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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dan - February 11 - 4:26 am

  I looked at every single small SUV on the market in the $18,000 to $28,000 range. I purchased the Outlander XLS FWD, Phoenix Red and the more I drive it the more I really like it. It has more than enough power, especially when using the sportronic. I think the steering is quite good, the brakes are excellent and the fit and finish both inside are quite good. I would recommend it to anybody who needs a small space vehicle.

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  Best SUV per$ - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Roadiee - February 9 - 2:00 am

  New for $17999!!!!!! Great! Never a problem!

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  Fun like my Z3 - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By x-beemerDrvr - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Used to have a BMW Z3. Had to sell it because of my companys downsizing. Had to settle for the OZ but never regreted the change. Even having the automatic, the acceleration is fantastic even uphill. Its been 4 months now, and I am still hooked. Also bought my wife one but the ES version.

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  just picked it up wow - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gjr723 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have just had the Outlander 3 days 560 miles so far wonderful. I was up in the mountains and out on the desert. Dirt roads and no roads this thing can handel it. Steep dirt pitted roads and lose sand no trouble. I like it!!!!

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  Love My Mitsu! - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Anne Clarkson - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Love it, this is my second Sport and I will be back for another one when I wear this one out!

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  Awesome so far - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By kgoodsuv - February 6 - 4:23 pm

  Im a junior in high school and i drive a black 02 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. It is my second vehicle. I have always loved the look of these SUVs. I think they have an awesome bold masculine look. I feel really safe when Im driving it and its really comfortable. I drive a lot to go see family in other areas of the state for long amounts of time, and I never get a sore back or anything. Its like sitting in the lay z boy at home. The ride is not insanely smooth like a Lexus or a Lincoln, but its nothing like the Isuzu Rodeo that I test drove, which was so uncomfortable. I felt like I was riding my bike when I drove the Rodeo. Before this, I drove a 00 Civic so the gas milage is total opposite, but it is not bad for an SUV. I love it

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  Great Economical Choice!!! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By happydriver82 - February 4 - 3:15 pm

  Great overall car for your buck! Before purchasing I read reviews that the performance was on the slow side however its not ment to be a rocket. Realistically it is a 4cyl and still gets more then enough power to take off and if you need more you can use the manual mode to get that more reponsive take off and for passing. But thats how you are getting the most out of your gas tank. Even the standard features such as the bluetooth, paddles on steering for manual, USB are not normally in base models and Mitsubishi is giving it away! Over all great gas milage, smooth ride, roomy, which I wasnt expecting, and sporty exterior. Great Price!

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  2009 Lancer GTS - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By J-What - January 30 - 8:10 pm

  I just recently purchased a 2009 Lancer GTS loaded. Its great fun to drive extremely perky 5 speed. My only complaint is it doesnt have a leather option and the 5 speed could easily be converted into a 6 speed which would be a lot more efficient! The car is great the performance on it is extremely good for a 168 HP 4 cylinder (beat my gfs 08 mustang (its automatic)) the fuel economy is far better than what its rated at! I can draft behind a semi on the highway going about 60 and get up to 45 MPG (instant icon read 50 once or twice) but it overall is an extremely fun car to drive and I would recommend it to anyone! The car is a little heavy but it handles like a dream! No cheap feel either

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  Very fun car to drive - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bnelson1980 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2000 Eclipse GT. So far so good. I drove it across the country. Exterior is awesome, interior has very easy to use controls, performance is great. You can also find a lot of aftermarket performance parts for this car. I just wish they made a Turbo version.

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  Fantastic Crossover SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Sandy - January 26 - 1:53 pm

  Our Mitsubishi Endeavor is everything we expected it to be. The gas mileage has been consistent at about 19 mpg for combined city and highway. We did take a trip through the mountains and got almost 23 mpg. The seats are very supportive. The stereo is fabulous. The ride is very firm but soft at the same time. The handling is excellent for this type of vehicle. Had it almost two months now and there are no noises. The car is put together very nicelt!