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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  Love this SUV - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Shane10940 - July 11 - 7:06 pm

  I have owned three Subarus and one Honda SUV prior to owing this my Outlander. I must tell you that the critics must not know anything at all based on what they have to say about the Outlander. The Outlander is of high quality, drives and rides well, attractive and has tons of luxury like features. I will likely never buy another Subaru based on how much better the Mitsubishi Outlander is when compared to the Subaru Tribeca.

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  Love the Outlander - so fun - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Love it - July 9 - 1:33 am

  Ive been driving the Outlander for a year now. Bought it brand new. My favorites are the torque (very quick), fun to drive, turning radius, love the liftgate (perfect for changing babies diapers), backseats lay down easily, the upgraded bluetooth is nice, all the cupholders are handy, great setup in the front seat, and the long warranty are just some of my positives. My husband likes the head space, yet it is small for tight garage. My only complaint is the seats are very sporty & not as soft and comfy as I would like. After about 6 mo, I had a problem with the circuit breaker (I may have blew something out) and the dealership replaced everything free & immediately with no questions asked

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  Great Galant! - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By William Sosa - July 4 - 8:18 am

  Great value!

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  No probs here - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rvalle - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased mine in 99, and the only problem I have had is I had to change the battery after 3 yes. I did leave the lights on a couple of times, and the last time is when it did not want to work right. Very reliable though.

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  Hands down, the best 4x4 for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Todd - June 29 - 1:03 pm

  Just bought a 2003 20th Anniversary Ed. Love it! This thing will get you anywhere and in style too. At a time when luxury SUVs are everywhere, the Montero will still turn heads and boast serious off-road capabilities. All this at half or less than luxury SUVs above its class.

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  About My Eclipse - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By David - June 27 - 9:36 am

  Drives very well, especially if have driven a manual before. Gas mileage is good 20-21 mpg in the city so far, havent taken it out on a long drive. If you know how to shift properly youll get better gas mileage and also know how to down shift to extend life on your brakes. I also have a motorcycle and that has helped me drive a manual transmission better. If youre complaining about your gas mileage its because youre probably not shifting at the right RPMs. It could have used a few more compartments to place items maybe behind the seats etc.; other then that a very good vehicle. I love my car!!!!!

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  1st Mitsubitshi Product - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ginch - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Only a recent owner but to date I am extremly satisfied.

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  Reliable endeavour - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rodo - June 26 - 6:59 pm

  I had in the past a VW, Chevrolet, Nissan, Chrysler, dodge, ford, Toyota, and after i bought this Mitsubishi endeavor I was concern about it, because Ive herd bad comments on Mitsubishi cars, well I never had a problem with it, drives very soft and good all the time, is quiet, never made any repairs of nothing only regular maintenance it has 176,000miles and it looks like it can go for 300,000 easy without a problem

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  MY NEW CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SUPRBABE2000 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I WAS LOOKING FOR A CAR AND I WANTED A SPORTS CAR. I NEVER WANTED AN ECLIPSE BUT THE SALES MAN TALKED ME INTO A TEST DRIVE. I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. IT SHARP IT LOOKS NICE AND IT RIDES GREAT. WITH GAS PRICES AS HIGH AS THE ARE NOW ITS GOOD TO KNOW I CAN GO A WHILE ON A FULL TANK. AND THE PRICE ON IT AMAZED ME.

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  A g vehicle at a great price! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By AP_From PA - June 23 - 10:16 am

  I bought this outlander ES (FWD) base + Conv. pkg in Black on 28 June 2009. This vehicle runs great and performs as expected or better considering that this is a 4 Cyl engine. Fuel economy on a 70 mile straight highway was about 29 mpg, and my usual driving of a 20 mile trip (80% Hwy) gives about 25-26 mpg. There seems to be a very faint buzzing sound, I need to look into that. Lots of cargo room, and comfortably seats 3 avg. adults in the back seat. Seats are nice and firm and are very comfortable on long drives. I am happy with this purchase.