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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  a great SUV-best value - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By VicZ - March 5 - 10:00 am

  The more I drive it, the more I love it. The V6 is powerful and responsive. Just forget what editors say about the "not so powerful V6". My opinion is they just wanted to rank it lower than Acura MDX and Landcruiser based on sales numbers. The truth is the V6 is more than adequate. Montero is for smart people who can make an educated decision, who know what true value and what a practical SUV is. Its not for dumb people who know nothing other than Honda or Toyota. The third seat is usable, the ride is comfortable(kinda firm ).It doesnt lean much going around corners. Its an excellent alternative to minivans.

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  It was My First - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By FSUGrad - March 4 - 2:33 am

  This was my first car. And for a first car it was a great experience. Despite its probelms, I had to change the radiator at 86,000 miles and had a minor leak, I have no complains. I have made several trips to my home (Miami, FL, a 500 mile trip) with no major issues. I had a little smoke once because of the oil leak. It has good pick-up after all these years. Plus it gets great fuel economy and is a good college student car to have. With regular maintenance, it drives just as well as the new Altimas, 06 Galants, and the Camry, all of which I have driven.

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  Recommended - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By HG - March 2 - 6:36 am

  I wanted a small SUV for under $25k that excelled on looks, warranty, standard features, and Edmunds Editors Rating. Of the 10 vehicles I compared, the only one that landed in the top 3 on all 4 of my lists was the Outlander SE. Then I test drove the Outlander and the Honda CR-V EX, which is often regarded as the leader in this segment. The CR-V is more refined (quieter engine and ride, nicer interior materials) and has a better 5-year resale value. But I was swayed by Outlanders equipment, warranty, and appearance. As for resale value, by that time Ill be 70 and have bigger things to worry about. Bottom line: This is a nice vehicle, especially if you dont need a plush interior.

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  love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By NJ driver - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Coming up on my first year aniversary of driving my Montero Limited, all I can say is I love it! After deciding to purchase a SUV over another car, I spent a great deal of time researching and test driving, it came down to the MB, Volvo and the Montero - value for money, Montero won hands down! taking into consideration the servicing, Montero is a lot less expensive to maintain, Its great reputation overseas and the fact that its not a "cookie cutter" SUV, truely makes it fun and unique to drive.

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  First Year Ops. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By fleetguy - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Awsome. This is a Lexus in Mitsubishi clothing. The ride, handling and comfort are superb. Everything works as advertised. Excellent value. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  The Best Bang for my Buck - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Alex L - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I had never even heard of the Outlander. I didnt want another Honda CR-V or Ford Escape like everyone on my block. The wife saw it first. The more I checked it out the more I liked it too. It was overall exactly what we needed at the time. The deciding factors were its good gas mileage, interior space, reasonable price, color and the desire to own something different. It could use more power and two more seats though. Im still more than satisfied with this buy. I love when people ask "Hey what is that, its cool lookin." I personally love the silver color. Well thats my rewiew

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  Impressive cuv - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By edwin - February 28 - 4:33 am

  We needed an SUV in the house, to join a Toyota sienna and a BMW 330i. The bimmer impresses with handling and refinement, the sienna with space and comfort. Looked at the Forester and outback before biting the bullet on the outlander. I must say, very happy with the purchase. This cuv continues to impress with just how well it does things, how smooth and refined it is, and all the bells and whistles mitsu was able to cram in this package. Its an absolute techno Wonder - with the handling that would put a lot of other SUVs to shame. Value for dollar - it ranks really high. The performance and the looks - bonuses! My wife and I love the outlander.

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  Definitely built with consumer in mind! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AP in KS - February 27 - 4:46 pm

  I was in search for a car that I didnt expect to exist: sporty enough to meet my high standards but would work for a future family car. That is just what I found in the new 2008 Lancer! We added the Sun and Sound package which is really fun for summer driving! Talk about built with the consumer in mind! Everything about the car, from displays and gadgets to handling and mpg, this car meets every one of my needs and wants!! The bluetooth, steering wheel controls, and multi-dash display make for a very safe and forward facing drive. This car turns heads more than my Eclipse! I absolutely love to show this car off, inside and out!

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  Montero LS is Superior - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By R. Fengler - February 27 - 11:56 am

  Ive owned several SUVs, including two Isuzu Troopers, and an International Scout. While the Troopers were fairly reliable, they had lousy seats, and even after I bought the top of the line seats from a junkyard, the Trooper was still not comfortable and I ended up selling it. I stumbled across this Montero FSBO, and fortunately the woman owner had purchased the aftermarket leather option. It is very comfortable & I have over 115,000 miles with no problems. Plus, Ive been able to get over 19 mpg in town!

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  Ralliart - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ralliart - February 27 - 11:16 am

  Nice little sport tuned 4 door sedan. Quick and responsive engine. It possesses sporty exterior and interior look. Very real on the streets. Excellent car for your money and one of the best warranties for a sports car.