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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  I love this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kristin, 22 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy I traded my Grand Prix GTP for this car! I had A LOT of problems with my Grand Prix... spent $thousands$ on repairs. Ive had my Mitz for 3 months now and havent had any problems with it. I get much better gas mileage, its reliable, comfortable, fun to drive, looks good & I have a warranty for a great price. I live in Tampa, Fl and Galants are very popular here, theyre everywhere I look! I love this car!

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  2004 Mitsubishi Endeaver - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Joanne Pearson - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Endeavor last year after driving a rental and love it. Gas mileage is not bad, absolutely no defects after taking delivery. I like the drive, comfort and get up and go. Drives great even in dry sand at the beach. The split back seat is handy, we even hauled a twin mattress in the back and closed the door. Lots of room, extra outlets for electron devices and I cant say enough good about it. Short drives and long - great for both.

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  A great small crossover suv - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sierram - August 9 - 12:52 am

  Do not trust the reviewers. This vehicle deserves to be test driven. The material quality is fantastic inside. Mitsubishi did not cheap out and use tons of hard plastic like the rest of the competition. I think the exterior looks classy and is similar to the Land Rover Range Rover or 1st gen Cayanne. The 3rd row is usable because the second row can be moved up without losing that much legroom. Im 55" and I was able to sit in the 3rd row. I wouldnt want to sit there for long trips but it should be fine for my needs around town. I cant wait to try out the 4wd on the snow. I believe it has much better ground clearance and 4wd system than the CR-V. Im getting 25 mpg on mostly city driving.

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  09 lancer gts - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Adrian - August 4 - 12:50 pm

  I just bought this car yesterday and I love it! This car is very roomy and comfortable. It has nice interior and a nice body. The upgraded engine is the icing on the cake. It is awesome.

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  My New 2005 GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By leftofcenter - August 3 - 3:26 am

  This car is awesome! I test drove a new Mustang, Atima, and an Accord. The Mustang is hot on the outside but not really as comfy or functional as the GTS on the inside. I wanted comfort, luxury, and originality and boy, does this baby have it. I love the interior and the dashboard, especially at night - im not sure why there are complaints. Its bigger than my old 2000 Galant ES. My friend has a BMW 325 and i have to say i like my GTS much better. More legroom (im only 52) and functionality on the inside.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dawnb03 - July 31 - 2:12 pm

  I love this Car! I had an 04 Mitsubishi Lancer ES before this car. I bought my Endeavor, "Endora", in November 08 from Carmax 1) because the Lancer was totaled out and 2) because the Endeavor is more suited to what I need a vehicle to be able to do. I love the cargo space and my dog enjoys having the back compartment all to herself. I can easily load up any of my camping gear, horse equipment or feed in the back and not worry about how the car will handle the load. Ive also taken several trips across several states in her and shes handled like a charm. I LOVE this car. Even when we had a freak snow storm in Georgia I was still able to drive around.

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  Give me that POWER - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Savior Pearl - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Needs more Power. Need power, More Power.Nice to drive compare with Toyota Corolla, Ford focus, Nissan Sentra.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brandon - July 28 - 4:13 am

  I looked at several different cars before purchasing my Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. I test drove a Subaru Legacy and Impreza, Saab 9-3 all great cars in their own right. I however found it hard to beat the fun and excitement that I felt when I was behind the wheel of the Ralliart. The price was right, the fun factor high and the gas mileage great. It fit all that I was looking for and to think I would have overlooked it had it not been for my salesmans recommendation that I take a look at it prior to making a decision. As the father of four year old twins it works as a family car as well as a fun everyday driver. Thanks Mitsubishi!

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  Quiet, efficient, beastly in the snow. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Adam - July 24 - 1:15 pm

  It is too bad this SUV is often overlooked. Youd think Mitsubishi spit in the face at all the reviewers at one time or another for them to raise such an eyebrow on this vehicle. Edmunds rates it a C. This vehicle is B+ at the least. Edmunds claims the interior quality is cheap, but it is really no worse (better in my opinion) than many competitors that I drove. Get into a Honda CRV and see how much racket you can make with your fingernails on the abundance of plastic haunting the dash, and then get in here and you tell me what you see and feel. The AWD system is fantastic, one winter down with it and it absolutely crushes anything (within reason, of course) you throw at it. Gas mileage is average, but pleasant for the size. Acceleration is good, with the 4 cylinder I noticed if you do have a few people in the car it will feel a bit groggy. However, for everyday driving it should be more than adequate to the average person. Safety was a huge plus for me here too. Overall, I have 12,000 miles on it, have been driving it for over a year and no trouble yet. Props to Mitsubishi! With the pricepoint and warranty toppling anything else thats out there, you owe it to yourself to drive one.

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  Quarter million and still truckin - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By fritzknaak - July 22 - 2:34 pm

  I had to step up from a sedan back in 02 to handle kids. Got this and have never looked back. Seemed pricey at the time, with the full boat extra package I got, but Ive never owned a vehicle in my life thats given me more value back in quality. Ive burned through 5 sets of tires, more oil changes than I can count (its now starting to take a quart every 5k or so). Ive replaced bearings in the front on both sides and a muffler after 200k. Ive used it hard and it keeps on trucking. Ill be crossing the 250k threshold in a month or so, God willing. I truly wish Mitsubishi was still making these. Id get another in a heartbeat.