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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  New Owner Outlander - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By New Mitsu Fan - October 11 - 5:11 am

  Coming from loaded high end Murano to basic level Outlander was tough for about a day. Budget drove me to look at the Outlander. All the consumer reviews were pretty good, so I pulled the trigger. Once I got past the more luxury aspect, all is good. For half the price of the Nissan, cannot be happier now. For a 4 cylinder I am amazed, cruises at 80 smoothly and still has acceleration, up mountain roads at 75 no problem. Tight solid feel in the cockpit. Leg space was only glitch for me, my big leg rests against the console, just have to deal with that. For practical around towner and possible trips to the trailheads with lots of cargo space, giant warranty, and in 20k range, no brainer. Sales folks were great, no bs.....I hate buying cars and this was not that painful, very happy with purchase.

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  My Monte - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Craig Kimmel - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Nice SUV I love to drive it But it does have a top heavy feel to it. I can see how people can roll it over easy.

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  Love my Black Beauty GTS! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy Driver - October 9 - 3:46 am

  Ive only had it a month, but this is a great car--looks beautiful,and the quality for the price is excellent. It sure can fly when I tell it to, unlike my last car, which thought about it for a while! It is so comfortable, and has even made driving to work a joy! I intend to take it out on the open road while I am on vacation and really drive it. Our son had a Galant (01) until recently, and it was a super little car, too, which steered me toward getting this one. Only 2 things I dont like: 1)The drivers a/c vent is angled kind of strangely, so it doesnt blow on you like it should; and 2)t he sunglasses/garage opener holder is very stiff--ladies, it will break your nails! This car is the best.

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  Nice - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mite - October 8 - 11:46 pm

  Great car, best that I owned so far. Just came back from my 4th of July trip-2 adults, 1 kid, trunk full of camping equipment + food + beer + water + cargo carrier on the roof - 29 mpg...wow

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  awesome - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Craig - October 7 - 8:36 pm

  This is the best SUV on the market in this price range. I have had a 4Runner, Trailblazer, Xterra, and this Endeavor is better in every way over all the others.

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  Love my Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By CB66 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Great performance for a four cyl vehicle. The car just glides without any difficulty. Handles great at high speeds stops quickly and smoothly very very comfortable ride. I am very very pleased with this car and would recommend you take a hard look if youre in the market for a new car. A lot of car for the money and the warranty is an added bonus.

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  Go mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lukasz - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is the bomb.

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  I love my Mitusbishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By tre252000@yahoo.com - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Great family car. Very comfortable. I get lots of complimants from people when just driving by.

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  Mitsu Stands Out from the crowd - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By virtualyode - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research prior to purchasing my new Galant. I said that I would never buy a sedan until I saw the new Galant. The car is sporty, stylish and built like a tank. The 2.4 mivec purs like a kitten and feels like a 6 cylinder. This car is different than most grocery getter sedans. Mitsu is re- engineering their North American operations and their products are getting better and better. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Nice Car for First-time Buyers - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bhaskar - October 1 - 5:23 am

  This is the first brand new car I ever purchased and I absolutely love it. Even though Mitsubishi is not as popular as a Honda or a Toyota, it still knows how to build a nice car for economy drivers like me.