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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  So Far So Good, Could Be Better #MyOutlander - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bigbossman05 - February 2 - 7:17 am

  I got the outlander earlier this year, I could say I love it, but I do have a few concerns, I sometimes smell burnt rubber after driving long ways, the CVT could have a better response, seems a bit on the sluggish side, but everything else I love about my outlander, the Bluetooth system, maintenance I practically do it myself, Im going to be taking it on my first road trip soOn, I wonder how its going to treat me on the highway.

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  Mitsi B - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By silverdust cd - January 28 - 4:50 pm

  Love the car. Have had lots of sporty vehicles in the past 20+ years and really enjoy my SE. So far I have 20k miles on my 2008 and have not had any problems. Insurance is very reasonable, gas mileage is great (30 mpg), and I dont see many on the road so I get lots of looks!

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  Needed a Used Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Driver - January 28 - 1:43 pm

  I have owned over 40 cars in my lifetime. The current economy forced sale of a newer, nicer car for this one. Not a bad car; quick, fun, excellent handling...not bad. I enjoy the very linear "go-kart" handling. Kinda slow off the line and plug ugly. Very plain interior. Nice shifter, outstanding midrange punch for a NA engine, and decent mileage. MIVEC engine provides MUCH more torque than Honda VTECH. Low production numbers make this an exclusive car; but parts and upgrades are hard to find. Evo owners think youre a poser for driving one...until you compare gas and insurance costs. I like this little car - its a fun, solid everyday driver. Resale stinks, so plan to keep it.

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  VRX - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By scott141 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car for performance with about 180Kw of power and a fair bit of low down power this is a great car to drive

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  Depreciation Blues - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By BJack - January 26 - 2:00 am

  No problems to complain about with the vehicle. However I was totally shocked at the rate of depreciation when I decided to refinance to a lower interest rate. I like many others jumped on the zero down, zero payments with zero interest for one year deal with thoughts of refinancing with my credit union when the year was up.To my surprise the vehicle had droped in value by about 10K in only one year. Buyers beware of the snake oil deals, youll pay high interest through the Mits Finance Corp, and if you want to refinance after a year good luck! The key is to pay on it during the free year (which negates the whole advantage)

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  great ride - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By katscheid - January 20 - 7:06 pm

  I have both a Montero (Endeavor model) and a Suburban. Love my Montero and its 3 years older than the Chevy. Hope to keep it for at least 5 more years. Switched Yokos. to Michelins and the turning improved greatly. Love the leather interior and heated seats. Cup holder is ridiculous, but I LOVE this car. As good as or better than my Honda Accord as far as reliability.

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  Mitts Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By car7236 - January 19 - 2:23 pm

  Front seats could use more padding. Needs automatic headlamp option available. No electronic fuel economy or distance to empty available option available. Could use memory seats/mirrors. This was our trade-up from a Grand Cherokee LTD, and aside from what I mentioned, got to just love the vehicle.

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  Buyer beware - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jeanne Haussler - January 18 - 2:03 pm

  I was absolutely pleased with the purchase of my 2008 Outlander. Drove it home from the dealer approx. 150 miles & it was love at first sight. Then I drove it in the slush & snow. AWD was great, but then I washed the car & looked at the paint. The design of the body causes chips & sandblasting to take effect on the bottom half of the vehicle. 940 miles & my red mitsu looks bad. Put on mud flaps, but didnt stop the effect. Everytime I drive in bad weather I cringe because more paint is being stripped. Mitsubishi is aware, but has not come up with any solution. Gas mileage is good as promised. Only drive it in Fla.

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  Whoo HOOOO - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Beebop - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Galant blends a stylish exterior with superior performance and an adequate interior.

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  Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Relic - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Tested the Civic,slightly more money,I found it less refined.The Lancer beat it ,in my eyes.Thats coming from a guy who just bought an Odyssey.