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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  Nice SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Pib - March 9 - 2:00 pm

  I hadnt planned on looking at the Outlander as Id never heard of it. Im glad that I found out about it! Compared it with CR-V, RAV4, Santa Fe, etc...which are all fine vehicles, the Outlander hit all the right points on what I was looking for. What I especially like is that it gives me almost all the things I would want in a larger SUV in a smaller and more fuel-efficient size.

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  Its a blast - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BWV565 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in 10/2000 with ABS, leather seats, sunroof, 4-CD in- dash changer, power drivers seat, fog lights, etc. I have put on 33K miles on the car.

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  My old, boring, and outdated ride - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bookieyawan - March 8 - 9:30 pm

  This car may be fast because of its engine. My father thinks this is the best car he has ever had. This car may have a powerful engine I agree, but in my opinion I would say that I dont like this car too much. The reason is that this car has shown its age already. Go anywhere like hotels, restaurants, or even just shopping malls. Many of the cars I see are new or younger than this banger. Every time this car is in use I feel Im lagging behind because this car is old while those people they have fairly or brand new cars.This car is outdated already. We have a 2004 Dodge Durango but we seldom use it because its a gas guzzler. We also have 2004 Camry but my father says this is much nicer to drive.

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  Im impressed - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By gtarb0rder - March 8 - 2:13 am

  I bought this car a week ago using the "cash for clunkers" deal. I wanna add that the deal is a real pain but worth it. Ultimately this was an awesome buy, great car for the money. Its fun to drive, amazing looking, handles well, Im averaging 26 mpgs and the warranties are great. What I have to complain about it the rear spoiler, although adds to the aggressive look I love, its does become a pain when looking in my mirror. Also this car needs a 6th gear, but then again what car doesnt? Im so glad I got this over the Impreza, I just hope my opinion stays that way come winter.

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  Outlander Review - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Regggie - March 7 - 6:13 am

  I was very fortuanate to get a vehicle that has a wood like interior. I added a muffler tip and a chrome license plate frame. Which really adds to beauty. The vehicle sits pretty low to the ground which allows it to ride like a car, but it is still an SUV. I would reccomend this vehicle to any other. Its a great vehicle because I can fit my bike in it and still have room for freinds.

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  MY 2004 LANCER - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JLD2004 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY LANCER 2 WEEKS AGO. BEFORE I BOUGHT IT I OWNED A VW JETTA . THEY BOTH HAVE THE SAME FEATURES BUT THE LANCER IS ALOT CHEAPER TO BUY AND THE SALESMAN ARE VERY HELPFUL. ALTHOUGH THERE A FEW THINGS I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE LANCER, OVERAL ITS A GREAT CAR TO OWN. AND THE VW JETTA IS THE WORST CAR TO OWN NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE MANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS BUT THE SALESMAN AND VW CREDIT ARE THE RUDEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET.

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  2nd Mitsubishi Ihave owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Titan4 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. I owned the previous version (Mirage) They have made many improvements - More power, more room, sportier style. I would recommend this car to anyone who needs a good economical well made car.

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  Loved This Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JEV - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my Endevor after a very extensive search. I had look at a good many wagons and SUVs online as wellas driven a few. Even cars that were 7000 to 10000 dollars more left a lot to be desired. I am amazed that more web sites do not give justice to the quality of this vehicle. This worked out great for me because I was able to get a well above adverage SUV for much less than the so call best in class cars. I am sure that I will be laughing all the way to the bank. One more thing this car has a warranty that rivals the top of the line cars!

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  The Endeavor at Hall - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Terri L Hall - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, look forward to EVERY trip I take. I am a VP of a large company travel somewhat out of town, if I can drive I volunteer too! Great vehicle, the sound system is great...no upgrade needed!

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  Mitsubishi Galant - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By carguru - March 5 - 7:33 am

  The Galant is amazing. I had a Nissan Altima before and the Galant is so much better. It rides and handles far better than any other car I drove in it class.