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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  Suprising vehicle - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By geezerman - December 30 - 8:11 am

  I traded in a Toyota 4Runner on a 2011 Outlander, after checking out all the competition. It was the only vehicle which met my criteria for interior/exterior size, power, mileage, warranty, and price. I was suprised that I was able to fit all the "stuff" I had in the 4Runner in the interior bins and pockets, and was suprised to see it had two large glove boxes. Also love the handy tool/stuff storage bin under the rear floor. I am getting 24 mpg around town and around 30 on the hwy., and think this is outstanding in a roomy and adequately powered small SUV. I told the dealer they need to have a better advertising program on this vehicle, as a lot more people should buy it.

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  an experience - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By mark reyes - December 29 - 2:00 am

  the montero is really fun to drive. it does not give me problems and is fuel efficient. i like thee way it hugs the road even on rainy days. indeed the montero is one hell of a suv.

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  Love it but... - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Screen404 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for my wife and we both love it but one problem i have is with the head light spreding light all over the road too mutch. I had to put after market fog light and after market light boulbs. It did make things better.

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  2004 Endeavor Great Buy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By wbrundeg - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Cant believe more of these havent sold. Great features and ride. Good value and good gas mileage for size.

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  outlander - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fernandofi - December 29 - 1:00 am

  By far the best suv for the price. It has all the cool tech stuff, like premium audio, air bags, shifters paddles and bluetooth without the high price of a luxury suv.

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  A Real Quality Car with Perks! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By CHensley58 - December 27 - 10:43 am

  Ok, I just bought a brand spanking new Lancer as stated above. I just love this car. Ive always been more on the bigger longer taller cars but if youre looking for a super fun to drive sporty fuel saving compact then this car is in a complete league of its own. I would recommend this car 110%. I looked and test drove many of cars before making my final decision. This car beats them all. From driving to listening to your favorite tunes to just doing everyday running, you just have to drive one to know what all of these reviews are saying. How many other cars do you see where none of the reviews can really find any real problems with the car? None that I have seen! Just buy one ;-)

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  why such low reasle value in these cars? - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By sallygator - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Yes, the wind noise in this car exists- does that mean it leaks when it rains? I have a 1994 wagon which I also love- I do not like the seat eating papers habit of the sedan. MY car beats most others! Was considering Avalon or Volvo along with this one. Think I shouldve gotten a Toyota with better resale. Would love to have a hood ornament. There is nice acceleration here...and a stable ride at 120 MPH. Back seat headroom for my son (at 64")is lacking

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  Good Buy - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By peteiii - December 27 - 10:00 am

  The ride is excelent, smooth, very quiet, very soft to handle, and handles like a car.

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  My first SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By AdamB - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the look! The Blue/Gold two- tone is very classy, especially with the tan leather interior. Its also is QUIET! I hear virtually no road noise at all, even at highway speeds. The ride is also luxury car soft. I was concerned that I would get a "truck" ride in it, but its actually quite the opposite. The only thing trucklike is the slight "sway" in a turn which comes from being up so high. I have the 3.5 engine, which seems to be adequate - not fast, but not underpowered either. To date I havent had a problem with build quality or reliability, so I give it high marks here too.

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  SE Galant 20005, A great purchase! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By HeidiB - December 23 - 6:16 am

  I simply cant say enough good things about the SE model. The spoiler, exhaust, leather interior, rims and taillight upgrades are phenomenal. I enjoy the space and roominess of the vehicle and how luxurious it is for the price I purchased it for. Its a great change of pace from its rather plain-jane competitors (Accord and Camry). Wish this vehicle was publicized the way those are, and the warranty is a huge reason to make this your car! I dont worry about it expiring prior to my loan being paid off. Additionally, can you beat 0% financing?