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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  Galant 2.4 liter - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tlv - February 24 - 2:00 am

  A highly under rated automobile. Nice sleek exterior desgn. Plenty of get up and go even with the 2.4 liter engine.

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  Know how to use it - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Brett - February 20 - 9:43 pm

  We picked up a 2015 outlander sport se 4wd. It is awesome. The backseat has more room for me at 62" than our Jeep Grand Cherokee. People who think this vehicle has pokey acceleration were not taught how to use the CVT transmission properly. Its just like a snowmobile or automatic 4wheeler. It has a "powerband" in the 3-5000 rpm range. If you keep the Rpms in this range its pretty dang snappy, even while moving at about 45. It has a great ride, its quiet, it looks great, I dont know what more I can say. LED driving lights, fog lights, paddle shifters, auto climate control, touch screen stereo, backup camera, heated seats, adjustable headlights, I mean. What more can you ask for an suv that costs $21K?!? Oh yeah. 30mpgs and 4wheel drive! Its ridiculous. Knock it all you want, but Ill take a $300/month payment for a brand new suv all day. Try it with any other brand with those options. Good luck!

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  I am Queen of the Road - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Miss Penny - February 18 - 10:46 am

  I love my Galant! It chose me at the dealership-I didnt choose it. I didnt even test drive it--I simple drove it away and you have been unable to catch me ever since. It handles great and I havent had any problems at all with it. It is very fast (or maybe thats just me) I got a lot of bang for a little buck. Used with 22000 miles it was practically brand new. Ill never give it up!

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  Trucks Can Be Sweet and Pretty - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By millerandassoc - February 16 - 8:13 am

  I have owned this truck for three very enjoyable weeks. It is rattle-free and squeek-free. I dont know how anyone could make a more solid truck. Its ride is quiet and stable. It has a better ride that the Jeep Liberty I traded in. I love the looks. It is a truly good looking vehicle inside and out. I am averaging 17 mpg so far, which iss pretty good for a V8 but it should be a little better. I wish the truck was a little lighter and/or a little smaller. The side step bars are just a way to get your pants leg dirty.

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  Nice car... - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dover513 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle after a terrible accident my wife, daughter, and I were in. The first thing we noticed was the design, which is a little different from some of the other cars out there. The other thing we noticed was the zip- factor... This car has a decent amount of torque and the adaptive shift control transmission is ourstanding. The ride is great, just like others have said, this car handles edxtremely well! IT IS ONE OF THE FUNNEST VEHICLES I HAVE DRIVEN. I will be buying another on for myself as soon as out budget permits...

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  An Attention Grabber - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cammie - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I like the look of my 2004 Endeavor XLS. It has more head and leg room than my 2001 Montero Sport. It handles well on the highway and in the rain. The only thing that I miss that I do not have is the birds-eye view I had with my Montero Sport. I wish that they would add a little more height to it.

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  The Fast and Furious! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mr. Nguyen - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Powerful 210 hp engine. Great Infinity Sound system. Comfortable front seats for driver and passenger. Nice 17" alloy wheels.

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  Great little SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Melanie - February 13 - 9:53 am

  The Outlander is great for the person that wants a vehicle large enough to haul everyday things, but doesnt want the huge, gas-guzzling monsters that are out there today!

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  Great car with few problems - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Eric - February 12 - 5:43 pm

  Ive only had this car for 3 days but love it. Plenty of room all around, including ample trunk space. The engine is very responsive and can push you back against your seat when you want it and it has a great throaty hum from 2K RPM and up. It looks great from the outside but it is truly gorgeous on the inside. The Rockford Fosgate system is an awe and you will blow out your eardrums way before you it becomes distorted. The sport suspension lets you hug the road around turns but still offers a comfortable ride. All around a truly functional car that can still make your adrenaline pump when you want it to.

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  Never a problem in 5 years - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Vic Michaels - February 11 - 5:50 pm

  I cant say enough about how happy we are with this vehicle. 5 years and 57,000 miles and only new brakes and tires! I have noticed some reviewers posting they had to use premium gas, but we have always used regular with NO issue. The car is fun to drive, comfortable, and over all a great value for the money. We have averaged an easy 21 miles per gallon in mixed driving conditions. There is a very large amount of space with the seats down to place items, pretty close to a mini-van in interior space. I use it to hall audio equipment around with no issue.