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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  I absolutely loved the 06 Outlander! - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gigemmer - October 10 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this Outlander used in 07 and continued to drive it until last week, when it was totaled in an accident. I actually cried when the adjuster told me it was totaled, because I LOVED this car! We put 80,000 miles on it over the 4 years, and not once did we need a repair, except to replace the brakes at 90k. I wanted to write this review because of how well it held up in our wreck. We were rear-ended while at a complete stop by a guy going 50. We were thrown into the guardrail, but the only major damages were in appearance. The car held up extremely well, and none of us was injured. I was so impressed by how safe it was, Im planning on buying another one!

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  Love my Montero Sport - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By RECON - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 99 Montero Sport used with 18,000 miles in late 2000. Truck now has 54,000 miles on it. Have had two minor problems with it. Easy fix by dealer. Did have locks taken off the wheels (saw that one comming!). Drives solid and smooth. Style is great, looks better then most other new SUVs. Use mine off road for hunting. It will go most any where! Love it!

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  I really broke it in!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cozzy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Within the first week of owning this vehicle, I drove it from Milwaukee, to San Bernardino, CA and then to Santa Clara, CA, then back to Wisconsin. I loved it. The only thing that it struggled with was on mountain roads of Colorado and Utah. The semi-trailers were passing me up!! But other than that, it handled the roads very well especially in rain storms. Never got uncomfortable riding/driving in it either for over 4,000 miles!!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tweetybird - October 7 - 2:00 am

  After owning a Honda, Nissan & Toyota (all were great vehicles) I was a little nervous about Mitsubishi. I didnt know anyone with an Outlander. I test drove a Honda CRV and was very disappointed. It was cheap looking. The Toyota Highlander was expensive with accessories. I was totally surprised by the Outlander! Super SUV. Fun to drive! Its drives like a foreign sports car. Handles well. Lots of PEP!

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By T C - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I average 800 miles a week for business and this is s great car to drive. Its very smooth and responsive without loosing the feel of the road. The gear box adjusts to how youre driving the car. Itll let the car rev out more if youre having fun, and shift at a lower RPM under normal use. I have it 4 months and still turn around to look at it after I park it. For the money it cant be beat, I still love it as much as the day I picked it up from the dealer

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  The Best Car Ever! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MOONITE - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 12/02. I was so excited to have a brand new car as my first car ever. This car is amazing. Everyone I ran into cant help but admire my beautiful car. I love it. It runs smooth and I get great milage.

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  Greate SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Manneth - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second SUV and when we test drove it, just fell in love with it. The handling is very good. The engine is a V6 with with enough hp for its size. Lots of leg room in both front and back. I have to say it does drive very much like a car with a very smooth ride. This is truly a driving machine.

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  eclipse 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sharp - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Z28 camero. I thought there would never be another car that i could fall in love with again, but i was wrong. I bought the 2003 eclipse 2 weeks ago and love everything about it. The interior is a great--midnight shade. i love how the blue fades with the black. just wanted everybody to know how wonerful the car is!!!!

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  Love, love love the color !!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Sanatweety - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have just gotten my car so I dont know how great it really is yet, but its a very pretty car & fast didnt know how fast until I took it out of the show room. Vey roomy for the driver & passager but the back seats are very small & no leg room, but I still love the car.

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  Need Performance Boost - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bizhorse - October 6 - 10:00 am

  It is not a bad deal for a $20,000 car, yet I have always struggled with the poor performance. Like another review from a magazine:"It looks a lot sportier than it drives". Everything else is not bad except for the noise. It gets really loud on the highway, I could barely hear my radio.