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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  Fabulous Vehicle - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Andy McIntosh - April 19 - 10:30 pm

  An absolutely terrific vehicle and superb service from the dealer. I test drove at least 15 SUVs before even looking at this one. I was afraid of the Mitsubishi name. There is not a negative about my experience since purchasing. The pickup, both from dead stop and highway pickup is superior to all others I test drove. The dash design is ultra modern and sharp. Seats afford total long distance comfort. Ive owned a Nissan Quest, Nissan Axxess and driven many other mini vans and SUVs as rentals and test drives. This is hands-down the best of the lot.

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  last truck i will have to buy. - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By paul aubele - April 19 - 7:33 am

  just bought truck 1 month ago and took it on a 800 mile trip. One word: great truck.

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  Awesome Smooth Powerful Ride! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Carl H. - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt even considering this car! I had been researching the Honda CRV, and was sold (in my mind) that it was the best car for my needs. I test drove the CRV, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and at my wifes urging, the Mitsu SUVs: Outlander, Montero Sport, and Endeavor. The smooth, powerful, STABLE ride the Endeavor has is what sold me! Every time I climb into my Endeavor, I know I made the right decision. Ive had it 2.5 months. I recently went back to the dealership,and noticed that all their LS models (like ours) were SOLD OUT! My wife and I love it so much, about a month ago, WE BOUGHT A SECOND ONE!

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Chiefs22 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  For the price of the lower model, LS, the consumer has many options already in the car. Fun to drive, very smooth on the road, especially at higher speeds. With its exterior lines, the new Endeavor gets plenty of head turns.

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  Tha Awesome Endavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Max Benezra - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Mitsubishi Endavor.Its awesome.The gadgets are cool,the comphort is desireable.

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  Excelent - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Zoran Stojkovski - April 17 - 7:23 am

  Good car

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  A sad ending - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By chip - April 17 - 2:00 am

  What consumer reports didnt say is that this is one of the safest trucks in america today. My wife was hit in a head on collision going highway speed by a kid in a toyota corolla--she walked away with soreness. His car was completely destroyed. The insurance adjuster had to declare it a loss, but it did the job it was supposed to do. Were going back for another.

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  THE BEST CAR EVER! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By john2002 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  THANK YOU ECLIPSE !!!

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  GREAT CAR!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By NEO - April 17 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE! Excellent Car!

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  NICE CAR!!! but i like the 1999 model - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Christian - April 17 - 2:00 am

  It is so fun to drive i got the GT V6 engine w/ premium package but i really dont like the exterior design.i want the previous model (1999).The interior design is PERFECT!.