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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  Now this is FUN! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tony - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Endeavor a few weeks ago and I just cant find enough time to drive it. It has 96,000 on it but runs like new. The interior is a little noisy from rattles. Common complaint. The sound system in great! The look hasnt changed and rightfully so. With two kids, the back seat has room for both them and their toys (Thats a plus!) Ive read complaints about the paint but havent seen anything unusual on mine. Also had a slight shake at 65 mph which an alignment took care of. If you are luck enough to find one. Get it and enjoy.

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  Very satisfied with my 2nd Outie - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By kurly - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Before this one, I had a 2005 model, which I loved, and was devastated when I totaled it in a rollover accident (from which I escaped with just a few minor cuts and bruises!). I couldnt wait to buy another one. I have it in Rally Red and its gorgeous! Its not perfect, though. My air compressor crapped out a few months ago, a common occurrence, apparently. I also have somewhat squeaky brakes, which I had checked out and was told its not due to mechanical defect. Im only at 2300 miles, so maybe it will resolve itself. I also wish that acceleration was smoother when merging and passing on highways. Despite these gripes, six months into ownership, I am very pleased with it. No regrets!

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  Horrible Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Tim Harrison - February 28 - 4:30 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT couldnt be any uglier or cheaply made! Mitsubishi has out done itself again by creating an even uglier car than the last. I bought this car for my wife and it has to be a sign of the end for Mitsubishi. We have had problem after problem with it. The interior is a step up from a Dodge Neon, good luck with this junk.

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  You Get What You Pay For - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Apple Juice - February 28 - 12:10 pm

  So I got this car a few months ago, and for the price its the best deal, but you are getting what you are paying for. Dont expect this car to be more than what it is, because for buying it used for about $11,000, its basically an upgraded Honda Civic. You basically feel like you are driving a..cheap sports car. Theres nothing to it, its just a standard car.

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  Undiscovered Jewel - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Hilborne - February 25 - 5:10 am

  The Raider initially sparked my interest based on appearance only. It looked sleek and mean. Ive had mine for two and a half months now, and I continue to feel like it was tailor made for me. It is powerful, comfortable, and just the right size for all my needs. The compliments keep rolling in, even from complete strangers. I have already driven it on a 2,500 mile road trip, and was surprised at how comfortable it was after sitting for 16 hours solid. I still have yet to see another on the road though. It seems as if the word just hasnt yet gotten out. More people need to know about this undiscovered jewel.

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  Mirage Heaven - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Scott Hill - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after driving a Ford Truck with a 302 engine in it for years. I wanted something easy on the wallet, with air conditioning, just to get me where I needed to go every day. So I traded the truck in on this new 98 Mirage. I got the base model 2 door 5-speed manual. All I had to do was get the windows tinted and put in a cd player. In the five years and 4 months I have owned this car the only time it has been in the shop - besides scheduled oil changes - was for a new starter covered under warranty during year 2. Of course, I miss the power, riding with 95 horsepower or so, but the reliability makes up for that.

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  montero sport - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By dwm - February 25 - 2:00 am

  traded in a ford explorer(maint cost too high) this vehicle rides & handles better than the explorer, has better take off, better fuel economy, and hopefully i wont be at the repair shop every six weeks

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  Loving it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ATL-L - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Previous owner of an Explorer...then a Lexus sports car. Missed the SUV so tried to find something that I really wanted. The Endeaver drove like my car and had some things better than before. After test driving the Explorer after the Endeavor it was a no-brainer. The Endeavor is wider...more grounded. better handling and just more comfortable.

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  Handles like a car - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jpabon - February 24 - 8:13 pm

  The Mitsubishi Endeavor is much better than the discontinued Montero Sport. It handles well, and the alternative dual transmission is fun to drive and play with.

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  This car is fun to drive - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ShawnCT - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive