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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  Love my Galant - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jerry - May 27 - 10:30 am

  Looked at the competition and felt the quality and pricing on this beauty was fair. I bought a nice base model and had leather seats installed. Still feel great tooling around in my Mitsubishi. Its a sporty, yet sensible commuter family sedan. Getting about 27 mpg avg. AC good, roomy interior, quiet ride. Have had a couple of trim retainers pop loose but not an issue.

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  Great Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By JW675 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money!!!

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  Bang for the buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ABS - May 27 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Montero my choice was clear, and I was spotted that day! My trade was dying and I needed an SUV fast. When the salesman showed me the fold into a bed seats it blew my mind! If Mitsubishi would advertise it more I know it would be a top seller.

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  excellent - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By L. J. Moll - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Galant. I love them!

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  super fun! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mdt - May 27 - 2:00 am

  We havent owned our Outlander for long, but we sure are enjoying it. Its peppy off the line, despite its 4cl. engine. But the extras we got, and the way cool looking body, make up for that. If you are looking at a CR-V (like I was), take the time to test out an Outlander.

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  If you buy anything else, youre stupid - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tkgrim - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it! no complaints at all!

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  What everyone should buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By GAdam - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Rates right up there with a 4Runner and Lexus RX300 except $5-10,000 less!

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  Excellent Vehicle For The Price - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By jen3841 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi couldnt have made a better vehicle. Lots of standard features and well worth the money. It has the perfect engine for what it is used for wheather its off roading or every day highway use.

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  owning one - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tkgrim - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the money, interior is roomy and fells safe.

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  What I think of the O-Z Rally Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By optimasone - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is overall a fun car to drive. It offers more passenger volume than a lot of other cars in its class. It does need a little extra pep, but no more than other cars in its class. Its great on gas mileage and very economical overall with all its standard features.