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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  Loving it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ATL-L - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Previous owner of an Explorer...then a Lexus sports car. Missed the SUV so tried to find something that I really wanted. The Endeaver drove like my car and had some things better than before. After test driving the Explorer after the Endeavor it was a no-brainer. The Endeavor is wider...more grounded. better handling and just more comfortable.

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  This car is fun to drive - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ShawnCT - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive

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  100,000 plus - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Matt Smith - February 24 - 10:00 am

  With a 115,000 miles it still feels and drives like the day I bought it. Regular maintance is the key to any cars longevity.

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  2001 Eclipse GT - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mariom - February 24 - 10:00 am

  The Eclipse GT is a solid "fun-ride". It looks great inside and out. The fuel economy is good. I have had no problems with mine except the drivers window sticking a little in cold weather.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jack Sears - February 22 - 6:33 am

  This is an enjoyable vehicle to drive. The only complaint is the fuel mileage. It is comfortable to ride in and it handles great. I am sorry to hear that mine is the last year it will be available. This is my second Endeavor. I enjoyed the first one, traded up to get more features.

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  The best car ever!!!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By jorie - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car, never left me on the side of the road. I bought this car with 18,000 miles on it and now it has 230,000! Get up and go is still awesome! The handling is great. Im sure I could still take a long raod trip and it would be fine. Gas mileage is great. It pretty much has all the original parts on it. Although I did replace the air compressor. In the eleven years Ive owned it must have saved me a bunch of money. Thanks Mitsibishi!

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  Quality & looks in one - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Nick - February 21 - 4:36 am

  2009 ES in red and black interior - 2wd My wife loves this SUV. Did not need extra stuff like 4wd or navigation or high end radio. Handles great, good mpg, looks nice. Rides very smooth on highway. Radio works well, plenty space for five or six. Tailgate is nice feature for loading and unloading. Car feels and looks more expensive than is was. Interior looks sharp. 10 year warranty.

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  What a great car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By canadamorris - February 19 - 5:46 am

  I have owned the Galant for a little more than three weeks, and already I love it! Its great inside, has a lot of power for a four cylinder, and handles nicely. I got this car for a much better price than I could have an Accord or Camry, and boy am I glad I did! Im a big guy, so its hard to find a car that I can fit into, but this fits me like a glove! I also love the blue backlights on the dash and radio. I also really like the high crash ratings. I really dont understand the one negative review on the car, since the Galant is an absolute dream to drive! I would highly recommend this (or any Mitsubishi) to one of my friends, or practically anyone looking for a good, fun, car!

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  GREAT WEEKEND TRAIL GETTER - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Floyd Beutler - February 18 - 3:50 am

  I love this car I have owned it a year now and no major issues just had to replaced one wheel bearing due to previous owner neglect. Will get out and go anywhere my buddys Jeep will.

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  Great SUV for great price - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jasun - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I got my Montero Sport XLS brand new in 2000. The car looks great, I always get compliments. The power when i head up to the mountains is more than adaquate even with the air conditioning on full blast. Another great aspect is the fuel mileage. I am averaging about 20 to 21 miles per gallon!!! The ride is surprisingly quiet for an SUV. Great SUV, highly recommended. If you are in the market for a used car get the 2000 Montero Sport overt a 2001 or 2002. They have begun transforming the car to more of a Xterra type instead of a nicer 4 runner type. They offer less options in the newer ones. In my opinion the 2000 is the best Montero of all.