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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  Disappointed - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By john - December 7 - 11:20 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new thinking I was getting a good deal since it was the last 03 in town. Well lets see, the catalytic converter has been replaced, as well as they entire air conditioning system-which you can only buy the parts from the dealership. Also the cv-joints have been replaced and I only get 16mpg- combined city and highway. You would think it had 100k plus miles, but I just traded it in with 67k. There was no power, touchy transmission, a super disappointment to drive. I also felt every bump in the road and it was so uncomfortable. Also my partner was 64" and his knees hit the dashboard and he could hardly drive it. It was cramped and a huge disappointment.

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  Style and quality - the Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bob - December 7 - 10:40 am

  The Eclipse is the most beautiful car on the road bar none, at any price. It is a sculpted work of art that drives. I love it. It has more of a head-jerk factor than cars costing $100,000 more. I am disappointed in the gas mileage it is giving me - I am getting around 16 - 17 in the city, tis is for a 4-cyl. stick without running the a/c and not getting on it. The results on the highway arnt much better - maybe 24. It is geared pretty low. But I cant not love it, even with the terrible gas mileage. It is too nice.

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  Premie Senior Dream - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Pat Collins - December 4 - 4:36 am

  The warranty and safety ratings are fantastic. Ive been driving this car for a year and love this car. The acceleration and cruise control are awesome. A friend of mine who is 85 years old went on the trip and told me she thought it was one of the most comfortable car rides she had been on in her lifetime. I find a feature not addressed by many of the 5 star ratings was the seat and steering wheel adjustments. You can pump the seat higher and dont have an awkward look out your front window. The steering wheel adjustment allows additional comfort. Now if I could stop my Husky/Malamute from shedding, I would have the perfect car! I highly recommend this SUV!

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  no problems - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By liking it - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I got the car in 2000 and have not had any real problems except having to replace the battery, but that was expected after four years. If you keep up with maintenance, as you should, getting a mirage is a good idea, but the resale value is very low. Tighten your nuts and bolts every so often, can get a little creaky

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  The always underated mitsubishi - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dan Grandahl - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi has been ahead of the styling department for years..innovative technology has been in their vehicles from the time I owned my first one in 1985. I still have that car (a starion turbo) and it is going strong. The 2001 galant has been mistaken by friends and strangers as a BMW and that suits me just fine. Excellent fuel economy and a big car ride. Abundant storage and a pass thru trunk that has come in very handy on ski trips. I have owned 5 mitsubishis as well as various other vehicles since I began driving over 20 years ago and I seem to always return. No problems and care-free driving.

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  lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By leeannbarry - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Ive owned 14 cars in the last 6 years. Ive also couped it up with a a lot of accessories to the car, put a big stereo in my c

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  Super SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Don Vito - December 2 - 2:00 am

  excellent, fun to drive, very reliable, quick, the best SUV I have ever owned....recomended highly!!!

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  I love my Lancer - 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By emmons11 - December 2 - 12:17 am

  I am a 60yr old man and i have owned many many cars and trucks in my day.The MITSUBISHI LANCER is the best of all of them.I like to drive again,thanks to the Lancer!the handling, ride, fun to drive,good mpg,room,10yr 100,000 powertrain,5yr 60,000 bumper to bumper.how can you go wrong?this car is for young and old plus a great family car to.please drive one and see for yourself.

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  Best Value! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Russ - December 1 - 3:43 pm

  I have owned several domestic and import SUVs, this is by far the best value! The ride is second to none, quiet and powerful. I love the techtronics shift, it is more responsive than the one in my wifes 2006 VW Jetta. The Endeavor has solid, in control feel over the road, be it twisting back roads or the highway. It has a solid SAFE feel. Its handling in foul weather is superb. The cabin is very comfortable. I love the milage, you do not need a V8 to get performance, this vehicle seems to have adequate power towing my 17 boat. I am very pleased and purchased this vechicle after driving the Toyota Highlander, Honda CRV and Pilot, Ford Explorer and Ford Escape. My Endeavor was the best buy!

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  One Fun SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mitsu fan - December 1 - 8:13 am

  I bought this truck when my cute old Mitsubishi Mirage coupe got totalled in an accident in 2005. I was a Mitsubishi fan due to the fact that I never had a single issue with my 1997 Mirage for eight years, and this vehicle has reinforced my liking of Mitsubishi. My wife drives a Honda-CRV, and the Outlander definitely feels roomier in comparison when I drive (I am 6 feet tall). Add to that the 5 year/60000 mile warranty and an unbelievable price when I bought it (about $6,000 below sticker) and I was sold immediately.