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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  Like riding on air-Truly Unbelievable! - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Sheee - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought it,Picked up my loving partner and drove it out on the highway.... We love the Smoooothness of the ride... Sterio smooth and clear and loud! The Memory adjustable seats are to die for, you need it; its convenient.Classy,Classy and Sporty all in ONE... Thank you, I have been blessed and Large Moonroof, when I am coming from Convertibles...3 in total, LeBaron,Chrysl.Sebring, and 2002 S.Edit. Firebird. LOve it!in Black.

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  2001 Montero LTD - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Frankfurter - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Next to my old 1969 Porsche 911, and for obviously different reasons, the Montero LTD is maybe the nicest car Ive owned. That comparison includes 3 Toyota 4-Runners - great cars but lacking the creature comforts of the Montero. Apart from a few factory recalls and a failed O2 sensor in the emissions system (ouch) this has run flawlessly for 39,000 miles and carried me comfortably all over south and central Texas where I drive in connection with my job. I have no complaints, a great car. Mitsubishis Diamond Advantage program is the best, my quasi-lease runs out in February 05 and I am keeping this vehicle, just love it.

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  RalliArt VS. Cavalier Z24 - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By KeNova - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I just got out of my 2002 Cavalier Z24 and switched to my 2004 Lancer RalliArt. Man, what a switch! My Cavalier gave me nothing but problems, because of how cheap its made. Lancer, beats it in every catagory hands down. Believe me, Ill never go Chevy compact again!

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  depriciation - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By DNN - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Good buy for yr money for the mid siz suv, but the car depriciate very fast. I recommend buying it used, better buy for yr money. Overall, its a decent car, but there are few noticed problems with the transmission hualing if engine is not warm enough and slight clicking sound in the engine area.

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  Totally underestimated - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By elittlej - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Dimante in 1993. I did not realize how wonderful of a car it was until I have gone through a 96 Jag XJ6 and 98 Cadillac Seville. Ultimately, it was the best car I have ever owned. Therefore, I am back at the helm of 2002. For the money, you cant beat the equipment. The style, handling and standard features match those of much more expensive cars. In the state of the economy, I am definately for getting the most for my money. I would recommend a test drive.

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  lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By hmperz - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the look of the car. Its different. Sporty but not extravagent. The engine department could use a little more power. But, I am extremely impressed in the gas mileage. The handleability of the vehicle is ok.

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  Great Stlye poor quality - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Disapointed - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it looks on the outside. very satisfied with the interior. Extremely disappointed with quality. Ive had my car for 10months now , have 22300 miles on it. So you can see I drive alot. About at the 9mos mark the car started to rattle near the rear. The service department has not been able to figure out why. This is something I would have expected from my last car the Plymouth Breeze. The main reason I switched to Mitsu, to avoid these ridiculous problems extremely disappointed.

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  First Month of Use - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Jim Anthony - November 27 - 4:03 am

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Raiders gas mileage during the first month and half has been terrible, approximately 13mpg. the interior is very bad, lots of plastic. The ride is okay, but has a lot of bounce and the truck likes to roll on railroad tracks and hard bumps. I would not recommend it for the serious off-road person.

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  Good value - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Nick - November 27 - 12:26 am

  I havent seen a better combination of performance, looks, and price than the 09 Eclipse GT. It has more hp than the other cars in its class, looks better (in my opinion), and in many cases is less expensive than other cars that less to offer.

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  Worth the wait - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ldk - November 26 - 8:43 am

  Scared off by CRV oil fire. Then almost went for a Vibe for the mpg, but my husband thought it felt like a toy car. We all love our black Outlander. Kids think it is roomy and hip. I have loved driving it - sporty and classy. Got 26 mpg on first tank. This is more fun than a CRV and cheaper. Nice to be a bit unique on the road.