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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  Nice, but watch the paint! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By deligreen - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my OZ a few weeks ago. The cosmetic problems have been associated with the side skirts. The passenger side is not flush and needed to be replaced, and the top corners of both have to be repainted already. The paint on the skirts is already chipping. The radiator needed to be replaced because it was slowly leakingfluid. The only other problem, is that I find that the gears will grind everyonce in awhile even with the clutch all the way depressed. I think this may be just because of a new transmition.

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  Exnlt choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By twinn - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I read reviews that the Montero lacked power. Well, I am a senior citizen who no longer has to drive every vehicle like it is a Porsche. This vehicle has enough power for me. However, during mountain driving, the 5 speed auto will down shift to lower gears and it is a bit sluggish. Gas mileage is not that great, but it is an SUV and none of them get good gas mileage. The third row seat is not intended for adults to get in and out; it is for children or very flexible adults.

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  Will Buy Another Mitsubishi - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By grlawson - April 27 - 2:00 am

  When we first got the MS there was a oily substance leaking from it. I took it back to the dealership and I havent had a problem since. It was something that had jarred loose during shipment and hey it came from Japan so maybe a few bumps. I love the ride and the kids love being up high. You can be stylish or sporty all in one vehicle. The four wheel drive is great. I lease it and am thinking of buying a new one and keeping it when the lease is up on this one if it continues to be just as great. I have never repeated a make of vehicle and I have had 5 vehicles in 13 years but Mitsubishi is a definite repeat.

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  Utility Proven - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By jy - April 26 - 5:16 pm

  The Mitsubishi Montero is a get the job done vehicle. It has a reliable engine, transmission, and transfer case. It has a time proven engineering design that handles abuse. Its ride quality is that of a load bearing design. The interior is comfortble enough for about 18 hour rides with no aches on the legs and back. Its electrical system is reliable and strong. It is fairly easy to work on like plugs and such with enough room to get around.

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  2004.5 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By suvlights - April 25 - 10:00 am

  1,000 miles so far, some minor things

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  my first SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By slow cooker - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The Montero Sport LS is a very good vehicle. It has style, good power with just the standard v-6, and seems quite reliable. Of course, with less than 6000 miles on it so far the reliability hasnt really been challenged yet. My major issues so far are only 2: 1. Exterior finish. Quite delicate. I put a small mark on the door just by touching it lightly with my keys. Later I noticed some other marks under the same door, and Ive no clue how they got there. 2. Handling. On dry roads it drives like a sportscar, but on a wet road its scary. Dont know if its the vechicle itself or maybe the tire design, but I dont like it.

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  Mitsubishi weekender - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Nopamo - April 20 - 12:16 pm

  Bought this outlander in October and it has been a perfect fit since. I was looking for a car like suv and found outlander fitting in utility and price. It has fit into our lifestyle as a weekend and vacation get away mobile. Its perfect as a secondary car especially when you want to give your daily commute car a break. The money youll save could be used on enjoying your destination. Our outlander is adequately powered for getting here to there. All the necessary comforts for the drive are present including a more than comfortable and roomy passenger space. Four medium sized people will seat very easily. Five is do-able for shorter trips. Back seats recline, but will sacrifice cargo.

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  Not bad, needs improvement - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By John - April 18 - 6:20 pm

  I bought my suv with 11K miles. This lightweight SUV is good for what it is: "A lightweight suv." I previously had a honda pilot, that SUV was excellent in the snow, this Mitsubishi in the snow tends to slide a lot, even with the AWD option that I had. Towing capacity: 3500 lbs., not many boats you can tow with that. Interior is very cheaply designed, while the outside is not that much better. Premium gas requirement is a major minus especially in this economy. But you feed it its premium gas and it performs very well. Steering is excellent, as the low engine makes this car practically stick to the ground, love that feature. An overall good suv if you dont have many expectations.

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  Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By JakeinPa - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle! Much better than the vehicle it replaced in my household.

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  03 Diamante VRX - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By ShawnCarter - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is a nice for an entry luxuary car but it still falls far behind other competitors. ThE BASE PRICE OF THE CAR SHOULD BE EXTREMELY LOWER BECAUSE THE RESALE VALUE IS EXTREMELY POOR!