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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  best value in a small suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By movienut - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Great so far! Radio controls are a little weird but you get used to them...very comfortable...great around town avg 22mpg and 29-30mpg on the highway...excellent suspension...hardly and body lean

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  Great Value - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rick - December 8 - 8:29 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a third row SUV and were shocked at the sticker prices on most of them. I had previously owned a Mitsubishi Lander and loved it so we decided to check out the Outlander. After some negotiating we got the SEL for what they were asking for the ES and it was a deal to good to pass up. This is now my wifes everyday car and out family car on the weekends and we couldnt be happier. While the four cylinder does lack the get up youd like in an SUV the MPGs more than makes up for it. We get 30+ MPG on any interstate trip; It feels like weeks between fill ups, and as much as we drive thats saying something. The push button start and keyless entry means looking fooling with keys is a thing of the past. My biggest complaint is the lack of places to put stuff like my phone. Most vehicles have nooks or something to put your items in, they forgot about that when designing it. All and all we couldnt be happier. We would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV who isnt looking to tow anything.

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  its all that i whanted - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By zeezo - December 7 - 10:00 am

  its a perfect car

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Krondor - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is an awsome car. There is very little more you could want, except maybe the AWD and Turbo offered in years past.

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  Very Impressive. - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mikey He Likes It!!! - December 7 - 12:06 am

  What can I say? For a great price, you get a great car. I am averaging about 26 mpg. The interior is very quiet. The ride is soft. It feels like an Acura drive. The car is a little sluggish though due to its heavier than average weight. It does pick up after about 18 mph. I highly reccomend this car to anyone looking for a Camry or Accord. The price is a heck of a lot better for what ya get.

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  Upgrade to FWD Limited - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By coalgirl - December 3 - 10:00 am

  The Endeavor has it all!!! I dirve a lot on the highway and the comfort is unbelievable. Im looking at upgrading to a AWD and the Limited Endeavor is beating out the Honda, hands down.

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  Perfect for me.... - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By m67 - November 30 - 10:00 pm

  Yes, it is a rather tall-standing SUV, so you should expect the inherent flaws of being a bit top heavy and poor gas mileage. I bought my 01 XS used a few years ago and it has been a reliable daily driver without fail. These vehicles were very well made and with proper care will last many years; mine is nearly 15 years old and still looks and drives perfectly.

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  Love My Galant! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jen - November 30 - 9:10 am

  I have had my Galant for 5 years now (bought it new from the dealer) and I am STILL getting compliments on it! I had a co-worker recently remark on the blue lights in the dash and how cool they were, and another one comment on the color and how sporty it looked. I still love the pick up with this car. Very reliable car. They only issue I have had with it so far are the brakes, but I just chalk that up to regular maintenance issues (I had to replace them after 35,000 miles). This car is great in ice, snow and heavy rains along with nice, sunny days!

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  my galant - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rosy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i ever drove... it rides so smooth that some times i even forget im driving.... i love the design of it.. It was made to look sporty and drive like a luxury car.....smooth!!! i wouldnt trade it for anything...

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  Great Car! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kungfubaby - November 29 - 3:13 pm

  What can I say - I love my Galant! The first day that I drove it, it felt like I was driving a luxury car (I was so accustomed to driving a compact car before). It is a comfortable drive and I like the fact that it has received high safety ratings. I look forward to driving my Galant for a long, long time!