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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  Decent Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MJ - July 4 - 4:46 pm

  Ive been driving the Galant for about 4 years now. No major repairs, so I cant complain.

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  very reliable - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By scott.76 - July 4 - 1:16 am

  Its been a very solid vehicle. Not a single mechanical issue. It now has 85,000 miles on it. Some complaints I have are that after about an hour of driving Ive got to get out and stretch my legs. The seat height is too low. Its definitely not a vehicle designed for a tall person. The roof is also quite low. The side steps arent really functional so my seat is wearing because I essentially have to slide in and out. It handles great in the snow and does well off road. My sister bought an 03 Jeep grand Cherokee at the same time we bought our MS. Theyve had nothing but trouble with it. Theres something to be said for the simple design of MS. Not a whole lot of gadgets that can break.

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  worth every penny - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By frisco - July 2 - 10:00 am

  excellent. my family is extremly happy with this truck - we shopped around and couldnt find any other that truly compares. it is extremly sturdy and very attractive.

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  Good first Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chewetson825 - July 1 - 12:45 am

  This was the car I bought when I was 16. I got it with 119,000 miles on the clock and it now has 152,000. Overall, it has been a pretty good first car. Ill be sad to part ways with it when i get a new car.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jason in Laurel - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I bought the ES 4 cyl model with the leather, moonroof, and spoiler. Not only does it look great, but it is a great car! The only problem Ive had is the timing belt. That was my fault. Its not a cheap fix, but its the only problem on the car with 151,000 miles!

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  XLS AWD w/ all options is a Great Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mitsuman - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Outlander since May, and I have enjoyed it ever since. No problems, very reliable. This is a well built, reliable car that is great for a small family. I have 2 boys and it works very well with the car seats. It isnt a rocket, but it is more than suitable for what its intended. We live in hilly, northeast PA and cant complain. Interior is very quiet and its great on trips.

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  mighty mite - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By barbie3 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I say that my Outlander XLS is a baby SUV that hasnt grown up yet. It has all the power of a large SUV but its not all big and bulky. Its super fun to drive especially since I can change between automatic and manual driving without the hassle of a clutch. It has a ton of interior room and that was a must as we are a family of 4 with a lot of hobbies. I was looking at the Toyota Matrix but Im so much more pleased with my Outlander.

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  Much better than Jeep - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By JayKel - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. After over a year, I drove from MI to NJ then the AC failed... then after two years of driving the transmission failed. I did some research and finally have the SUV of my dream. Never failed me.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Barbara Gurnee - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Quiet interior except when the sun roof is open, that creates a lot of interior noise/whistling sound. Difficulty adjusting the audio sound system. Cant always adjust the heater for comfortable heat in the winter time. Poorly designed windshield washer hose as it gets crimped underneath the hood when the hood has been opened and closed. There is a very large blind spot when using the side mirrors.

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  Rented and fell in love - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By kcharlem - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Toyota Landcruiser for 5+ years... hands down top SUV in terms of quality, capability. HOWEVER, rented the Endeavor when my car was in the shop, and I must have one. Quality feels like the Toyota, and ride is slightly better. From someone who has driven the best SUV, this is exactly what an SUV should feel like. At half the price.