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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  Excellent value - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By whtever - April 12 - 7:06 am

  I have had this SUV since new and have loved it. I have towed other cars and trucks with it on trips over 1200 miles on car trailers and never had a problem. The gearing is perfect to make use of horsepower. Gas milage has always been good also. The only problem we have had is wind noise on the drivers side. These SUvs are under valued compared to other mid size SUVs.

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By LELE - April 12 - 12:23 am

  I just purchased a new 2002 Diamante. My wife has a 1994 Diamante also. I love both cars. Build quality is excellent, I agree that the transmission should be a bit more responsive (my previous car was a 2000 Pontiac GranPrix GT - GMs trannys just have no equal when it comes to response) but at the same time this is not a performance sedan, its a luxury car. MPG should be a bit better, 21-29 should be the norm in this class. My GP averaged 23 mpg with a bigger engine and heavier car.

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  Love My Ride - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Swediemom - April 11 - 12:53 pm

  My Montero is great. I like that it rides more like a car than a truck. I like the V6 engine because it doesnt use as much gas. I sold a "Luxury SUV" so I could enjoy the Mitzi more. No mechanical problems. The "Luxury SUV drove rougher like a truck and often felt that it would flip, but the Mitzi doesnt. Good in snow in 4WD, but anti- lock brake could be improved for stopping on ice.

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  Da Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mayra - April 9 - 10:00 am

  It is an incredible Car. I totally recommend it.

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  just picked up - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By roadie from nj - April 9 - 10:00 am

  mitsu has a big hit on their hands ride is very smooth, handling is very good. sun roof is huge. seating is excellent. i looked at a gmc envoy. but 11 recalls just turned me off.

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  What a car! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sandy57 - April 9 - 8:03 am

  I bought the Sunset Pearl GT V6 with terra cotta interior. What a beautiful car! I got every option available and also got the Fosgate speaker package with sub in rear. This car is solid and I get lots of compliments. So far the gas mileage isnt that bad. I am just getting used to the car. Overall this is a great car for the money. It is really fun to drive.

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  TRADING HER IN - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 3 YEAR OWNER - April 8 - 2:00 am

  NO PROBLEMS, JUST NORMAL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED. ENJOYING HER STILL BUT HAVE TO TRADE IN FOR NEWER VEHICLE. CUP HOLDERS WELL PLACED BUT CHEAP(MINES BROKE). VERY COMFORTABLE BUT 2ND SEATS ARE UNIQUELY DESIGNED THAT A BABY SEAT FITS WEIRD.

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  Ute for the wife - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By conservative1 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife had a late model Grand Prix that she loved, but she has mild lower back probs and needed something taller. The Outlander fit the bill! She loved it from the moment she laid eyes on it. The only other vehicle she really cared anything about was a PT Cruiser GT that our local dealership gave us a really good price on (absolutely loaded for $21,500). The Outlander keeps up with most V8s on the road. Unfortunately, it gets around the same gas mileage as the big motor SUVs. The size is just right. It looked kinda big on the Mitsu lot, but its not a big car. Yes, its more like a car than a truck.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By AJAK - April 7 - 9:53 pm

  Ive had this car since 2002, and it has been the best car. Super reliable. Holds up to normal wear and tear very well. Styling looks pretty good too (kind of looks like the A4 from the same time period!). Good gas mileage. Never had any major problems. I would buy this car again for sure. Very very under rated.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Irish Eyes - April 4 - 2:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle used, but in great shape. I put an additional 35k miles in two years, since traded in for a newer Honda Pilot, which doesnt have the wow factor with body styling and interior design. The 2wd Endeavor got excellent gas mileage, but less than desirable handling in snow and ice. My next vehicle will be a new Endeavor.