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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  03 excelent buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By simeon - August 12 - 10:00 am

  i have had the SUV almost 1 month and i am finding the montero sport just as easy to drive as my wifes car, but with better outside view of the road, even better then the minivan that we had.

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  Cheap thrills from my perspective - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Cars 4 me - August 12 - 10:00 am

  It has stolen some lines from BMW and Benz. Nice car, good looks, friends remark about the Dover Pearl White color and styling.

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  Great SUV for your Family - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dean Gullberry - August 10 - 9:59 pm

  This SUV got Terrible reviews from all of the critics but please dont let that fool you. Sure its not as fast an Audi or the Dodge Durango off the line but in all its a really great Family SUV. Lots of extra features and space that you dont find in any of the other rivals.

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  600 miles so far. - 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By R. Mumford - August 9 - 1:18 pm

  LE is higher level of trim with fog lights, moon roof and rear radar. Not the slowest vehicle (2.4L) i have owned but it ok for merging on highways and scooting around. I find it fun to drive and very good on gas. Smart display a good size screen incorporates several options. Us your smart phone (USB or Bluetooth ) and you pretty much have it all! Lots of room inside and seats for 5 adults & 2kids. Ride and handling ok , to few miles on odometer to comment. When you take into account the discount the price was a big factor. Mitsubishi has been around a long time , My guess you will be happy with purchase of this Outlander. My friend Bob has the sport model. Smaller but hes very happy !

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  Fun Race Car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Joe McGrew - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car less than a year, and after owning several imports... this is by far my fav. Ive just started on the minor race mods getting it ready for SCCA Autocross next summer... The motor is a challenge to get out through the top but everything else has been fun to work on. The interior strips out with so much ease. Exhaust is easy to replace. I hear ppl say this car isnt fast w/o turbo but if u dont mind having a sucky street car, strip the interior, drop the power steering and a/c, add an intake, drop the car bout two inches, strut bars, and total straight pipe will help greatly (sounds and looks like crap after all this but runs great).

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  I love this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kristin, 22 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy I traded my Grand Prix GTP for this car! I had A LOT of problems with my Grand Prix... spent $thousands$ on repairs. Ive had my Mitz for 3 months now and havent had any problems with it. I get much better gas mileage, its reliable, comfortable, fun to drive, looks good & I have a warranty for a great price. I live in Tampa, Fl and Galants are very popular here, theyre everywhere I look! I love this car!

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  2004 Mitsubishi Endeaver - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Joanne Pearson - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Endeavor last year after driving a rental and love it. Gas mileage is not bad, absolutely no defects after taking delivery. I like the drive, comfort and get up and go. Drives great even in dry sand at the beach. The split back seat is handy, we even hauled a twin mattress in the back and closed the door. Lots of room, extra outlets for electron devices and I cant say enough good about it. Short drives and long - great for both.

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  A great small crossover suv - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sierram - August 9 - 12:52 am

  Do not trust the reviewers. This vehicle deserves to be test driven. The material quality is fantastic inside. Mitsubishi did not cheap out and use tons of hard plastic like the rest of the competition. I think the exterior looks classy and is similar to the Land Rover Range Rover or 1st gen Cayanne. The 3rd row is usable because the second row can be moved up without losing that much legroom. Im 55" and I was able to sit in the 3rd row. I wouldnt want to sit there for long trips but it should be fine for my needs around town. I cant wait to try out the 4wd on the snow. I believe it has much better ground clearance and 4wd system than the CR-V. Im getting 25 mpg on mostly city driving.

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  I love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dawn - August 8 - 6:20 pm

  I have only had my vehicle for 45 days, but it has impressed me with the lack of rattles and squeeks. For a V6 in really has a lot of get up and go. I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Eclipse GT 2002 - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By photolab1921 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Owning the car for one year, I have had several problems. The sun roof wouldnt close properly, and had to be fixed several times. Then the transmission messed up and the car spent a month in the shop so they could replace the whole transmission and the main computer for the car. Also, The sunvisor clip broke, the seatbelt cover at the top broke, and the tires constantly get low on air. Im so ready to get rid of it! Its beautiful and fun, but not worth the hassle of being poorly built.