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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  Excellent Car indeed - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By drepp77 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The handling for this car is amazing. Comparable to that of a high end BMW. The turning radius (as almost every review has said) is the best of any auto of its class and those two combined have gotten me out of several tight spots in both driving and parking in nyc. LACK OF POWER is driving me to get the evo 7 coming out next week, but my current Lancer is outstanding nonetheless.

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  So Far So Good - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Satisfied Customer 9 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vehicle used at a fair deal. I have had no problems thus far. It rides like a car, very comfortable. Power/performance is noticably lacking but I did not purchase the vehicle to tow anything so it is not something I miss. I have yet to use the 4 wheel drive feature for any length of time. All in all it has been good to me.

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  Love It! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By carmen_t - November 7 - 11:04 am

  Purchased at 19 miles. 4 years since then. No problems at 50,000 plus miles. Comfy long distances. Hwy mileage is very good, not so much in the city. AWD runs great off-road, including the sand --fun! The least i like about it, noticeable muffler from the back of the SUV, and U-turns are wide.

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  Loving It - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cd - November 4 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had it a little over 3 years now, been consistent with my regular maintenance and have not had one issue with it -- its been great through all the crazy weather CT throws at us -- heat, cold, rain, snow, ice. For its size, it gives you enough of a height above the traffic to make you feel comfortable but not feel like youre in a tractor trailer! Definitely am happy I made the decision I did and "loving it"!!

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  2008 Lancer ES - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Andy Ferrari - October 28 - 10:30 am

  I have had the car for over a year now and i regret to say that im not impressed. From the first time it was driven off the lot i noticed that it was a very noisy engine. From a stop there is no power, getting in the third from second gear is a different story. Overall, the car is very nice. It is a seriously big jump from previous generations of Lancers.

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  Great Crossover - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gooch - October 26 - 1:16 am

  I bought a 2006 Certified Used Outlander AWD. I got the 100,000 mile powertrain and 5 yr / 60,000 mile bumper to bumper, no deductible warranties. What other car company has a warranty like that! ZERO.. I had a 1998 Ford Explorer with 50,000 miles prior to the Outlander. I put over $3,000 in repairs into it in the last two years. I was looking for a quality vehicle, I found that in the Outlander. I am sold on Mitsubishi. The Outlander is a great crossover vehicle, it is fun to drive and handles great. I live in Western PA and the winters are nasty. I feel 100% safer in the Outlander than I ever did in the Explorer and the AWD hardly has to kick in.

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  One of the last real off-road SUVs - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By phonos - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great off-road, much better handling and confort than my 1986 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban. Wife even like to drive it. Beat out Land-Cruiser in one Austrailal off-road review

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  not too shabby - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Squirrelly Rascal - October 25 - 2:00 am

  people seem to slam this car in its performance. Two of my friends have cvics, and as far as Im concerned this car is more fun to drive, and at least as peppy. I paid 16.5K and compared to the civic, golf, etc I think it fares well, sure more power would be great, but lets not forget the great interior, ride quality, check it out

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  My First Mitsubishi - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By arelle20 - October 24 - 5:36 am

  So far, I am pleased with the handling of my 2010 Outlander. The 3.0V6 is nicely responsive on both city streets, as well as on the highway. Fuel economy is not as indicated on the brochure but that may be the result of my somewhat aggressive driving. With the 230HP powertrain, its so easy to enjoy the thrill of experiencing "G-force acceleration" without breaking any laws. We havent had much snow in our area, so cant say much about the 4WD except that I can hardly wait to put it through its paces.

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  Not Bad for the price - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By karkai6 - October 18 - 8:50 pm

  Got the car used at 36k miles.. Got it relatively cheaper than the other cars in the same range out there.. The gearbox is among the better ones I have used and the throw feels very slick.. The performance is not very bad, but then the engine doesnt feel very refined over 4-5k rpm.. The looks of the car are definitely a plus, and did influence me considerably against the Mazda 3. So, overall, not a bad car at all, though there are definitely sportier ones out there at this price range.