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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  Well Done - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jasper - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Exterior and Interior are great for the price - if you compare to the Jetta - then you will be depressed, but compared to the Civic - coupled with the savings - winner every time. The engine provides just what us econo shoppers are looking for - dependable, solid and pretty quick around the corners! Very happy with the purchase

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  Great SUV by Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Arthur - January 5 - 8:46 pm

  Love the car! No problems and very stylish. Not to sure about gas milage but it doesnt seem bad.

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  Its a winner! - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By peter95949 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought new; black with gray leather. Its still a very handsome car. Goes like the wind; great mid-range response. In almost 60,000 miles, there has been virtually no maintenance. Abnormal tire wear through two sets of Goodyear tires. Mitsubishi said those tires were not designed properly for this car, and they wore rapidly. I replaced them with Toyos, and everything is 100% now.

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  Tops all small suvs - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Becky Peterson - January 3 - 3:43 am

  I love my Outlander. Ive had it for 7 months and have just about 10k miles on it. It was awesome in the snow with the 4wd option and has plenty of clearance. I love the smart key! The stereo is exceptional and I love the 6 disc cd changer! The only thing that makes me a little crazy is the air leak noise when the sunroof is CLOSED. This vehicle is fun to drive and easy to maneuver. I wish I wouldve purchased the V6 but I was being careful with the gas mileage.

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  Underrated - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Bernard Herrera - January 2 - 12:46 pm

  Get the big bucks for your run. Reliable and robust. No hassle off road and on road. Beautiful for snow, rain and mountain. Fun in NYC buckle roads and streets. Confy for long trips as well as fun. Glad is under rated for it cost less and you get all the luxuries, leather, sunroof, 6 CD, third seat, alloy wheels, roof rack etc.... Have portable DVD and Magellan. Feels and rides safe as to avoid speeding tickets. Has all the power to pull boat and utility open trail. What else...?

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  fun & easy to drive - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Allie - January 2 - 3:13 am

  Nought this instead of the Highlander because of the warranty...it held up great when someone turned into the passenger side. More than enough space for 4 good sized adults cruising arount town or camping with friends.

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  2005 Mitsubishi Lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tom Pounds - January 1 - 2:36 am

  My girlfriend has a 2003 Lancer and had no problems with excellent reliability. So I bought my 2005 and now I am very happy.

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  Mitsubishi Diamante (Diamond) indeed - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Michael - December 28 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my Diamante for a steal at $2,500 last November 11, 2007. Its an ES but came with all the optional features (sun roof, leather, CD player, etc.). Ive been driving it since then with normal maintenance and its been just phenomenal. I was weary at first having no clue what I was getting myself into, but after testing the car out I fell in love with it! I wanted a car that wasnt already on the road at mass production like the Honda Accords/Civics or the Toyota Camry/Corolla. I wanted something a bit more speical, thats when I ran into the Mitsubishi Diamante. Ever since Ive bought this car Ive been a happy driver~ Good luck to everyone, I hope this review somewhat helps

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  Oh yeah - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By A King - December 27 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 2 days ago. I love it. Its a smooth drive and good on gas. It looks great too! I had my 3 nieces in the back seat; they werent cramped (ages 18,14 and 9.

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  Buy One!!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Frank - December 27 - 7:10 am

  This is an amazing car!!!! The ride is excellent especially for a sports car, and the interior is amazing. Love the blue gauges. I have the 4cyl. and there is tons of power!!! Great bang for the buck!!!