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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  05 Versus others - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By cmbianchi - March 18 - 11:03 pm

  Just got back from the Intl Car show and the Montero still outshines all others for $$. Sure hope Mits can bounce back from the $$ problems they are having, itd be a shame to lose this much capable SUV. There is still nothing on the market under or around $40,000 that gives what the Montero gives. Ive got an 03 and see no changes except for the DVD player vs the huge sunroof. I sure would like to see the montero compared to some of the other SUVs out there, or maybe there is a reason it isnt. It would put to shame some of the other dual color plastic interiors and exteriors.

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  Love To Hate It - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Luv2hateit - March 18 - 8:43 pm

  Love the car, except for a few issues. Had to do the brakes a few times, the tail lights and head lights constantly need to be replaced, car has a horrible blind spot and my sun roof stinks!!!!!! Every single time you open it the headliner pops out of the trim. And when I took it into the dealer I was told that they are aware of the problem but they dont know how to fix it!

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  A great car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Erfan Eilati - March 17 - 8:20 am

  My car is 2004 and has more than 120,000 miles on it and has had zero problems what so ever! I think the rode noise is a little bit more than Honda Pilot or Toyota 4Runner. The gas mileage is as posted and I drive 90% highway and get ~22-23mgp.

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  2003 Montero Limited - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By the potts - March 16 - 7:10 pm

  We are so pleased with this vehicle, had to share the experience for future buyers contemplating the Montero. Jeep Cherokee and Infinitis were our comparison vehicles before finding the Montero. Once we drove the Montero, the others paled in comparison both in price and style. Third row seating is a super feature and used more than we would have expected. No lack of power and the shift of gears in auto mode is remarkably smooth.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By sa311420 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I read almost every review on edmunds before buying my montero sport. It is the best car i ever bought. Great engine,seating position, and FUEL ECONOMY!!! i get almost 23mpg. The car is more trucklike than most SUVs, but that is what i love about it. If i wanted a carlike drive, i would have bought a car.

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  fun on my blue outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bike kid - March 16 - 10:00 am

  by this date, at almost seven months of of having purchased my SUV I am more than pleased with my blue AWD. By this date I have been able to ride it extensively in road and out road with no problems at all

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  The One to Beat! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By aralliart - March 16 - 1:00 am

  Mitsubishi has a superior car in the Lancer Ralliart. The tires should be 17". I had a little rattle in the dash but that was temporary. I have had this car for two years and counting. It is a keeper, unless I trade it in for the all new 08 Ralliart.

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  Went from good to best! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cl - March 16 - 12:05 am

  As every dollar-minded car shopper today knows,at least baby-boomers like us,the most bang for the buck is very important,especially with cars.Last year I decided to trade om 2009 kia sorento,which I loved,for another suv as we have grandchildren and like to take them for long rides occasionally whenever we can.We wanted another newer Sorento but decided to test drive a Mitsubishi when we learned the drive trains of Sorentos were actually made by Mitsubishi.Traded for a 2016 Mitsubishi outlander 2.4 4 cyl.Drove it for a year and a half but just wasnt happy with what I thought was a lack of power on big mountains,we live in the Ny Adirondacks and powere is essential.So while having an oil change done at dealer last month,11-17,i test drove a 2017 outlander 6 cyl,with a few more bells and whistles and a third row of seating for grandkids.We loved it!Arranged to trade for the new car that day and when they found the color I wanted a few days later (pearl white),we signed,Very happy with the trade,getting around 23.5/26 highway on regular unleaded.Hope to get even better when we go cross-country next summer.Have leather seats,back-up camera,710 watt stereo system with 3 month Sirius xm satellite trial subscription,not sure if ill keep that,but we love it.With the bigger engine,we can tow a small boat or camper now.Got 4k in rebates and couldnt be happier!

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  What a ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dano - March 14 - 1:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2003 Montero XLS with 81,000 miles and it run like new. This truck has great power and passenger room. My kids love the big sun roof and I love the interior and exterior styling. I have always wanted this truck.

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  Where have they been hiding this car? - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Edward - March 14 - 4:46 am

  Almost made a big mistake by looking at the CR-V, RAV-4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai SantaFe and making a decision then on which one to buy. Fortunately I drove by the Mitsubishi dealer and decided what the heck, I will see what they have. The Outlander is roomier, just as comfortable and has more standard features for a better price. Was equally surprised when I found out that Mitsubishi has the same 5yr/60K bumper to bumper warranty and 10yr/100K Powertrain as Kia and Hyundai do.