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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  Very fun car - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Hugo Ventura - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I think that this car is a very nice family car. If you are looking for a nice confortable suv which is fun to drive and is a nice family car then this is the car for you. From its infinity sound system to its leather seats(if you choose leather)it is one of the best suvs i have ever drivin.

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  I love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tshepherd - January 26 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I bought the Endeavor less than a week ago and we love it. We test drove a couple other SUVs, one being the Pilot and we kept going back to the Endeavor. The ride is nice, the interior is roomy, and Mitsubishi gave us a great deal. We also own a 93 Mits. Galant with 164,000 miles and still going strong. Were expecting the Endeavor to do the same.

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  Dont Listen to the "Experts" - Great Little SUV - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By scjenk - January 20 - 10:44 am

  Dont listen to the "experts" because they will steer you wrong on this car. We love this vehicle! Great features, mileage (averaging over 28 MPG per tank, best 31), price, comfort and size capped off by a great warranty. Its not the fastest SUV out there, but it isnt any slower than most of the other vehicles in its class and if you use the paddle shifters it ups the fun quotient. I had 4 adults and 4 huge suitcases in it the other day and it didnt struggle at all. Consumer Reports rates this the "Most Reliable" small SUV. The hands free system in this car works much better than the SYNC in my F150 and is easier to use. My only complaint is that Mitsubishi cheaped out on the carpet.

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  DOS AND DONTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dwayne Roberts - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first full size Montero, two others before were sports. This vehicle is all around a nicer vehicle with better quality materials used in it. I have the 2003 and I can see it is clear that many poeople reviewing this car as Mitsubishi sales people. I guess you cant weed them out. Nice car but not the right one for me. Mitsubishi was also horrible to deal with through the whole. Had no care that I already had two previous. Never again will I deal with them.

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  Think Twice - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Doug Lieberman - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is nice but still needs work. Big Sunroof and nice color choices.

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  Not so good - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By KellyDee - January 17 - 2:23 am

  Not the best car ever. I only get about 23 mpg doing regular driving of city and highway combined. Stock 10 point rims were bent and found out everyone was having problems with these rims, causing accidents. I replaced them immediately. Paint is peeling from a cheap clear coat. Second gear doesnt always catch. A lot of people have these problems, not just me. Trunk pulls broke. The only good thing is its fun to drive, and looks good. Handles turns pretty well. And does not suck up much oil at all.

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  GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Matte51082 - January 16 - 8:56 pm

  This car is mint. When I first saw the 2005 Galant I thought they where kind of plain looking and there wasnt much to them and I love the the Galants, i had a 2001 model and I loved that car. When i saw the 2005 GTS Galant I feel in love with it. I have the black one with creme interior and i just love everything about it.

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  200K NoProb. - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Lenny L. - January 16 - 3:18 pm

  Purchased my monty a year ago with 190k miles. So far no issues. although I did update some features(Bluetooth radio, kicker speakers, BF Goodrich AT TKO2 tires) this vehicle is a bit under powered but personally it has enough. Ive towed vehicles, dug vehicles out of sand dunes, gone through sand , light mud, fishing. Ive taken my monty in many adventures, not once have I told myself I needed another suv. Shell get you where you need to be. PERIOD.

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  Lancer - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tariq - January 15 - 2:10 pm

  I think that the Mitsubishi Lancer is definitely one of the most underrated cars on the market. It is a lively performer. Its looks are a bit different as well, which sets it apart from the others vehicles.

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  Traded in a POS Compass - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Taylon - January 14 - 8:55 pm

  Traded in the pathetic Compass for an Outlander Sport. The 2.4 in the Outlander and the refined CVT make the Compass look like, well, a Compass. I was very skeptical after reading other reviews, but really liked the styling. After test driving the Outlander Sport, I was sold. This is a very nice vehicle with an attractive warranty. The Compass has the same motor size and a CVT transmission, but there is a huge difference in the two. The Outlander Sport rides nice, has sufficient power with the 2.4 and is at least unique. Not one person in my county has the same vehicle. The dealership was outstanding as well. Go buy an Outlander Sport!