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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  Love it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Razorback in Tulsa - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Have loved the Endeavor ever since our first test drive, finally bought one when our dealer made us an offer that was several hundred $$ lower than any Tulsa dealership. Wife is primary driver, we all absolutley love the vehicle. Great for family trips and for errands around town.

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  Fun Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By CJ914 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive and yes like others have said everyone wants to race you at red lights. The cup holders do suck! I shouldve got the manual trans but I like the auto stick. I dont use the auto much because it overshifts too much....you could be going 35mph and its in 4th gear. Overall its fun to drive and the speed does creep up on you. Sound system is really nice and love the six disc changer in the dash.

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  2001Elipse GS - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By amacy - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 Honda products previous to my Eclipse. Ihave found the quality of the Eclipse to equal or better in all areas. The financing and incentives offered by Mitsubishi made this a much more attractive purchase than another Honda. I was able to get much more car for my money with Mitsubishi than Honda. Hondas are excellent cars, but they are far too proud of them and unwilling to deal on the price.

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  more power = more fun - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bill - December 17 - 8:20 pm

  If this vehicle were equipped with a V6 it would be the perfect rig for me.Could also use a slightly heavier suspension.Tires seemed to be a car- type variety rather than a truck tire. Would also like to see a manual transmission option.

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  First and Probably Last - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Sherri1975 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Had the Montero for almost 1 1/2 years & keep having problems with it. While very comfortable, we have been very disappointed with the performance. It only has 49K miles on it & weve already had to have the brakes worked on twice (still not fixed) & just spent $440 getting the spark plug wires changed out. According to the service lady at the dealership, Mitsubishi is very picky about the parts that it can use and that its more expensive to fix anything on them. I have a 98 Nissan that Ive never had to have a thing done to it, so extremely disappointed that we put this much money into it to get the quality that we got.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dorrace - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I was very suprised at the comfort and driving manuverablity of this car. Very happy with my purchase.

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  good - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By wawick - December 17 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive in freeway

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  Excellent - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By joangell - December 17 - 10:00 am

  We looked at the Highlander and Pilot. The Endeavor offered more value for the money. Even though we have only had the vehicle for a month, we have been totally satisfied with it.

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  Love my galant - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By James Bozman - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, cant beat it. Very smooth ride and handling. Would recomend to others.

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  Blind spot - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Joyce Anatra - December 16 - 7:26 pm

  Only one draw back, between the windshield corners and the front doors, thereis a blind spot that you have to get use to and physically adjust to compensate. Other then that, it is a very well built vehicle. I would recomend the Endeaver to my friends and familly.