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:

• 

  Best buy in its class - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By mbranton - June 3 - 10:40 am

  I purchased this car a couple of months ago and use it every day for commuting. It is not noisy, it is not sluggish, and the interior appointments are well laid out and the ride is comfortable. I have gotten 40+ mpg no matter if I drive conservatively or the way I am used to, by "feeling" when to shift and accelerate. I love all the standard features such as keyless entry, Bluetooth, USB input, cruise control, automatic climate control, traction control, antilock breaks, electronic stability control, tire pressure management system, and despite what the "critics" say you cannot buy a car with all this for less money from any other brand, period. I know, I did my research for quite some time

• 

  great car - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Peggy - June 2 - 7:06 pm

  I bought this car new and have only had reliability. I have only done routine maintenance. Never broken down or replaced parts other than brakes, tires, and muffler. I have over 155,000 miles. It still rides it did new. Great riding comfort and pickup. I get about 27 miles highway and 24 around town. If they were still made I would buy another!

• 

  Excellent driver accessibility - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By RonK - June 1 - 4:26 pm

  First impression after 650 miles is that vehicle is built like a swiss watch, very precise. Compared to 4 other SUVs and features/price could not be beat. Very impressed with warranties/roadside assistance offerings. Speaks to manufacturer confidence in vehicle. However, having said all this, vehicle does have peculiarities, which I cover in suggested improvements.

• 

  Traded my Gallant for This??? - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cm0805 - May 31 - 3:11 pm

  I didnt know when I traded that the same motor that was in my Gallant is also in the Outlander. Good motor, but the Outlander is heavier so it has no get up an go. It also doesnt track well, feels top heavy in the curves. Inside is not plush, but looked good when new. Both Gallant and Outlander had the same problems: after a couple yrs the A/C goes out and the temp control knob (the cheapest design Ive seen) breaks off. The good news: 10yrs, 260k mi and still running like a top. Oil changes and a timing belt is all Ive had to do. My Gallant was the reason I stayed with this brand... 340k, oil changes and 1 water pump. Awesome!

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Nona - May 31 - 11:23 am

  We had over 200,000 and was a great car until our transmission went out.. We loved it............

• 

  Solid and a "real" SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By PacNWdriver - May 30 - 10:53 pm

  I did a lot of research on this one before buying and it is by far the most reliable aside the Toyota Land Cruiser, just as capable and much more affordable. The track record of the Montero speaks for itself when it comes to reliability. I traded a Land Rover Discovery for it and the Montero is by far a better SUV, inside and out. The 4 wheel drive is similar to LR with the locking differential, but much easier to engage and disengage than the LR. The exterior design of the 2000 year is a unique one-of-a- kind and a cross between the old and new style (2001+). It is still truck like, but is one of the most capable SUVs off road and on. Plenty of light and fresh air from the huge moonroof too.

• 

  Style and Quality - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By RED - May 29 - 12:06 pm

  The Eclipse is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. I love it. It has more of a head-turning factor than cars costing $100,000 more. I am a little disappointed in the gas mileage it is giving me. Im getting around 16 to 17 in the city, tis is for a 4-cyl. NOT GOOD! Its not what the sticker said and NOT what I expected from a 4 cyl vehicle. My old car was a 6-cyl. and I got the same gas mileage, but had more power.

• 

  great to play with in the snow - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mike willard - May 28 - 10:00 am

  i have had this vehicle almost a year went through a fairly heavy winter season the vehicle is a blast in the snow very nimble and responds great better than the full size 4x4 pickups i have had in the past. very nice for the price

• 

  Get The Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JanettePetch - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a ford Escape - HATED IT!!!! This thing rides like a car, gives you the room of a SUV, and at a great price.

• 

  Endeavor Forever - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By edgriffith - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor offers the upbeat style and "family" realism that I needed and wanted all in one package. It drives smoothly and handles like a car. Many SUVs have blind spots that you have to be aware of. The Mitsubishi Endeavor has no such areas. With plenty of room for external awareness, it affords the opportunity to drive safely and comfortably. Buy it? I will own two Endeavors before I am done and I will KEEP them both. If you havent driven a Mitsubishi Endeavor, you havent driven an SUV.