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:

• 

  Great Small AWD SUV... - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ryan - August 26 - 5:36 pm

  I traded in my Mitsubishi Endeavor for the Outlander. I love the Outlanders aggressive styling. The handling of this car is amazing as well. Id recommend this SUV to anyone.

• 

  Montero - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Brian K. - August 25 - 9:16 am

  Very pleased with overall performance of the vehicle. One criticism the vehicle had was acceleration, and that is unnoticeable. We have a family of four and with all passengers in car we have more than ample acceleration. We are definitely pleased with the vehicle.

• 

  Endeavour does it all! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Fredi - August 24 - 6:53 am

  My 2004 Mitsbushi Endeavour is the most practical, all-around vehicle I have ever owned. It holds my greyhound, my granddaughter, a stroller and 2 other passengers with no proboems. I like the fact that the rear window works independently of the rear door. I especially like the upholstery - it is attractive and TOUGH! Overall, the best car I have ever owned.

• 

  My Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RAZ - August 22 - 10:43 pm

  I have the 2004 2 wheel drive XLS model. This vehicle has enough horsepower to not take crap from anyone. But if you want more power, get the 04 and a half model and dont forget all models have the Tiptronic transmission. All models are very comfortable to drive and the blind spots are minimal. I have pushed my Endeavor in the snow and the rain and it exceeded my expectations. Ive always felt very safe in all types of weather. As far as fuel comsumption goes, its one of the best SUVs to have. My overall raiting would be 9.5. The two things that could be better are the breaking system and the SUV tends to be a little too bouncy. Overall I strongly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Alex50 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, no problems whatsoever, gets 19MPG most times which is great ( 21Hwy, 17In-town) excellent spac3e utilization and comfort, wish it had more power so it could be more fun to drive, but you compromise the excellent fuel economy, Not a me too SUV as the style is distinctive.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jenn3582 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car needing a reliable vehicle and that is exactly what I got. It rides very smooth and is very comfortable.

• 

  Japaneese Marvel - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rick Pedersen - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Over the last couple of years, I cant believe the level this automaker has reached. It is now award winning with their cars and their technology and deign is amazing. I gave a couple of midsize cars a run, namely the Camry, Accord, Galant, Passat and Altima. They are all great cars and but when deciding on the car for me, it was easy to choose the Galant. The new model feels so much like a luxury car. It looks different and has impeccable quality and feels safe on the road. The car is quick, very much like the Accord but had a more sporty feel. Well done Mitsubishi, and I think you may see a record year of sales of this well thought-out Galant.

• 

  Great - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Snoyl - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 2001 Nissan Xterra.It rode rough and was a gas hog average milage was 13.5. My Montero Sport rides alot smoother and gets 19 mpg. Also performance is much quicker than the Xterra and handles alot better also.

• 

  Very satisfied with my Outlander - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Wheeldog - August 16 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my Outlander in December 2008 after researching a number of vehicles. I kept coming back to the Outlander for its combination of performance and utility, its value, and its unique features (hard drive nav, paddle shifters, tailgate). I am very happy with my choice. The V6/6spd auto combo is very smooth and plenty powerful for a vehicle of this class. Unlike other reviewers Im completely happy with noise levels, highway or back roads. Exhaust noise is nearly imperceptible.

• 

  Thanks again - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy2x - August 16 - 4:26 pm

  I have spent $432 average per year in maintenance for 5 years or $2159 in total and that includes the timing belt & p/s belts, brake pads & turned rotors once, 2 tires, battery, wipers, headlamps, 2 flats and LOFs of Mobil 1 at 5000 mile intervals. 24 average MPG and a boost of about 5 MPG after the new timing belt. It has been hit 6 times and has always remained road worthy mechanically. It has been 6 months after the most recent collision. I replaced the sulfated battery at the dealership it was inspected for mechanical and safety items. My 2002 Galant continues to exceeded my expectations. I look forward to owning another Mitsubishi Galant very soon.