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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  Like my lancer!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By aerialcombat - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Been driving my white lancer oz for about 3 weeks now. Got it for 16,500. and I must say i love it! The thing i love the most is the look of it. Most of the people get the yellow oz, but I got a white one, but i do not regret it. The car is smooth, and sexy. I love it.

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  Slipped through Quality Control - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Andy - December 11 - 11:26 pm

  When I first saw the commercial for this car I was very intrigued. When my truck died I needed a new daily driver car. I test drove it and ended up buying it the same day. Sadly, after a month the problems crept up. It’s been in the shop for 10 total days now because of warranty issues. Anyone who has the nav system and the Rockford sound system try this: turn on the accessories but don’t start the car. Watch a DVD or listen to your radio for an hour. Then start your car. On two separate occasions, my car shorted out its throttle body. 8800 total miles on it, inexcusable.

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  A Great Buy - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mike Smith - December 10 - 9:06 pm

  This is my second Galant and I really like the improvements over the 2001 model. The seating is more comfortable and the car has lots of power for a 4-cylinder. The controls are well placed and convenient. The bold Mitsubishi design is a welcome change from the mediocre designs of the competition.

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  Love my Baby! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By taterlove - December 10 - 12:16 pm

  So we bought My Baby this time last year and have been in love with it! Right after purchase we did have to take it back to get the back tailgate fixed, it kept poping open. But the gas mileage and the driving and the handling is just amazing! There is noise with having the sunroof open, but I love having my music on so it doesnt bother me. Also, it fits 3 full size carseats! My friend has a 4Runner and cant do that! Weve taken her halfway across the country and loved it! I just cant express how much I love my Endeavor!!!

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  2006 Eclipse GT - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By APB - December 9 - 5:50 pm

  This is my third Eclipse GT. The additional horsepower and torque are a welcome addition. The change to a sensor instead of manual throttle linkage spoils the drivers input on the manual transmission version. When the variable timing will kick in, becomes a guessing game and can have some unpredictable results. The lower first gear combined with 50-60 extra pounds of torque makes for a quick start, but during rush hour traffic, this is more of a hazard. Add bigger brakes for the extra weight. All of the new features related to computerization and sensors are probably better suited to the automatic transmission. They interfere with those of us that actually want to drive the car.

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  best value in a small suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By movienut - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Great so far! Radio controls are a little weird but you get used to them...very comfortable...great around town avg 22mpg and 29-30mpg on the highway...excellent suspension...hardly and body lean

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  Great Value - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rick - December 8 - 8:29 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a third row SUV and were shocked at the sticker prices on most of them. I had previously owned a Mitsubishi Lander and loved it so we decided to check out the Outlander. After some negotiating we got the SEL for what they were asking for the ES and it was a deal to good to pass up. This is now my wifes everyday car and out family car on the weekends and we couldnt be happier. While the four cylinder does lack the get up youd like in an SUV the MPGs more than makes up for it. We get 30+ MPG on any interstate trip; It feels like weeks between fill ups, and as much as we drive thats saying something. The push button start and keyless entry means looking fooling with keys is a thing of the past. My biggest complaint is the lack of places to put stuff like my phone. Most vehicles have nooks or something to put your items in, they forgot about that when designing it. All and all we couldnt be happier. We would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV who isnt looking to tow anything.

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  A Mitsubishi Lancer DE - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By BeGood - December 7 - 2:23 pm

  Overall I am very satisfied with the purchase. The size is deceiving, the car has lots of room in the cab and trunk. Compared to my 2003 Galant ES, this car is a generation better in technology. However, the Galant is better (fun and comfort) to drive and has better fuel economy. Having said that, this car holds its own in terms of performance and comfort. The interior is basic. Cheap looking/feeling fabrics and hard edged plastics. Not a lot of amenities such as an additional power outlet (option), covered storage, arm rests, seat adjustments (has fore/aft & back tilt), coin holder, etc. I have to step back and tell myself that I purchased this car as a beater to drive to work.

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  its all that i whanted - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By zeezo - December 7 - 10:00 am

  its a perfect car

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Krondor - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is an awsome car. There is very little more you could want, except maybe the AWD and Turbo offered in years past.