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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  Outlander #2 - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By LoveMyOutlander - March 6 - 6:03 pm

  I owned a 2005 XLS and loved driving all 101k miles that I decided to give that one to my MIL and buy myself a new 2008 with all the new features! LOVE IT!It came fully loaded with the Sound and Sun pkg, the Entertainment DVD pkg and the Nav and Bluetooth sys. Love the 6 spd automatic tran-really see a step up in fuel economy over my 2005 one especially when using the paddle shifters to accelerate! 5 cup/bottle holders in the front! OMG the tailgate! Steering wheel controls! A real electrical outlet! The Fosgate! In 2008 sticker was 32k, since it was a floor model, I walked out at 21k before my down pymt! Couldnt be happier! in the manual, it said the upper glove can heat and cool??? WOW!

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  best vehicle Ive haf - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tnk - March 1 - 6:51 am

  It is so reliable...I have had cars in the past the need too much work. This car just needs your basic maintenance. Im at 190,000 with miles still runs great (knock on wood).

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  2003 Monty (bought used) - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By markt - February 28 - 9:36 pm

  recently purchased used 03 monty ltd and love it. looked at all and kept coming back (i also own a 95 monty). you should know that the land cruiser, range rover, and monty were made to be suvs. all others are built on truck (sequoia, yukon, explorer) or van chasis (pilot, highlander). if you want a true suv and cash left over, consider the montero, its tough but still drives like a "true" suv should. outstanding 4 wheel drive system--have 4 settings to choose from and can drive in 2wd until i need 4wd. this saves fuel comsumption. dont know why the "experts" are down on the monty, has plenty of power and is very reliable (only tires, brakes, etc., on my 95).

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  Excellent - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By paul - February 28 - 3:10 pm

  Ive owned this car for five days and have nothing but good things to say about it. it is very fun to drive also comfy. The interior room is tremendous. It has lots of leg room in front and back. Plus it can get out of its own way at highway speeds.

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  I LOVE my endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By AngelaPenny - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I am a little to in love with this car! I pack it full of people and beach stuff and head up to Tahoe with the a/c blasted and it performs beautifully. In reno NV it snows - and while everyone else is stuck on the side of the road, my endeavor just drives on past them NO PROBLEM. Because of the eclipse engine, it is fast and handles the road very well while not eating too much gas. Plenty of leg, head & cargo room for me and my tall family and all our groceries. It has been consistently reliable. The only con is I got a lemon drivers seat that I took to the dealer 6 (no joke) times to have repaired and it goes unrepaired to this day. One very hard to please person, recommends this vehicle!!

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  Lots of toys for the money!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By SoSassy - February 25 - 8:56 am

  Traded my Montero Sport which I loved but it didnt have any toys in it. Shopped for weeks and no other car or SUV could offer 1/2 of the options my Lancer GTS has for the price I paid. I got everything including dealer aftermarket leather which I love. I almost went with the aqua but I am so glad I changed my mind and got the Graphite Grey with tinted windows. It looks so sporty but, still very classy. Even with the suggested improvements I note, I have no regrets whatsoever... okay one, I really wanted a nav system with real time traffic maps. Oh well, got to compromise a little unless price is no issue for you.

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  This Best Used Car For Anyone To Buy. - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By MirageRAM - February 23 - 2:00 am

  The Vehicle is perfect. Nothing of this car is bad. Everything works like it should and the pick up is great. It is Also Very easy to upgrade the car also.

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  BLOWS MY MIND FOR THE MONEY! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MARKJ - February 23 - 2:00 am

  MONEY WELL SPENT IN MY OPINION. I HAVE BEEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR FOR EIGHT MONTHS LOOKING AT DIFFERENT JAPANESE IMPORT MIDSIZED SEDANS. I HAVE BEEN A HONDA FAN FOR MANY YEARS. I HAVE HAD ACCORDS SINCE 1988 AND THIS GALANT IS THE BEST CAR I CAME ACROSS IN YEARS AS YOU CAN SEE I AM NO LONGER A HONDA OWNER. I HAVE LOOKED AT THE ACCORD LX V6 AND THE CAMRY AND OTHERS AND AFTER DRIVING THE GALANT WITH THE 3.8 LITRE V6 I WAS EXTREAMLY IMPRESSED WITH THE POWER AND THE HANDLING. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SPORTS SEDAN OR A DRIVERS CAR BECAUSE IT FEELS AND HANDLES LIKE A SPORTS CAR.

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  AWSOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Deana Bauerle - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought a preowned car. My first New car. I believe i have made a perfect choice. it turns corners on a dime. It has get up, Very comfortable sets, everything at your fingertips, Plenty of room inside. I love my new car. I think youll enjoy one also.

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  Solid car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By PCengineer - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I personal like the car very much. Prior to buying this car I spent a few months driving around in a 99 altima, and I must say that the Mitsubishi Galant is a much better car. The Galant feels tighter, quitter, and much smother than its competitors. Although my Galant has a 4 cylinder it still feels strong and has ample power for quick acceleration. Excellent sound insulation eliminates road noise making you feel like you are in a high-end car. I personally think the gallant gives you the best bang for your buck.