenty of cargo space -Has the LATCH car seat anchors -Rear hatch opens upward to shelter you from the rain when you have to change your babys diaper. -The deck height in the cargo area is perfect for changing your babys diapers. (See the theme?) -Toddlers get dirty! The rear cargo area roof is tall enough enabling your toddler to stand. This makes impromptu clothes changes very easy. -Privacy glass helps with naps

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  2001 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Sedan - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By herrstrauss - February 8 - 10:18 am

  Hi, I purchased my 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Sedan back in August, of 2011. I paid $1,500.00 cash for the car, the odometer read 160,000 miles, I thought I was buying a dying car, or a car on the verge of death. (at the time I knew nothing about Mitsubishi). But this car has been anything but a dying car, it has been a great first car. Ive even gone as far as naming my car buster. This is a terrific starter car for anyone, old, middle aged, or young. Almost little to no maintenance, get in and drive. This car has never let me down. The Japanese really built an amazing car. I personally thank Mitsubishi motors for building a superb vehicle that was built with quality in mind.

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  TO SMALL AND TO MUCH $$$ - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By David Gibson - February 7 - 10:00 am

  For A big person look elseware no room for your leg and small seat. Fun to drive quick and nice leather seats.

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  vibration problems - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TSERPICO - February 7 - 10:00 am

  great looks and comfort. had bad vibration at 400 mi. changed differential. problem again at 900 mi. still in for service getting ready to use lemon law...

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  I love my limited ! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mary l.brown - February 5 - 3:20 am

  I had purchased my Montero Sport Limited back in 2002 and ever since then my life has been a lot easier. I own a business and also have two dogs so you can imagine the great amount of usage I have gotten out of my truck. By the way even with my two dogs my truck is still super new and ready for anything or anywhere I want it to go. I love driving it whether its to the beach or across the country or to let off some steam and just cruise..its all just a turn of the switch away. Thank you mitsu for making my ltruck!