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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  Value for Money - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By anthony_p - May 16 - 1:29 pm

  I have 2015 GT FWD model and its surprisingly comfort ride. I decided to purchase a crossover due to long commute to work and i was looking for price factor(basically a value for money) crossover without moving to a car, I looked at multiple crossovers from different car manufactures and decided to purchase Outlander Sport 2.4L GT model.Wow Im glad that i bought this car and i really enjoy the car for daily commute. The visibility in the car is excellent same like sitting on any other full size SUV. If you are looking for a smaller, reliable, sporty crossover then its best bet for the price and options. This is not for a family who have more kids as trunk space is too small.

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  Great Truck - Average Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By beaver_01186 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  We honestly wouldnt have bought any other SUV. We drove Explorers, Expeditions, GM, Suzuki, Mopar, Nissan, etc. Very smooth ride, you hear the bumps but dont feel them. The best 4wd system out there. I love the true full-time 4wd and the ability to manually select what I want. The interior design is a little puzzling. Poor center console design, no storage, no place for cell phone, horrible cupholders. Resale and residual values are also sore spots.

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  good car for the money - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jeffro - May 16 - 2:00 am

  A solid car for me and the kids. Got a great deal on it, as the Galants dont hold their value the best. The 4 cylinder makes decent power in the midrange rpms. Rides very smooth and is a quiet car compared to my old Saturn. Good looks, handling, and doesnt feel cheap or tinny like Nissan Altima and Honda Civic. Labor costs for regular maintenance are reasonable, although Im not one to ever visit the dealership.

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  Great upgrade from OZ Rally... - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brian8879 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I drive 110 miles, five days a week to work--having a fun to drive car is an absolutely necessity. I previously owned a 2002 Lancer OZ Rally and was very happy with it, except in two key areas--engine performance and braking. I just purchased a 2004 Lancer Ralliart and could not be happier. The engine provides quick response from a dead stop and while on the road. As for braking, the stops are short and solid--the vehicle remains stable and straight. All in all, I am extremely pleased with the vehicle. Those of you who like the Lancer, but require more power, the Ralliart is the choice.

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  Sorry but I have to tell the truth.. - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By friendwithan02 - May 15 - 11:30 pm

  I have to tell the truth about the Montero Sport, its not that great considering the rest of the competition. Power is subpar, mileage fairly poor, build quality average, overpriced, overall just a below average vehicle produced by a below average company. The best thing about the Montero sport is its looks. Id have to concur with Edmunds on just about everything about this SUV.

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  The pursuit of perfection - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MIKE - May 15 - 11:26 am

  I love the looks and the handling of the 06 Eclipse, and the safety features it offers are the best, especially for a sports car. It is comfortable and fast. My wife is in love with this car. The audio system is excellent.

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  Great car - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By millenniumsea - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, comfortable and quite fast for a mid-category family car, excellent for weekend trips and everyday use too. The interior could be more pretty, especially the color, but the interior is very well designed and practical. Surprisingly good sound system as it comes from the factory.

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  So Far So Good - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Grindle64 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this car about a month ago and I have been pretty happy so far. I paid what I would have paid for a Civic or Sentra but my GTZ is V6 leather power everything low miles. So far I am happy.

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  Fast&Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By LoveMyClipse - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful. I traded in my Acura Integra for this car and there is a huge difference. My eclipse is much smoother to drive than the Acura. There is also a very noticable difference in power, and I love it!

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  Happy So Far - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Jim - May 11 - 5:36 am

  We traded our 02 Explorer for the 2010 Endeavor. We drove a lot of SUVs (Nissan, Hyundai, Chevy, Ford, Dodge etc) and thought the build quality, ride, and performance were the best on the Endeavor - plus how can you beat the warranty. Started out to buy the Outlander but once my wife drove the Endeavor she was hooked. Also you feel really safe driving in it.