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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  fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rff - August 3 - 10:00 am

  After driving a saturn the mitz was much more expensive, but definately worth it

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  Galant 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Shannon HAys - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Stylish and easy to handle. Good for a young, independent individual but not roomy enough for a family.

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  i love this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By leigh lee - August 3 - 10:00 am

  it has never broken down on me, its a grat car and fun to drive!!!

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  2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jim o - August 2 - 3:10 pm

  Okay - its only been 2 months but I also own a 2003 Maxima (Which I love) and this car rides BETTER and is more fun to drive! Not as quick but oh so close...Both cars have Goodyear Eagles. Unlike on the Maxima, they are very sticky on GTS- even in the rain. This is a tight car. It gets lots of compliments! Will post review after one year and winter in New York City. I Love this car so far. I intentionally purchased a 2005 model, the 2006 model looks too wierd for me.

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  Good value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 502flier - August 2 - 1:41 pm

  My wife wanted this vehicle to replace her 04 Outlander, which she loved. Turns out that it gets better mileage than the 4 cyl. and has tons more power. Im not a big fan of the transmission, which hesitates slightly when accelerating from a stop light (almost like a delay between gas pedal and actual go). There are foot wells under the front seats, which are great for taller backseat passengers. We now have 200,000 km on this vehicle (15,000 the first 10 days we owned it) and, aside from a transfer case seal and squeaky rear shocks (both replaced under warranty, it has been regular maintenance only. Changed the plugs last week at $400+, but it was past time. Wife still loves it.

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  The Best Vehicle Ever! - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Stone - July 31 - 2:36 pm

  Ive owned many vehicles over the years (more than 20 cars/trucks). This is, by far, the best vehicle EVER created for my needs. There has not been one mechanical/electrical issue with the truck; and I use it! Ive camped IN it during heavy rains; the seats can fold down into a comfy bed. Ive packed 3 adult bikes in the back without taking the wheels off, its hauled over 1,000 lbs. of flagstone in the back. Ive gone well into the woods without roads, hauling two kayaks and a canoe on top. And, cleaned-up, it is the sportiest/sexiest/manly-non-soccer-Mom vehicle one could want. They must have built mine wrong because I get 20 city and 26 hwy. Ive checked it over and over. True 22 mph ave.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Yehu - July 31 - 6:00 am

  Test drove a bunch of different SUVs and came across the Endeavor. Under appreciated vehicle, and a great value for the dollar. Plenty of room inside, deceptive almost. Great cargo room and leg room for big/tall people. Engine is surprisingly strong and the auto-stick is a nice touch. Lots of storage pockets, and it has 4 cup holders up front.

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  More Than Good Enough - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By John - July 29 - 10:53 pm

  We have been watching the Outlander Sport for several years. We finally bought a 2016 Outlander Sport ES to replace our 2005 Mazda Tribute i. The Outlander Sport is a much nicer vehicle and we paid less for it than we paid for the Tribute in 2005. Why would we buy a vehicle that rates an a rare Edmunds "D" rating? Lets count the reasons: 1. Safety - The Outlander Sport has Good IIHS crash ratings except for an Acceptable Front Small Overlap rating. The old Mazda received a Poor side crash rating. Many newer vehicles do not pass the Front Small Overlap test. 2. Reliability - 2015 CR states that the Outlander Sport has excellent reliability. Models built from 2012-2015 were made in Illinios. 2016 models sold in this country are made in Japan once again. 3. Features - Comes standard with everything. You wont need to upgrade or get an option package for Cruise Control which seems to be very common for vehicles in this price range. Love the usb port, heated side mirrors, rear center arm rest with cup holders, easy fold split rear seat and the Hill Start Assist feature; again all standard. 4. Performance - According to Edmunds 0-60 in 8.8 seconds(2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Road Test), 60-0 in 119 feet. Reported best gas mileage to be 29-32 without trying too hard. Comfortable seats and yes it does have a telescoping, leather wrapped steering wheel standard. It rides better than the Mazda did and it is quieter too. You can hear the engine during hard acceleration but it quiets down while cruising. We dont have any issues with how it handles. Perhaps it is not Sporty but even CR gave it a good (1/2 red dot) Routine Handling rating. It has the nicest interior of any vehicle we have ever owned. Maybe it is true that the rate at which vehicles have been improving is staggering but so has their price. The Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 must be fantastic vehicles if they are really that much better than the Outlander Sport. The problem is that for the price we actually paid for the Outlander Sport, they are not competing against each other. In fact for the price we paid there are very few new vehicles to consider and the Outlander Sport beats them easily. If you are looking for a vehicle capable of handling four tall adults and their stuff there are very few choices in this price range. If you are the type of person who replaces their vehicle as often as their iPhone then the Outlander Sport is probable not for you. But if you are like many Americans who agonize over every dollar spent you need to at least consider the Outlander Sport. Compare it to the one you are currently driving not to one that will put you in debt forever.

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  greatest car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By llcrzy77 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I am completely satisfied with this vehicle this has convinced me that I will only buy mitsubishis from this point forward!!!!!! Buy one if you can

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  It was hard to buy not American - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By bray1382 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  We love it. It looks good and it handles the road well. We have the black interior and it is smooth. The American made SUVs in this price range all had two tone leather interior and we didnt like that.