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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  Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Barry - January 11 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my lancer es used for $8,000 with 42,000 miles on it and have put another 10,000 miles on it. I have not had a single problem with it and I get about 28 mpg. Its been a great car and I put about $1,000 worth of parts into it and now its awesome! People now think Im driving a luxury car because I put nice custom leather seat covers on it, halogen headlights, a spoiler, new deck, etc. Next, I want a turbocharger and some nice wheels, and itll be perfect. I love how you dont see too many of these cars on the road too. Its also fun to drive and has good traction for a econosedan.

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  Awesome truck!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By MitsuMSXLS2001 - January 11 - 7:00 am

  I love my new Montero sport but with the 3.0 v6 it needs more power

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  Compact SUV for cheaper price! - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tom - January 9 - 5:23 pm

  We didnt really expect the power on this car since it is only a 4 cylinder but its a great car for the city. We like its rear where it is easier to open unlike Rav 4. We also like that this vehicle is not so up high. My wife is short and we also have a Tacoma so this is a good car for her. Stereo system sounds great. More room for small family. However, the highway ride is a bit rough and noisy. I am so used to my Tacoma. The power mirror control is a bit out of reach when trying to adjust during the drive. I also agree with some other reviewers that the radio needs to be closer, maybe on the steering wheel. Interior material for LS is a bit cheap but the seats can be covered up.

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  Great Value for Money! - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jaybruinboy - January 8 - 8:30 pm

  I purchased a 2005 Outlander LS 2WD a couple of weeks ago, silver, with the Convenience Package. Ive driven it over 350 miles around Los Angeles, and so far I have mostly very good impressions of it. First, the looks-- nice lines, definitely not cookie cutter, and somewhat broad shouldered for a small SUV. People do ask what it is and take a closer look. Also, it does not have a spare tire hanging on the tailgate (which could bring you great grief if you get rear-ended). It will definitely not be lost in a sea of look-alikes at the parking lot. The iInterior looks great -- it should have a sign that says "designed by Kenneth Cole." Driving impressions--more than enough power, quiet at cruise. Nice!

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  I love mine - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OutlndrLvr - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My Outlander is my baby. I have never been happier with a car/suv and Ive had a few now. Its classy looking, comfy and stylish on the inside, gets excellent gas mileage and is a decent size for a compact suv. I have the XLS and love it. I thought about the sun & sound package (sunroof/Infinity sound system) so that I could get the Infinity sound system but opted against it after hearing the comparable factory system. I wont say its Infinity, but it is a good system nonetheless. The price was more than reasonable. You also get a nice ride out of it and I find mine pretty quiet-never have to raise my voice to talk to other passengers.

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  Outlander - Great Ride/Drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bigdaddyhow - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a very driver friendly vehicle, especially in the city. Quick acceleration 0-30, but 4 cyl not ideal for two lane passing. One of the better body styles out there in its class. About 25-26 MPG highway which is pretty good considering.

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  Be careful - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Meantiger74 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My Endeavor has 7K+ miles now. Around 6K miles, I heard a whisling sound on the right side of the car when driving 45-55mph. I brought it to a local Mit-dealer and had them check. What they found is abnormal sound from the transmission. This is really let me down. Besides, Mit. says that I can get 17 mpg in city and 21 mph on highway. This is not true b/c my Endeavor gives me 16.5 mph from driving mostly on highway. Everything else is great!

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  Great car for what it is - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By StangFan247 - January 6 - 10:06 pm

  Im really power-hungry when it comes to cars, but I got this to commute back and forth to school and work while Im saving up for a Mustang. It is a very reliable car with great gas mileage. Of course, gas mileage and horsepower are inversely related, so I dont expect a thrill ride when I punch it. However, the little 2.0 4-cylinder does have some pep to it, and has great throttle response. (It also does some nice donuts for front wheel drive :-D). It has solid handling (impressive for economic tires and stock suspension). It tracks very well on the highway, even in the rain. The brakes are also very responsive. And even being 6-feet tall, I easily found my sweet spot in the driver seat.

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  sweet car!! - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GSXpower - January 6 - 10:00 am

  bought it with 15K, now have 40k, no problems (with regular maintenance). turbo needs to be taken care of, but nothing major. ride is choppy: you feel every bump. ride is also noisy, but not really noticeable. radio is directly in front of shifter: cant use it while in first gear

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  Getting Less Than What You Pay For - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Light4Him - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The Montero Sport LS is a great SUV to LOOK at. This SUV will bottom out with 4 average adults going 70 mph on the Interstate. It does not have the power in a towing application. Dont believe the salesman! Also, it DOES NOT hold a trade value. Our 1 year old LS trade in value is only $13,000. STAY AWAY FROM this SUV.