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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  demossx - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By demossx - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The lancer oz rally that I have gotten from them is the one of the best cars that I have ever owned dont cost much on gas, very comfortabile ride, sleek design inside/out, and affordable. It is one car you can count on. Even great for first car or college. Good performance for a 4 cylinder. Just think if it had a v6 or a v8! Cool!

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  best of the best - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dina - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have only on word PERFECT.

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  Love the Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AZ Lancer - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This car has been AMAZING! Before deciding on the OZ Lancer, I test drove many cars in its class (Civic, Sentra, Focus), and nothing could compare to the Black OZ Lancer I have been driving for the last 6 months. It is superior in every way! I was sold on it as soon as I saw that it was styled differently than ANY other car on the road. After half a year, it has gotten me from point "A" to point "B" with nothing but fun and energy in between. A great buy!

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  A quiet, great-looking ride, many perks - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By CABLAW3 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car earlier this year and I love driving it, it is very quiet and smooth. The looks are exceptional as well, and the interior is very roomy (will hold LOTS of cargo, much more than it appears). The car needs more power and the gas mileage is very poor, but if you arent too concerned about $$$ as compared to the functionality of an SUV, this one does the trick.

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  Very Happy - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tjklark - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought our Monty with about 65K miles, have had only normal servicing done to it. Drives well, plenty of power, tight steering and suspension makes it handle like a car. Very sharp looking vehicle with enough "extras" to keep my wife and I both happy. Excellent stereo. Love the extra storage compartments and rearseat cupholders. HUGE improvement over our 95 4runner. Solid 4x4 performance in the snow and ice, not as top-heavy as other SUVs.

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  sex appeal - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eric Boring - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My GT Eclipse fulfills all my expectations even though I traded a toyota supra. The looks cant be beat, it handdles well and is really fun to drive.

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  You cant go wrong with this car. - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By hodges0921 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  First of all, forget everything you know or think you know about the Mitsubishi Galant. This 04 model is a totally different animal from previous models. I opted to buy the LS V6 with the Diamond Package, but the main selling point was the V6 with the Sportronic transmission. This car is very quick with suck you back in the seat acceleration. It is quite fun to drive and offers a perfect blend of quietness and road feel. I think the build quality is top notch and gives you the feel of driving a much more expensive car. Buy one! You wont be sorry.

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  03 Galant V6 is best! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By goldnugget99 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Galant V6 Sedan is powerful, roomy, & comfy. Your body molds the seats & everything is within perfect reach. Its so quiet while driving, you can actually enjoy the excellent sound system. Safety is a 10 along with the get-up n go. Easy steering, brakes, & gas. 4 cupholders! 2 outlets, and #1 cruise system! No wind noise. 24-27 mpg. Great car.

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  So far...so fabulous! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Macman617 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car to replace our Windstar! Yaahooo! No More Vans! We looked at everything in its class...Highlander (boring,overpriced and not nearly as fun to drive) Pilot (too truck like...looks like a Jimmy!) Isuzu Axiom (did not like the way it handled) Saturn VUE (way too small) and the Endeavor. Wow this SUV drive great. Handles well in Boston traffic (and you people from Boston can appreciate that!). It was a great value, priced perfect. Wish I bought the XLS! Miss a sunroof!

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  where are all the outlanders? - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mayda1 - July 22 - 6:06 am

  My car is 1 month old and performed flawlessly on a 6100 x-cty trip (mostly on I-70). I was a bit skeptical purchasing my first suv, and had to purchase the smaller engine thanks to cash for clunkers, but this model is the perfect fit for my lifestyle. I love the "sun and sound" option, the rear door opening and "tailgate" and overall space for the "stuff" I cart around. I love that I can fit my bike inside, although I do have a usable rack if needed. Other storage room and cup holders are more than adequate. For the money, this is a great performing vehicle. Down the road some of the interiors "plastics" may pose a problem, but I can easily accept that. The 168 hp is adequate. Would rec.