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:

• 

  Happy - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By LaBelle - October 20 - 10:00 am

  When looking for an suv...we looked at many models...and after trying out several different makes...we were most happy with the over-all appearance and performance. I would buy another one tomorrow!

• 

  Thank you for bringing it to the states - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By souren - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The lancer is a great car! I think we should have had the car here in the states a long time ago. It out- preforms the civic, sunfire, cavelier, sentra, focus and many other cars in its class. There is a big aftermarket parts market for the lancer!

• 

  No reason to look anywhere else - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By abbey - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This was the best buying experience ever due to the quality and professionalism of our sales rep. The last time I bought a car was 10 years ago, so I was very apprehensive. I looked at a couple other SUVs and was totally sold on this one. The comfort and aesthetics of this vehicle are unbelieveable. Its more than what I was looking for. We drove it home that night - why look anywhere else?

• 

  The Right Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By karatedvm - October 13 - 1:23 pm

  After looking for more than 1.5 yrs for a smaller SUV that didnt look like a womans car I kept coming back to the Outlander. Only had mine for 2 weeks but its proving itself the right vehicle for me. After 2+ years of not driving a 4WD SUV I had to get back to what was right for me and my dogs. This vehicle is spacious especially with the back seat folded forward. The fuel economy is better than I had hoped after only 2 weeks - averaging ~24mpgs combined. Handles well, cant wait for snow - actually I can wait forever for snow but by Lake Erie in northeastern Ohio it wont be long. A little hard to keep clean, the interior attracts and holds dog hair. Wish I had all leather interior.

• 

  Lovin my Endeavor! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lisa F. - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my Endeavor! I have 2 kids and we have a built in DVD player. It is fun to drive and gives the four of us the room we need.

• 

  Best kept secret - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Limited Owner - October 13 - 5:13 am

  Before you buy an SUV you should drive the Mitsubishi Montero Limited. Big dealer discounts make this vehicle a bargain. Lots of style and attitude, plus a responsive drive train.

• 

  I Love My Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SueBee - October 12 - 9:53 pm

  I have had my Mitsubishi since 2003, and LOVE it. I have only had a couple of minor things go wrong, and they were covered by the warranty. It has over 80,000 miles and still purrs like a kitten. I have no regrets about buying this car, and plan to drive it as long as its faithful to me. Why would I trade it in when I am bonded to it?

• 

  Love it - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Gary - October 11 - 1:06 pm

  My 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavors ride is secure and stable. The road noise can be a little harsh, but I feel safe in this vehicle. The versatility has been useful, carrying everything from groceries to furniture. My only beef with the vehicle is the premium fuel requirement.

• 

  I absolutely loved the 06 Outlander! - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gigemmer - October 10 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this Outlander used in 07 and continued to drive it until last week, when it was totaled in an accident. I actually cried when the adjuster told me it was totaled, because I LOVED this car! We put 80,000 miles on it over the 4 years, and not once did we need a repair, except to replace the brakes at 90k. I wanted to write this review because of how well it held up in our wreck. We were rear-ended while at a complete stop by a guy going 50. We were thrown into the guardrail, but the only major damages were in appearance. The car held up extremely well, and none of us was injured. I was so impressed by how safe it was, Im planning on buying another one!

• 

  I really broke it in!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cozzy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Within the first week of owning this vehicle, I drove it from Milwaukee, to San Bernardino, CA and then to Santa Clara, CA, then back to Wisconsin. I loved it. The only thing that it struggled with was on mountain roads of Colorado and Utah. The semi-trailers were passing me up!! But other than that, it handled the roads very well especially in rain storms. Never got uncomfortable riding/driving in it either for over 4,000 miles!!!