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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  Mitsu Review - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jpatulak - July 5 - 5:40 am

  Except for the gas mileage - way below advertised figures - this has been a great car. The AWD is best feature - the vehicle is excellent in snow and ice - teamed with the standard Yokohama Geolander tires the vehicle has super traction in adverse weather. The interior is well designed for driver comfort & ease. The only amenities it is lacking are heated outside mirrors and cross bars on the roof . The dealer service, so far, has been excellent.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Glenn Gliponeo - July 5 - 5:20 am

  I love driving. Getting behind the wheel, blasting a great stereo, feeling real power when you press the accelerator at the turn of a green light, and knowing you wont tip over when you make a sharp turns. The Endeavor is perfect. It has all the power of a Porche (I know, its sounds like an exaggeration, but just drive one...youll see), the roominess of a bus (now theres the real exaggeration), the feel of a space ship, and the stereo system! Man, that stereo just simply rocks! It is clear, cool, easy to operate, has crisp tones, and great acoustics all around. Overall, this vehicle is a 100 on a 10-point scale. Getting an SUV? Drive this!

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  The best - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By THE BEST - July 4 - 4:00 pm

  At time of purchase we lived at 3800 feet in a ski resort and operated an inn. This vehicle served all purposes very well. In 42,972 miles I used 2529 gallons of 87 octane gasoline. That figures almost 17 mpg overall. Large moon roof was super for photography standing in rear seat area.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Galant ES - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DeeDee - June 30 - 9:36 pm

  I have not had any problems with my 2006 Mitsubishi Galant ES so far. It idles a little low for my tastes, at about 500 rpm though. 750 rpm would "feel" more stable. Also, it will not take you long to dislike the silver trim around the radio/heater console. It shows a very bad reflection in your windshield. It seems like I constantly am staring at this reflection in my windshield, does anyone else notice this?

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  2006 Outlander AWD - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Craig - June 25 - 5:20 pm

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander SE has lots of pep and power, it is fun to drive, and a good-looking SUV. How about an avarage gas mileage of 25 MPG? Sweet. These are really hard to get at the dealer and turns lots of heads on the street, well thought out design. My wife now wants one!

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  A sweet little ride - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lispfixer - June 19 - 11:36 pm

  I bought my 2009 Lancer GTS in 2008. I was shopping for a used, more fuel efficient car, as I was driving a BMW SUV. I miss having the SUV, but not filling it up with gas! I call my Lancer my little techno-bile. Thats why I bought it for all the latest "stuff"-really the bluetooth. The sound system is great, but I miss having the Bose that my Infiniti had. For the Lancer price loaded, you cant touch a BMW or Infiniti. I miss the leather seating. Love the Octane Blue color. Got a special coating put on it (aftermarket) to save the paint from chipping and fading. Good investment. I also added a billet grill, as I thought the plastic grill was "cheezy- looking".

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  Best SUV yet! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Clara - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Montero Limited and will keep buying as long as they are made! The comfortable, quiet ride, great turning radius, and dependability are wonderful. Dont believe any negative reviews. Great cargo space and seats 7 people very comfortably. The quality is better than you will find in any upscale SUV.

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  I love my eclipse - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lauren Ciaccio - June 18 - 7:13 pm

  I just recently brought a 2005 Eclipse and I love everything about it. There is not another vecile in this class that I would rather have.

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  Great Car exactly what I was looking for - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Chad - June 18 - 5:40 pm

  Best priced, best looking, crossover SUV on market. Great performance, great space, great options, great reliability, great mpg!

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  a japanese BMW - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By macchu - June 17 - 10:00 am

  The new LS Mirage coupe is the sportiest in its class in terms of drive and looks. The car handles like a 323i and is impressive in the build quality and Mitsubishi has a high proven reliability. The price is also great and the dealer service is impeccable. The only flaw is the low seating position and the mushy braking pedal. The car is fast though