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:

• 

  Safety - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ken Bynion - September 16 - 5:50 pm

  Overall excellent vehicle. Seats were uncomfortable on longer rides. Safety. Labor day weekend I had a rollover accident, going approximately 50 mph. We wound up on the roof. All 4 of us (ages 72, 69, 65, 59) walked away! Only the windshield broke. 3 of the doors and the tailgate opened so we could get out. The insurance company totaled it. The outlander is safe! We bought a 2008 outlander a few weeks later.

• 

  mitsubishi montero sport xls awd 4X4 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By susanlauryn - September 15 - 10:00 am

  this car has held up well. it is very comfortable and handles great. it has plenty get up and go, and it runs and handles smoothly. it is very comfortable, rides well, and has a lot of great features. i would buy another one.it has not had any major problems. it is easy to maintain.

• 

  Cool Comfortable Ride!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Wineman22 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I rented the Endeavor for my two week 1,800 mile journey visiting friends and family with my wife and new 4 month old son. (I choose it over the Ford Explorer & Toyota Highlander). WE WERE COMFORTABLE the entire time riding in the vehicle, not once did we have back pain or other aches from driving long distances. Went off road in light snow to favorite fishing holes, the AWD worked just fine!! Our 4 month old Loved the Smooth ride as well!! Looking into buying one now... *Accelleration/Comfort/Style=A *Wind Noised=D-

• 

  Mitsubishi Endevor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Karie Gray - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vechicle because I loved the performance. I owned a high performance luxury vechicle in the past and wanted an SUV for all of our travel needs. The drive is absolutely great. It doesnt drive like a truck like one of my SUVs I owned back in the 80s.

• 

  Hear ye - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Aarlewis3 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my car

• 

  Best Value in its Class - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dante - September 15 - 12:16 am

  This car has been fantastic. Mine has 4,000 miles so far, no problems, firm supportive seats are great on my back. I am averaging 29 mpg with air running constantly here in AZ. Dont believe the hype over Honda or Toyota. I test drove Civic and Carolla and the Lancer blows them away as far as seat comfort, ride comfort, torque off the line power, and standard features, all for thousands less. Get an ES with the convenience package. It gives you everything you need, power everthing, AT, cruise, all for $14,000!

• 

  Nice - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By toy4red - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my car and have only had it for a week, but am very impressed. This is my first new car and am very excited.

• 

  Great car for the money! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tulsa Honey - September 13 - 4:10 pm

  I have owned several Mitsubishi. Only money I spent on my cars have been the expected maintenance items. A very economical vehicles.

• 

  Great All Around Compact SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OTO - September 12 - 10:26 am

  The vehicle handles like a dream, better than my previous (sports) car! And yet it feels extremely comfortable.

• 

  my 02 ES LanceR - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By EazyEn16 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a monster of a car in Japan. They tone it down for the US, dont ask me why. Lancer is on the cutting edge of what young people are looking for. Thats why i was so drawn to it. Im an aftermarket kind of guy, looking for performance out of my car. I know i could keep up with any Honda. Even though i just bought my car,like 4 weeks ago, Im in love with it. The guys like it, and my gf loves it too.