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:

• 

  Value for money - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By raneesh - January 5 - 1:52 am

  I purchased my Endeavor (2011 -LS, AWD) 5 months ago and so far its been a great journey with the car. This SUV drives more like a car, even though it has only 225 horses, you will be surprised with the acceleration once floor the pedal. Always easy to merge to the freeways, good control even at high speeds. My wife loves the rear seat of this car, like someone mentioned in this review section - acres of space in the rear seat. The best thing is the price - I payed almost half the amount for a similar size year 2011 SUV. I get 16MPG on my regular office commute and about 21 on highways. Not too bad for an AWD 3.8L V6.

• 

  Dependable, Solid and Efficient - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RJK - January 4 - 10:36 pm

  After three years the only problem I have had with this car was its CD player, which the dealer replaced and reimbursed me for the CD that the player destroyed. Since then I have had no problems with the car. I recently purchased new Bridgestone Turanza LS-T tires for the car and what a difference. The car was pretty stable before, with some road noise, but now it is really stable and with very little road noise. It is almost like a different car. During these high gasoline price times I have come to really appreciate the gas mileage. I average about 29 mpg in town and 37 mpg on the open highway.

• 

  Fun but comfortable. - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rmob - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The GS is probably the best deal at around 19K plus change. I got mine with the sun roof and the upgraded Infinty CD and it was worth it. (They also upgrade the wheels with the package) I drives and handles well but dont expect to get whiplash. Overall I am very happy and would recommend it. Other than the bucket seats, the interior leaves a little to be desired.

• 

  Love It!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rachel - January 3 - 9:03 am

  Never had a Mitsubishi before, wanted a CR-V, but after I drove the Outlander, the CR-V looked terrible. So much fun to drive, very cool outside look. Love it! I got hit by an 18-wheeler, and the Outlander took it like a champ! The side-curtain airbags saved my life! Very safe. Might buy another one!

• 

  Mits. Montero Sport LS 4X4 - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By lukin4mikey - January 2 - 4:33 pm

  I first liked this SUV when my parents had bought one brand new back in 2000, When they got it, it had 12miles, currently has 210+ and still running strong! I was in the market for a new vehicle and came across the same vehicle but a 4X4, it had 102,000 miles, only flaw was the transmission fluid had been contaminated by the lack of knowledge at jiffy lube, I purchased the montero sport and replaced the transmission since i have had NO PROBLEMS! it currently has 197,000 miles, The only thing i have done since is change the motor oil and she is still running strong! I would give it a 5 star rating! I absolutely love my Montero Sport and sad Mitsubishi has stopped making them! =(

• 

  Mitsubishi... I love you. - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LeAnna - January 2 - 2:16 am

  I could not understand buying this car in anything but manual. It allows you to get every ounce of power out of the 120 hp engine. The OZ, spec wise, is just a base Evo so it is great for a tuner car. For all ages looking for something peppy and sporty without having to compromise comfort. This car has provided enough room to fit two 6 adult males in the back comfortably for a road trip. Turning radius: this car can turn circles without the inside tire leaving its place. Performance is definitely a 10 for the power out of the small engine and the great handling and soundness on the road. Fairly quiet drive.

• 

  Its New and Its Fun! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mickey - January 1 - 1:56 pm

  I just bought this vehicle a couple of days ago and I am very impressed so far by its quality and the fun to drive factor, while getting great gas mileage.

• 

  I love this car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By clownie94 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car- perfect for our family of 3. Performs better than expected, and a good price. I bought mine in October of 2001, and have logged around 40K miles already. Not a prob yet!

• 

  What a great suprise - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Futureneck - December 28 - 9:33 pm

  I purchased my 1999 Mitsubishi Galant after a long relationship with a 1997 Hyundai Sonata that died the day after I made my last payment to the bank. When I drove the Galant I was quickly reminded of what Ive been missing, and how driving a car should be fun. This car also appears to be holding its value, which is something that my Sonata was not able to do. The transmission has a memory and adjusts to the way you drive, and the Galant has a fantastic look, kind of similar to a BMW.

• 

  2003 Mitsubishi great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vtuk - December 28 - 1:36 am

  I bought the car at 9,700mi and sold at 113,200mi. I have had this car for 7 years, no major problems. Mitsubishi galant never died on me. Build quality is good and I havenÂ’t had any mechanical problems. Engine and tranny has been solid. Ive never had anything done to it other than normal maintenance. (Except battery=95,000 mi and starter=93,000 mi.) The GTZ is a great looking car with everything included. Great acceleration and handles great on highways. Drove this car to Lake Tahoe (HWY 80 and 5).Car had enough power to go uphill. Not good for city because of big radius U-turn. I normally get 22 around town and 27 on the freeway. Car uses premium gas. This car is comfortable, solid, reliable, fast and safe. Poor resale value, but it is good for buyer.