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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  number one out of my last five cars - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By blutenchi - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I purcahased my Outlander in January of 2003, and I love it. Its my fifth vehicle and my favorite. Compared to its competitors it lacks a little in performance power, but its handling is great and it is one of the most distinctive vehicles out. Since it is still a fairly new vehicle on the market many people dont know what it is but always comment on its style and features.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mat084 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Endeavor Limited AWD for about 2.5 months and I love it! Its very quick for a 2+ ton SUV with a V6. Ive had no problems taking on the occasional full size V8 powered pickup trucks at stop lights, and most cars for that matter! The SportTronic transmission is fun to use, but just letting the automatic do its job is just as effective. Ill have to wait until I drive it in a Chicago winter to make up my mind on the AWD.

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  Pure Adrenaline - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By cpk - March 8 - 7:46 pm

  So far this has been an incredible experience. The dealership was great, the car is a blast to drive both on winding back roads or the high speed interstates. The sport shift automatic transmission works great. The seats are comfortable on long trips and the controls are well placed. The fit and finish is perfect. The 06 Eclipse is the perfect combo of great looks and performance. To top it all off you cant beat the warrenty and the price for a car in this performanc catagory.

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  23 years later and it is a whole new Mitsubishi - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By David M. L. - March 7 - 2:03 am

  I swore I would never buy another Mitsubishi after a disaster with an 83 Cordia; but, I was seduced by the looks of the brand new 2006 Eclipse. I put aside my misgivings and bought a 4 cyl. GS -- And, I am blown away by the power, feel, quality, and so far reliability of this wonderful car. Dont believe the reviews that say a 4 cyl. auto. has no power. This car has plenty and with $3.00 + gas it is very thrifty. I got the fog lights installed along with the very reasonably priced optional power & sun package and I have a car that is HOT! People cant believe it only cost in the low $20s. I love it and think I really scored! It is sporty enough and my wife agrees!

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  Truck truck - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Lukas - March 4 - 8:26 pm

  Bought used w/ 70k miles, so far almost 30k miles later and still loving it, the only mechanical problem I have had was the small part in fuel pump (unfortunatelly I had to buy the whole unit $560 w/ repair). Nothing else done to the engine or the truck itself. I live in snow country - the bottom is rusty or should I say rustic... That amount of salt will eat alive anybody. Great comfort, great tow, perfect in the snow, 4x4 is fun to drive - I highly recommend to anybody. Ive seen models w/ 160k miles on them - the only thing - do not put syntetic motor oil, I noticed lesser performance... Not sure how it is possible, but the truck works better on regular oil... Its a keeper!

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  Amazing - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Sebastien - March 3 - 4:46 pm

  I used to have a 2003 oz rally and I decided to change it for 2006 ralliart. I completely fell in love with this car when I test drove it. I bought it with low profile wide tires and it is incredible how I could turn corners at high speed. The acceleration is pretty good. I got it up to 220km/h without any problems. If you are looking for a fun to drive or a useful car dont look anywhere else the 2006 ralliart has what you need.

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  Now this is FUN! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tony - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Endeavor a few weeks ago and I just cant find enough time to drive it. It has 96,000 on it but runs like new. The interior is a little noisy from rattles. Common complaint. The sound system in great! The look hasnt changed and rightfully so. With two kids, the back seat has room for both them and their toys (Thats a plus!) Ive read complaints about the paint but havent seen anything unusual on mine. Also had a slight shake at 65 mph which an alignment took care of. If you are luck enough to find one. Get it and enjoy.

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  Undiscovered Jewel - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Hilborne - February 25 - 5:10 am

  The Raider initially sparked my interest based on appearance only. It looked sleek and mean. Ive had mine for two and a half months now, and I continue to feel like it was tailor made for me. It is powerful, comfortable, and just the right size for all my needs. The compliments keep rolling in, even from complete strangers. I have already driven it on a 2,500 mile road trip, and was surprised at how comfortable it was after sitting for 16 hours solid. I still have yet to see another on the road though. It seems as if the word just hasnt yet gotten out. More people need to know about this undiscovered jewel.

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  Mirage Heaven - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Scott Hill - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after driving a Ford Truck with a 302 engine in it for years. I wanted something easy on the wallet, with air conditioning, just to get me where I needed to go every day. So I traded the truck in on this new 98 Mirage. I got the base model 2 door 5-speed manual. All I had to do was get the windows tinted and put in a cd player. In the five years and 4 months I have owned this car the only time it has been in the shop - besides scheduled oil changes - was for a new starter covered under warranty during year 2. Of course, I miss the power, riding with 95 horsepower or so, but the reliability makes up for that.

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  montero sport - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By dwm - February 25 - 2:00 am

  traded in a ford explorer(maint cost too high) this vehicle rides & handles better than the explorer, has better take off, better fuel economy, and hopefully i wont be at the repair shop every six weeks