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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  So Far So Good - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Quinny - April 24 - 5:50 pm

  Took a long look at many small SUVs. Honda CRV too sluggish, Forrester (used to own one) lacked wow factor, RAV4 V6 4WD was solid but cost $2000+ more with less features. Worried about American made being around much longer. Wanted to stay under $30k fully loaded. Walked out at $27,255 with 0% financing for 60 months (rather than another $2000 off) - approx. $1,500 below invoice. Sticker on car was over $31,000 MSRP. Fun to drive, looks good, great sound system, Fast key awesome - hope to have for a long time.

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  Great Buy - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ontarioman - April 23 - 12:47 pm

  Overall, Nice vehicle. Nice handling in city and has decent power with the V6. Very fast pick up on the highway. The V6 makes a nice growl when accelerating. Handles rough pavement like a charm. Good fuel consumption for a v6. It is about the same as my 4 cylinder rav4. Very good brake feel. Very nice well laid out dash. Out of all the vehicles i tested drove, The forester xt, mazda cx-5 and the outlander GT was in the running. The forester seat was not supportive and the steering was too loose. The mazda was very good and my wife has one. I think the handling is slightly better than the outlander but the powe of the outlander cannot be beaten . The Super allweel drive system is legendary.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cody Boy - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 to the Endeavor. Handling and ride are fantastic. Had to get LTD in order to get rear A/C - but certainly am enjoying the luxuries that it provides! Love all the looks that I get from other drivers!

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  Good SUV for the price - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By marcthepark - April 18 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased my Endevor about 8 months ago, and have had no issue with it. The exceleration is very good, and I live Colroado, and have many enterence ramps that are on hills. The SUV is confortable. It is simple (I have an LS), but the price was very good. Best value for size, year, power, and millage.

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  Must Test Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By GregL - April 18 - 6:33 pm

  I did a lot of research prior to purchase and I think I found a fine SUV. The owners know it is not perfect but when matched with the other SUVs in its class it is a decent match.

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  The Best - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Que229 - April 17 - 10:16 pm

  I straight up love my Galant. I got a silver Galant LS, and my cousin has the LS-V6. We love ours. The performance on my I-4 was great. Kept up with a Dodge Charger and a smoked a Ford Fusion. I love the Infinity sound and the leather and the power sunroof. I LOVE THIS CAR. Still have it for 5 years still runs good no major problems.

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  Great Rig - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Greg - April 16 - 7:26 pm

  The Montero is a great vehicle for both highway and backroad camping and fishing trips. It does great in the snow. I added Michelin XZX tires and it rides superbly. Also keep my packasport up on the roof rack and so its ready to go anytime. My truck has 89,000 miles and its been one of the best vehicles that Ive owned. Id buy one again!

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  Great Car, Bad Dealer - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Quality Engineer - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Put 1000 miles on car and it drives like a dream. Get 29 MPG overall driving. Thats 75 MPH thru the mts. Who said this car cant climb? It sure can, and no problem either. This car is very satisfying so far. I love it. To bad Mark Mitsubishi is giving Mitsubishi such a black eye thru underhanded delings and false advertising. Oh well, there must be some good dealers out there.

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  GAlant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dfs - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive!

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  2002 Eclipse GT Never Lets Me Down - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Joe Hussar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Eclipse. Previously I owned a 1st gen GS. After 245,000 miles I finally traded for the 2002 GT. The vehicle is a smoother and quieter ride but has more muscle than even a non turbo 3000GT. It remains a head turner even though some of the girls are younger than permissible by law. The black leather interior with silver exterior is beyond awesome. For the money, nothing beats an Eclipse. Mitsu builds cars with integrity and of course, unique trend setting style. Why spend more? You wont get more!