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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  Longterm lease - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MarkAM - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost the full 5yrs and the only regret I have is that I didnt buy it outright. The car has performed flawlessly---even with 3 recalls for minor preventive fixes. (I never had problems) The cars balance handles well in snow (Midwest blizzard recently) and traction on wet roads I would rate as good.

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  Just got this SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JoJoFlyboy - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Nice car/SUV, meaning it drives more like a car than the others, Santa Fe, CRV ect. Paid just a bit more than the TMV value on Edmunds for a XLS with "sun and sound" package. Only negative is that you cannot seem to find one, especially in the south with ABS without getting the luxury package also. Mitsu is one of the only companies around that ABS isnt standard or available as a single option. Interior is very nice, except for the gaping hole below the radio for cell phones ect. Ample leg room and headroom, I am 63,my head scraped the top on the Santa Fe. Exterior, still not totally convinced on. SUV is for wife and she likes it a great deal.

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  Cheap interior - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MITSUMAN - January 4 - 9:53 pm

  Chose the Outlander over several other small SUVs on the market because of bang for the buck. Love the performance of the engine and 6 speed tranny. Also very glad we opted for the sun and sound package. The interior however is cheap cheap cheap! Carpet is worst I have ever seen in a new car, plastic inner door panels and seat material are very low grade as well!

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  Bells & whistles galore - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MICHAELLA - January 4 - 7:53 pm

  Loved the 2005 Toyota 4-Runner (had a 95 4-Runner prior), but didnt want to pay for all of the a la carte upgrades (sunroof, 6-cd changer, leather) on the SR5 or Sport Edition & wasnt willing to pay for the Limited. Endeavor had everything I wanted and then some, plus the added 0% APR deal. Easy choice! Still prefer the exterior of the Toyota, but wouldnt trade my heated seats, steering wheel audio controls and other bells & whistles now for anything! As far as value, I definitely feel I got the biggest bang for my buck. Extremely satisfied overall.

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  I would by another - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ;Harris Reisbaum - January 4 - 2:53 am

  I have the Endevor for 2 years and 40,000 miles. I love it. Roomy, reliable, great looking. Peppy. I am an outside salesman and am able to strech out and do my work in the back seat. I have had no problems with it and I enjoy driving it

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  Transmission problem - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By wheresmycar1 - January 3 - 2:47 pm

  Well I bought my Ralliart this sunday and we first drove it on monday afternoon. Four hours after our drive home from the dealership and adding just 40 miles to the car, the transmission was gone. The best part is that it was in our driveway when the transmission failed. We had the car towed and brought back to the dealership. Now they want to totally replace the transmission on the brand spanking new car. Mitsubishi is giving us problems just an all around unpleasant experience and now its a couple days later and have no word on whats going on.

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  Very reliable, nice looking - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mikey - January 3 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car one year old with 12,000 miles, and it has served me well. Aside from a cooling fan that runs for a short period after the engine is turned off (I ignored the recall), Ive had no problems. Its comfortable, zippy, handles well, and the cargo space with the back seats down is plenty long. Wish it were a little higher, though. I had considered a 2004 Ford Escape (too pricey) and a 2004 Honda CRV (not long enough). Im happy with my pick. My only complaints are that the sheet metal is thin (dings easily), the in- town mileage isnt great (I get about 17 mpg on a 4-cylinder engine!), and wind pulses through the car when the back windows are down.

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  Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By foreman - January 3 - 6:00 am

  We have really enjoyed this vehichle. It drives nicely and we have had no problems or concerns with it. It is fun to drive and roomy inside. However we are told it does not hold its resale value. we were also wondering why they can not be purchased in Indiana.

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  Love this Car !! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By GLAB - January 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a quiet, smooth driving, Zippy car. The high torque engine is fantastic. Transmission shifts very smoothly downshifting when you need it and acceleration is great ! The car is loaded with the features you use and the automatic climate control is great ! The stereo sounds fantastic and gets rave reviews by every passenger that gets a ride.

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  Good Family Car, but not a sports sedan. - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Adam C - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used last year because I like the styling & speed. Its a reliable car & fast as heck. However, the handling leaves much to be desired and the brakes are a constant maintenance. I understand Mitsu did a change over on the brakes mid year, I guess I got the bad half. Overall, great car for the $$$.