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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  Less for your money - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By shipjumper - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I am tall and muscular and a former full size Bronco owner (a horror story. Perhaps I was spoiled but the Broncos almost perfect interior accomodations. My expensive 2001 3.5XS sucks as far as performance, gas mileage AND most importantly interior. There are no real cruise control controls on the steering wheel except the on/off lever which isnt as good as Fords control system. The drivers seat literally gives me a pain in the behind to the point of being unable to drive for longer than an hour. I am going to dump it because of that pain. It looks great and is very reliable but its the pain that will cause me to dispose it.

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  Well Done - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jasper - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Exterior and Interior are great for the price - if you compare to the Jetta - then you will be depressed, but compared to the Civic - coupled with the savings - winner every time. The engine provides just what us econo shoppers are looking for - dependable, solid and pretty quick around the corners! Very happy with the purchase

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  Great SUV by Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Arthur - January 5 - 8:46 pm

  Love the car! No problems and very stylish. Not to sure about gas milage but it doesnt seem bad.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Pete - January 5 - 3:46 pm

  Ive had my Outlander for 3 weeks and so far I am very happy. I have the luxury and s&s packages. The ride is a good balance between sport and comfort. I like the exterior and interior look. It has tons of features for the money and is very versatile.

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  Its a winner! - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By peter95949 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought new; black with gray leather. Its still a very handsome car. Goes like the wind; great mid-range response. In almost 60,000 miles, there has been virtually no maintenance. Abnormal tire wear through two sets of Goodyear tires. Mitsubishi said those tires were not designed properly for this car, and they wore rapidly. I replaced them with Toyos, and everything is 100% now.

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  Tops all small suvs - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Becky Peterson - January 3 - 3:43 am

  I love my Outlander. Ive had it for 7 months and have just about 10k miles on it. It was awesome in the snow with the 4wd option and has plenty of clearance. I love the smart key! The stereo is exceptional and I love the 6 disc cd changer! The only thing that makes me a little crazy is the air leak noise when the sunroof is CLOSED. This vehicle is fun to drive and easy to maneuver. I wish I wouldve purchased the V6 but I was being careful with the gas mileage.

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  Just to let you know about some issues... - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By fdlbym - January 3 - 12:13 am

  In a nut shell, if youre not impressed with the exterior design, just dont spent time looking at this one. Mileage is okay but not the best (low thirties on highway). Handling is good for its class but you can find other cars handles as good if not better (Mazda3). Leg room in second row is one of the best but is it that important? When it comes to shortfalls the list is longer; Engine noise is something to pay attention. Interior plastics are not better than what you would find on vacuum cleaner (similar to previous generation US cars). Together with weak engine, CVT makes you feel dead.

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  Underrated - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Bernard Herrera - January 2 - 12:46 pm

  Get the big bucks for your run. Reliable and robust. No hassle off road and on road. Beautiful for snow, rain and mountain. Fun in NYC buckle roads and streets. Confy for long trips as well as fun. Glad is under rated for it cost less and you get all the luxuries, leather, sunroof, 6 CD, third seat, alloy wheels, roof rack etc.... Have portable DVD and Magellan. Feels and rides safe as to avoid speeding tickets. Has all the power to pull boat and utility open trail. What else...?

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  "Rishi" - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Doug Kampa - January 2 - 4:33 am

  I really shopped for a new SUV; it was down to a Honda, Jeep and the Mitsubishi Endeavor. I selected the Endeavor for its power, styling and "feel". It is a very fun SUV to drive compared to the other canidates. I am very satisfied with the Endeanvor, however it requires high preformance gas which I did not know until after reading the owners manual. I use my Endeavor as a real estate broker and my clients all seem to enjoy riding in it. I think the quality of the sound system needs to be upgraded and some of the electronics seem to be style dated. The exterior styling is "hot," the exceleration is excellent and the ride is very good.

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  fun & easy to drive - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Allie - January 2 - 3:13 am

  Nought this instead of the Highlander because of the warranty...it held up great when someone turned into the passenger side. More than enough space for 4 good sized adults cruising arount town or camping with friends.