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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  Mitsubishi Endeavor - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ERICS - June 22 - 5:46 pm

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor is better than I had expected. It has excellent handiling and a nice ride. It did well in heavy snow, however the all season Bridgestone tires are not agreesive enough for heavy snow conditions. It provides an all around great driving experience!

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  Love at first drive. - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John Crocker - June 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have not had this vehicle for long but we just got back from driving it on vacation and we both love it. Plenty of power, low road noise, no water leaks, standard sportronic automatic transmission is easy to use and works great. My wife loves the style and has been asked about it by a lot of people when she fills it up. I cant keep her out of it now. This is the third Mitsubishi we have owned and they all have been great, a vastly under-rated brand. We checked the Toyota RAV 4 and the Honda CR-V also but the Mitsu beat them in the areas where it counts. If you want to stand out in a crowd try put this machine on your shopping list.

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  Love It - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fink - June 18 - 10:26 am

  I went through a major transition getting my Eclipse. I had an 01 Grand AM SE before this. Needless to say, I like the Eclipse much much better. I have not even tested it fully, but the handling is great, and it doesnt take much to get it moving.

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  Ladybug - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gulati - June 17 - 1:03 am

  Our XLS AWD is Rally Red, and aptly named Ladybug! Wasnt so sure about leaping for a SUV, having driven cars for nearly 30 years, but the Outlander is very responsive and easy to drive. Not so sure about reliability yet, but after 20 years of sturdy Mitsus, Im not terribly worried. Only concern would be mpg, but the trade-offs - comfort, utility, safety - seem to make it all worthwhile.

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  Amazing Car for the Price - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Huey - June 14 - 2:40 pm

  I bought a black ES Galant, with the sunroof, and alloy package...very sport and sleek looking car! For a four cylinder I have found it to be very peppy providing plenty of horses when I need them. The rear seating can be a bit cramped, but the front seats are long haul comfy. I love the design of the car and have had many compliments. This car is comparable to the Accord, or Camry, but for the fraction of the cost. Going back and forth to school, I needed a good, economical, dependable, car...this is what the Galant delivers...plus so much more!

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  Davids Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By wallace - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive. 4WD is excellent in rainy conditions. Sunroof is excellent. Turning radius excellent for an SUV 3rd row seats comfortable and well designed. Stow away feature very easy to use and efficient. Only negative is gas milage. I think first gear is too low and doesnt shift soon enough. Overdrive should be set to allow lower RPM on Interstate use. Overall though, an absolutely wonderful vehicle with distinctive styling that sets it apart from the sea of Tahoes, Sequoia, Expeditions, etc.

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  Fun and Fast - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jam - June 12 - 12:53 am

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander has been an incredible surprise. It is fast and fun. Price vs. quality, it is one of the best options out there in the American market.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Newbie - June 11 - 7:43 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. Not only is it a head turner because of its wonderful exterior design, but its very responsive and has excellent handling. When I got behind the wheel for the first time, I was surprised, although it is a 4-cylinder, it truly is a sports car.

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  The Most Bang for the Buck - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Steve - June 11 - 2:40 am

  Mitsubishis high end Diamante is a shining star. It has all the features of Mercedes E-Class for barely half the price.

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  Best Ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Happy Endeavor - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The Suv Feels like a powerful sports car. First time I stepped on the gas pedal I was pushed back in my seat. I was very amazed about the handeling, haveing much more a sedan feel than a lumbering SUV. It is nice to see Sport put back in the SUV.