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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  The BEST truck in the snow!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By PHISH - June 5 - 11:10 am

  I bought a 2001 Montero in 2005 w/42,000 miles on it. We just traded it in with 84000 miles because we just needed a change. It was the best truck I have ever had. Lots of room, comfortable ride, amazing in the snow, great ground clearance, great on the highway and the 01 seems like its faster than an 05 I recently drove.The only major expensive was the timing belt at 70,000 miles but my ex. warranty picked it up. I would recommend this truck to anyone and would buy it again. If youre in the market for one... Dont let the miles on this truck fool you. I would buy one with 100,000 miles on it in a heartbeat.

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  The "End"eavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dori - June 4 - 9:53 pm

  I like my Endeavor, however I dont like the fact that the front window heats up when it is "hot" outside, even with the air on. I can also hear the wind through the sun roof when it is closed. Other then these simple issues I like to drive it often.

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  If you want more power, get the 3.5L - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Cappy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The Montero Sport is absolutely the best SUV Ive owned. Ill admit the financing got me to bite at first, but this vehicle turned out to be one of the best auto-buying decisions Ive ever made. Great ride (for a truck), excellent storage, plenty of power, stylish looks, fantastic stereo system, well-equipped options, easy to shift into 4WD, and fun to drive. The rear view mirrors are large and offer clear vision; the blind spot zone on this vehicle is minimal. Compared to other SUVs, the Montero Sport is one of the best unknown values in the SUV world. Lets face it, Mits is not the marketing powerhouse of the industry.

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  Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS 4WD - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Aleksandar Lujic - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very dependable, it is very strudy in turns, doesnt lean into turns, even though it is an SUV, it behaves like a normal with minor differences. The only downfall is the mpg, compared to other cars very bad, but good compared to other SUVs.

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  Features/great looks for not much $$ - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mike - May 30 - 11:00 am

  My wife and I recently picked out this car as we wanted to go from a two vehicle household down to one to save some money. We sold her 07 Honda Fit and traded in my Nissan Armada towards the Lancer GTS w/ nav and tech package and sun and sound package. Have not looked back since. This car looks beautiful and turns lots of heads on the roadway. For all the features you get (safety and tech-wise) you really cant beat it at all, not for the money anyway. Far too many Accords and Altimas out there, do yourself a favor and at least test drive the 08 Lancer GTS!

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  NO PUFFING ALLOWED - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Vegas Joe - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Car now comes with Yokahoma tires instead of Bridgestone. The Yokahomas, for some reason, provide a bouncy ride whereas the Bridgestones dont. No workmanship like Smokers package is offered by Mitsubishi. All they offer is a cupholder insert which cant be seen at night. It also reduces the cupholders from two to one.

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  Gets you from A to B - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Chiyo - May 29 - 9:23 pm

  I got this used with 36,000 miles on it. The car has good exterior styling, but the inside feels cheap. The seats, sun visors, air filters. The sound system is not that great. The door is too heavy. The car is very slow, so it gets decent gas mileage. It seems fairly reliable, and gets me from A to B without much problems. The wheel size is small, so the tires dont cost much either. I got this car because I got a good deal on it...Otherwise, Id have chosen something more fun to drive...like the Mazda Protege I have had.

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  Theres much better - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Nick - May 29 - 5:13 am

  Many complain that gas mileage is "poor under hard acceleration, no HID lights, no leather option, etc." This is an economy car people!!!! Of course mileage is bad when you drive aggressively, HIDs come on cars that are typically $25K+ (as well as leather). I will review this car for exactly what it is and against its competitors. The build quality is horrible. Paint is very bad as well. Mileage is excellent, though. Interior materials rattle, interior noise can be deafening. Its not "exciting" to drive, nor is it fast. SUVs smoked me at on-ramps. It looks good though. For the same price, VW Rabbit, Mazda 3, etc are all better choices. I got rid of my Lancer after 5 months.

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  UNDER RATED ENDEAVOR? - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Reggie Love - May 28 - 6:10 pm

  I really dont know why Mitsu is going to stop making this vehicle. Its way better than the outlander, which is noisier vehicle. Its a great SUV, the only thing they have to work on is the fuel economy and add a third row. This car has everything, even the lowest trim available. Its really too bad 2008 is the last year for this model.

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  never fails - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jtho249 - May 28 - 7:43 am

  I have had my Galant for over two years and 40,000 miles. Ive taken it on long trips and I obviously drive it every day. it is easy to drive. I have not had one issue mechanically. dont get the seats wet. the cloth they used will show a ring just from water. I have had to steam clean the seats to get the marks out. this car looks good and I will always recommend it to friends. as in most cases. treat your car well and it will treat you well.