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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  Tires - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By momof4 - February 14 - 12:55 pm

  Bought this brand new in January of 2016. No problems until it snowed a little. Car slipped and slid down the road less than a mile from my home toward my destination. The Anti lock system engaged and could not control the car. These tires that the factory put on, are garbage. My car was built in Normal IL, and we all know about snow here. Why didnt they put all terrain tires on this car is beyond me.

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  Love my Mitsu!!! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By CAL - February 13 - 4:34 pm

  i have been a Mitsu owner for 25 years, and 4 trucks, 2 Monteros, and 2 Outlanders, i have never had any problems with any of them, adn still have 2 of them now. These is a very good CUV, i admit the earlier 2013 and 2014, had a sluggish CVT, but otherwise there were great, reliable cars. But like the other review they get NO RESPECT, Mitsubishi created the CUV concept, long before Honda hrv, mazda 3,or those others, i Got a great deal on the vehicle, and fully loaded for $22k, BECAUSE OF OWNER LOYALTY, CAR WAS VALUES AT 28K. The remote start, heated seats, auto climate, auto wipers, auto lights, interior lights, awc, roof racks and 18 wheels. , and more, and it has a simpe and easy entertainment system, and love the controls on the steering wheel, simple and always works . Not a millions plastic buttons to push or turn. it is good in all weather conditions, if you have the right tires, and have some knowledge of how to drive. I really wish they would bring back the Montero/Pajero, or others from the European market.

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Erika - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for three years and I still love it. I really enjoy driving it. I feel very safe in this car, unlike a few other cars that I test drove. I have had no maitenance work done on it, just the regular oil changes and tire rotations, and it is still performing great.

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  Fun CUV, best bang for the buck - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Noeffectx - February 13 - 1:46 am

  The day after I bought my GT, have to take it back to the dealer, because the air compressor got shot, but knowing Mitsubishis awesome warranty, I know I was covered. My local dealer Lasorsa Mitsubishi replaced my air compressor free of charge. I drove 700 miles on it now and I love it. I was considering the Subaru Forrester XTi Limited before the GT, but after I test drove the GTs 6cyl w/ Rockford/fosgate sound systems it was no contest. Best bang for the buck! Outlander GT is the best CUV for the price and performance.

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  Very safe and efficient car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By uday - February 12 - 12:03 pm

  I love this car, it is very fuel efficient and extremely low maintanence. Recommend it to new buyers looking for a cheap deal.

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  great suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By r&mj baker - February 8 - 10:00 am

  great suv love the montero would purchase another vehic from mitsubishi had ford windstar prior - major problems with ford and ford dealer did not stand behind their product -no wonder they changed its name to freestar fun to drive pulls our camper and we absolutely love it

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  great suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By robertallen - February 8 - 10:00 am

  great suv love the montero would purchase another vehic from mitsubishi had ford windstar prior - major problems with ford and ford dealer did not stand behind their product -no wonder they changed its name to freestar fun to drive pulls our camper and we absolutely love it

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  Performance - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By John Beecher - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I bought it used from a dealership because the previous owner never made payments on it. Like its big brother, the Evo, it can beat the pants off of almost anything straight out of the box. It is a great car and I highly recommend it.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By BeckieB - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Very comfortable for my husband and I both. He will even drive it. He wouldnt dirve my Montero Sport. The Montero gave me no problems so I look for this car to be the same. Drive very smooth - it is on a car chassis. Back seat has plenty of kroom left after we put the car seat in for our child.

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  Great value for money, best kept secret! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By geobraun - February 7 - 12:26 pm

  This car has to be the best kept secret in america. I bought the GTS with manual trans. This car has the looks and prestige of an Acura TL for many many thousands less, 650 watt stereo, 30 gig hard drive to store cds, navigation that is able to play DVDs! This is my third Mitsubishi vehicle, one of which I retired after 328,000 miles!