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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  excllent car for the money - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By gla - July 21 - 10:00 am

  the mitsubishi diamante vr-x is fun to drive. it has great acceleration and it handles well. great interior and the stereo is good quality. very smooth on the road.

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  Like the Montero Sport Lmtd AWD - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Margot - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Had mine since June. Its done great and worked for every need weve had so far--big trips, urban commutes, hauling kayaks, plants, groceries, pets. Only wish is for better gas mileage, which holds for any midsize or larger SUV.

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  2003 GTS has potential - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By CabindaJoe - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This new form of eclipse is rather impresive. Just dont try and race redlight to redlight with the A.C. on. The 6 cyl. engine does have some pep and if you dont mind sweating when it is hot outside it is very fun to drive. There is a severe blind spot. Aftermarket parts are hard to find right now, but I am sure they will come soon. Gas mileage is good for a sportscar. Insurance is relatively low. It is not considered a sports car. Same mitsubishi low rent interior condiments, but they look good. Overall this is a very nice car.

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  Very Reliable commuter - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MeanWillieGreen - July 20 - 3:03 pm

  Very able small-mid sized passenger car. I purchased used, and off the lot it is very standard - which is a plus. The cost of ownership is super low because the thing is so solid and reliable. Aside from a timing belt about 90K, I have had no mechanical issues at all. With 130K miles on it, it probably drives better than it did when I bought it. I need some more room, so I am getting another car, but if Mitsubishi made a Galant wagon, Id be on the hunt for one. I get about 28-30 mpg on the highway, which is good for such a big 4. Poor resale value, but as a buyer, I would seriously consider one.

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  Terrific Crossover SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Brian Burgeson - July 19 - 10:36 am

  Ive had my 2005 Endeavor LS AWD for several months now and Im very happy with it. It drives like a car - both its general driving and the use of its AWD are smoother than my fathers Grand Cherokee. It has been very good in the limited off-roading Ive done so far. The towing capacity is a little low, but adequate for my uses. If youre looking for an all-around midsize SUV, this is tough to beat. V6 is a great blend of power and fuel economy compared to others in this class.

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  Problems after Problems after Problems - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By keno - July 18 - 5:00 pm

  Bought the outlander with trailer hitch. 1 year later, trailer hitch adapter caught on fire! Why? Third party part was installed instead of original part. Went to dealer to ask for repairs to be done and to be de-damaged, answer = No! Called Mitsubishi motors Canada told the story, show pictures, answer = sorry, cant help! If the original part would have been installed, it would have been covered under the warranty but since it was a third party part, only 1 year or 20 000km or warranty! Thanks to the dealer for having installed a third party part and thanks for all the problems. In 1st year, went +/- 10-12 times to dealer for electronic.

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  VERY Impressed - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By travisfieldcop - July 18 - 1:10 pm

  This is my first Mitsubishi and my first sports coupe. I was attracted to the new Eclipse as soon as I saw it. Its incredibly fun to drive and turns many heads. I enjoy driving and watching people turn to look and admire the car. I have received several compliments on the exterior styling. All and all I am VERY pleased and excited to own this car. I selected the GS model because of the price and do not regret it at all. Its a blast to drive!

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  its great - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By galixygirl - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have o say I wasnt very happy with my dealer ship afterwords but the car is great!Ive had it almost two years and other than rutione mantance its been awsome!My friends love to drive it too wich must mean its fun. I take little road trips here and there and Ive never had more problems than a flat tire.

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  Do your home work on this one - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By matthewse - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck but there is one glaring fault. 26K NEW and the resell value has deminished very quickly. Unless you plan on keeping the vehicle for 5 years or for its life you will be upside down in what you owe and what it is worth in six seconds flat even with a reasonable down payment. All in all i enjoy the vehicle but dont feel comfortable with the decision because of the resell value. Do your home work and make sure you will be keeping this for the long haul.

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  Best of all test driven - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Big Andy - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I test drove about a dozen SUVs and the only one that surpassed the Endeavor was the Lexus RX330 at 15K more. The ride, acceleration and handling are superlative. I was thoroughly impressed with the value received for money spent. This vehicle is Mitsubishis hidden gem.